Name: Shauna
Location: Los Angeles
Size: 620 Sq/ft 1 Bedroom
Favorite resource:
Flea markets, thrift stores in small towns (road trips!), target stuff on sale, hardware stores, drving down alleys (there's free stuff there), overstock.com for the budget-friendly luxury essentials (feather beds, good sheets,etc.)
What inspired you?
What DIDN'T inspire me!?20's art deco, 30's screen sirens, the atomic 50's, old movies, music and laughter - I try to mix it up for a space that echos who I am, not a pristine catalog. Casual, colorful and friendly - like me. I love the challenge of creating a high end look on a low end budget (the things I love the most are always the ones I paid the least for).
As far as space, my kitchen is the size of a postage stamp, so I turned its cramped "eating" nook into a bar and moved my dining room outside (my little LA oasis carved out of the ugliest raw space ever). I used a bolt of gauze and handful of nails to give it a structure. It also diffuses the light in an oh-so-dreamy way. When it's cold, I just don't eat. It's called the L.A. design diet.
Kidding! I move the meal into the living room (hence, the huge coffee table and comfy flokati rug).
My design motto: come on over and have a mojito.
Design Tip:
Paint a wall a dark color, then draw on it with chalk for a groovy mural. I discovered this by accident, sketching out a mural before I painted. I liked the chalk-sketch so much, I just left it as is (see bedroom pic).
I'm in love. This place is spectacular!
I really love this. It's like I would pray that I might find if I ever visited L.A.
A little TOO Hollywood-y for my tastes, but your living room is outstanding!
If my husband's employer ever forces us to move to Phoenix or another hot, dry climate, I am going to shamelessly copy your living room and porch colors. (And possibly portions of the design, too...)
Love the mural.
This is fantastic. No qualifying statements needed.
I love this - I love the colours, I love the spae, I love the outdoor dining (and might grab that idea with the gauze! Do you leave it up all the time? I find that anything we have outside gets dirty so quickly because it never rains here, just dust blowing all the time)
Love your place and even more - your design motto!
Love the place, love the colors, love the design motto! Would love to go flea marketing with you (is that a verb?).
Yep, love it!
Shauna, what color is that in the bedroom? I'm thinking of something like that for my living room.
Shawna, I bet you are one cool gal. Your place shows a lot of personality. Particularly the wall mural and your art - and color.
Wish there was a pic of the kitchen. Otherwise, I am dazzled by your glamour, creativity (wall mural) color scheme.
Oops! Sorry Shauna. Excuse the misspelling... poor vision and a curly headline font... I thought it was a 'w' rather than a 'u' - but you're obviously too cool for a 'w'
:)
Wow. Your living room and bedroom are both dreamy! I'm not so into the dining patio- it seems a bit claustrophobic. Very impressive that this was done on a small budget.
I love it.
The green in the living room is fresh but quite sensual at the same time.
Are those album covers over the bar? Sweet
winner hands down in my book. now when can i move in?
Very LA, and I mean that as a fabulous compliment. Your fabric/textile selection is amazing.
i love the pucciesque/pucci bedspread, lamp and the beautiful green living room! and of course, the chalk mural is fabulous.. i feel inspired...unfortunately as a renter, i can't paint the wall:(
bold & glam! love the art in your space.
Your living room makes me want to move right in.
I love the colors in your living room. Drooling over your circular rug - works very nicely with the mirror. A friend just gave me the exact same mirror, he found it in an old drug store and was going to throw it away - I grabbed it. I'm storing it until I can use it... this room inspired me to pull it out and stop making excuses.
Your bedding rocks. Did you handpaint the tree behind your ultra luxe bed, or is that wallpaper? So glam-a-licous in there.
Where did you find those fabulous chairs in your LR? A velvet dream in pear. YUM.
High five, Miss LA!
Best,
Holly :)
(an aside - Chris, perhaps you could paint a large plywood or drywall panel, adn then chalk it, and lean/hang against the wall for your design!)
Anyone else imagine Shauna looking just like Rosalind Russell in "Auntie Mame?"
Life's a banquet and most poor suckers are starving to death? Clearly, you're not.
I could never live there, but this is damn-near the coolest apartment I've ever seen.
I am in absolute awe.
LA is looking so FUN
this site has made me forget all the horrible east coast thoughts I ever had about you . . .
LOVE the bedroom
go Shauna!
Dude, I think this entry should at least make it into the finals - it's like a '50s bachelor pad made over for a woman. Giggity giggity goo.
I love your bedroom, especially the headboard and the pucci style throw. Where did you find them?
This is beautiful and sparkling. And the living room reminds is as refreshing as a lime dreamsicle.
I love the bands of color that you painted in the living room and bedroom. My apartment has 12 ft ceilings that I'm too lazy to paint (IF the landlord would let me, I haven't asked yet) Maybe I could do that instead. I just wish the walls weren't already that dingy off-white color that landlords love.
Shauna here.
Yowza - thanks for all the kind comments! (I was scared entering the fray w/o an architects' rebuilt minimalist space). But y'all made my day.
Brown paint in Bedroom is 'Hazlenut Truffle' from a brand called 'Do it Best' from Anawalt Lumber, the hardware store if ya don't like getting sucked into the vortex of hell called Home Depot. You can be in and out in 10 minutes (an LA miracle).
Headboard is from Overstock.com 2 years ago for $75.
50's swivel chairs in LR from Ebay. Recovered in lime mohiar I got for nuthin' in the garment district downtown.
The throw is a Pucci scarf, a gift from my sweet mama, knowing I've been a Pucci nut since I was about 14.
Outside, the gauze stays up, year round. It's been rained on, but does surpisingly well (maybe b.c it's such light fabric, it dries out fast?). I occasionally shake out a handful of leaves. The table cloth and chair throw do come inside.
Lady J, wish I could show the rest of the kitchen - but honey, I got a lot personality to cram into 5 photos. Choices had to be made.
Oh, and J'adore Auntie Mame! What a dame.
this girl is not afraid to use color and does it well. you dont' just see your usually 3 colors. No she mixes it all up and makes it look good and classy as well.
Although it's close, I know the weather isn't perfect in LA ALL the time. What do you do with your dining room when it rains? Do you have to worry about bringing all the the furniture inside or can it stand a bit of water?
I feel this comment is going to show my ignorance. I live in Minneapolis, and yes, I have been to LA several times.
To date, this is in contention for one the winners. Lovely color scheme, creative mural, intersting furniture selections.
The living room is to die for! Those chairs are beyond Divine and the color pallette is exquisite!
Wow, this is by far the best entry! Great swanky style with a touch of humor (the bar area). Love the unconventionial colors instead of boring beige...
This is super fun and funky...where can i get that amazing silky headboard for my bed? love the colors, too!
This is fabulous! The headboard is incredible. What are the aqua dishes?
Oh how I LOVE the bedroom! I love the chalk idea, but don't you ever get scared that someone will smear it? Or do you varnish it somehow?
Congratulations Shauna!
I absolutely adore your living room!
You guys have shamed me into sorting out my own place. You really prove less is more.
this is soooo glamourous. i love it- although it does feel very "hollywood"- your personality shows through in the little touches and that keeps it fresh feeling- love the colors- love all the plants too!
thanks rachel in denver-- great suggestion. I'll have to look into doing that.. it's amazing how this contest has inspired us to think of ideas for ourselves and how we can re-decorate our spaces too:)
I guess there is another chris posting, so i'm going to write chris( smallcaps) from now on?
LOVE THIS APARTMENT!
GENIUS!
I think this is an amazing design!
I'm completely in love with this apartment. This is exactly the kind of classic upscale deco look that I've been trying (and failing) to achieve in my own living space. Kudos to you for pulling it off and using the vintage finds so perfectly. I was wondering about the chalk mural too -- does it smudge? I'm inspired to try that in my place, but alas, I'm not allowed to change the wall paint. This is definitely my favorite LA entry and you really do Hollywood proud. It's brilliant.
A delicious confection. Love your style! It's like you're channeling both a Hollywood bad girl starlet AND and the ultimate Hollywood good girl, Doris Day. The mambo/cha-cha bar vignette kills me! Overall, this place strikes me as one bad-ass femme space. You obviously don't want to mess with Shauna!
love the mural, but how do you keep the chalk from rubbing off?
SHAUNA HERE
RE: THE CHALK MURAL RUBBING OFF - not at all. Thought of spraying a sealer over it, but never got around to it & it's fine. I graze against it all the time & doesn't budge. Lots of water does the trick, though.
Wow! I had know idea you were so talented in the bedroom. Wait, does that sound wrong.
I give your artistic endeavors a BIG 10!
JB
First Response: W O W !!
Second Response: On a budget? Yeah right.
Third Response: Dang! It's TRUE!
To see that with some vision, persistence and patience, something this RICH can be done on an IKEA budget is truly inspiring. The large pieces are great and your detail is smart (love the sunglasses under the framed bathing beauties).
Shauna, I've looked at all of the entries posted to date and yours is the first I've voted on. Please promise when you win that you'll sell or swap the DWR gift card and not change a thing about your place!
My house if filthy. I want to live THERE!
I love your style.
OK. Don't mind me. I'll just live on the patio and only come inside when you are at work. LURVE this apt.
I love that photograph and frame sitting in the middle of that chalked tree. Where are both from? Especially the frame. I love that frame. I love your place!
Wow! I love the entire thing!! especially the living room!
DORIS DAY, this is a fun place!!
ps: You had me at horizontal paint bands.
You do this for a living, right? If not, you should certainly start because you'd make a killing.
fantastic! i love the pucci scarf on the bed, what a great idea. love it. your bedroom is just fun.
The Living Room is amazing - LOVE IT!
what a joyful place; the living room is especially delicious, i love it (and i'm not drinking)
Wow, this has got to be the biggest 620 sf apartment I've ever seen! Shauna, I love your decorating sense too, tho your bar seems a little light on the alcohol to be true LA style. ;)
How long has your place been in "the works?"
What a cute and happy place.
Love the chalk mural (nice drawing; great idea to stop when you saw what you liked instead of painting over chalk. What serendipity.
Your sense of humor & joie de vivre also come through in both your write-up and terrific design motto.
Nicely done. Looks like you're gonna go to the finals.
You are buh-rilliant! Can you please design my apartment? I want to be you!
Awesome use of a small space! Love the kitch, love the vibe, love it all...
Truly fabulous, especially the lime green furniture. The only thing I would change/move is the portrait facing the corner. The subject looks as though she is being punished (maybe for drawing on the walls?).
But seriously, you've done an amazing job. Kudos.
hey Shauna, you're single?...kudos to you and all the other individuals who've turned out amazing places...magic to receive family + friends in
your white wire chairs are fantastic. this is the first place that looks fantastic and not unrealistically empty, for my taste. love it!
Ok. I officially adore this apartment. Oh my goodness, can I move in? I love the horizontal swath in the living room and the lovely mirror. Yum.
Hello!!?? Anyone agree that not publishing this gorgeous place in AT:THe Magazine would be a sin? (ah to dream)
Oh, nice mural, I'll be borrowing that idea. Something about this place is just so glamorous.
Hi Shauna,
I'd love to hear about the process you went through to create the chalk mural in your bedroom. It's lovely and you are very talented.(It reminds me of the equally awesome paint by numbers mural of a Parisian scene someone created in their living room and showcased here a while back).
You're very talented. This makes me want to move back to LA from NYC.
Amazing how the clear winner always stands out.
Thanks for sharing:)
...and paramours too of course.
i can't stop looking at your triumphant living room
Beautiful, just beautiful. The color combinations are perfect!
Terrific!! Good job and GO GIRL--!!!!
Shauna, love your apartment! Would you mind sharing your living room paint colors? I have a color that looks like the darker stripe already.
I have been worried that my living room is TOO green, but seeing what you've done has made me feel much better.
This place rocks. The living room---the colors, the round shapes, the stripe---awesome. The bedroom---the Pucci scarf, the headboard, the mural---fabulous.
It's funny, some of the apartments I've liked in this contest have featured great storage solutions and clean arrangements. This apartment is a different---it's all about the style, it's all I notice.
Inspirational.
brilliant! sounds like a lounge party to me!
Love the style and the attitude! I'm so inspired now. I've been wanting to do a mural of a tree (white silhouetted against a griege wall) and have been too nervous about creating a big mess. I never thought of chalk. Mind if I shamelessly steal this idea? All I can offer in return is my vote.
The bedroom could not be more perfect!
I LOVE the chalk mural! Do you accept commissions?
SHAUNA HERE
RE: LIVING ROOM PAINT COLORS, I lost the paint chips, but basically they are the three lightest, warmest creams I could find on swatches (I was trying to do a tone on tone thing), the middle band - the darkest - was called Bamboo, I think. It was still on the beigy, cream swatch, but the green really came out once it was with my furniture. Seemed like a BIG MISTAKE the whole time I was painting, but then I moved the furniture back in and...parfait! The risks always pay off.
As far as a MURAL COMMISSION, hell yeah, I'd be interested. You can email me at Squirmy@dslextreme.com
I want that living room furniture.
Shauna!
This is so serene and lovely. And I adore the bird mural! I also really like the use of warm brown throughout the apartment. It makes your place seem glamorous yet cozy at the same time.
Shauna - the way this place looks, one would swear that you had not just dash, but that you had a whole other room where you just rolled around in cash, too. The first pic is completely amazing.
Ditto for everything decor8 holly said.
Fabu!
The living room is stunning! The chalk-mural is so creative. I'm going to have to steal some ideas ;) - they say imitation is considered flattery....
Cathy in Chicago
OMG! I don't even know where to start! This is my VERY favorite entry. It is REALLY not my taste, or not what I ever thought was my taste...it speaks to me! I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE it! I have goosebumps...I want to run away and live there with you.
I AM embarassed to say I have never had a mojito (whats in it?)OR seen Auntie Mame :( I need to get out more!
Extraordinary contempo design acuity here.
So, I went thru all the posts to see if the HGTV show 'Small Space, Big Style' contacted you ... and, I'm pretty surprised that they hadn't. Looks like they're only interested in homes who's originality extends solely to Eames/modern-century furniture.
Shauna, your place is grand!! If this isn't your day job, you should consider making it so!! Your talent really shines through -- this is awesome.
I can't see myself living here because I'm not Mamie Van Doren, Gloria Graham or Suzy Parker. This place is perfect for a sexy, hot, woman though. (That's obviously you.) The only quibble I have with the place is the outdoor dinning area. Forget about dinning outside and just use it for sunbathing. I hope you're one of the finalists.
always a question with designing a small space: how to signify new spaces and new moods in each room (or in the case of a loft how to suggest such "rooms") without creating too radical or clashing a visual break? -- Err too much in the other direction and you get boring, vanilla (often vanilla colored) monochromaticism -- to me this seems the most successful example of subtley transporting us to new and enchanting spaces and moods without shocking the senses - she managed to corroborate warm (the bedroom and the living area) with cool (patio and cocktail station area) tonalities.
Warm and cool like a Hollywood siren.
You've done a swell job. It is very LA and I am sure in all seasons it remains candy colored and delicious.
Nice work!
You had me at 'flea' - I concur with every other comment on here, except perhaps with the running away and living with you thing because that would be creepy. (no offense hippiechick)
Love your place!
I love it! - especially the curtains next to the bar area, are those vintage barkcloth?
My dear, this is my favoritest of all time! I haven't commented on a single one, butÂ…I felt compelled this time.
You have achieved a perfect blend of vintage and modern, streamlined and comfiness. It feels glamorous but not pretentious, flirty and fun!
You push it without going over the top.
I'm in LOVE. :D
Without a doubt the classiest entry of all. This shows a superb sense of style and design encompassing elegance and comfort. The living room is absolute perfection. If this one doesn't win, then this contest is rigged.
Shauna, I gotta know, where do you flea market? Also, do you design for a living?
Shauna, I'm moving into an apartment smaller than yours (approx. 450 sf). Any pointers on selecting furniture and/or accessories would be greatly appreciated. Your place is fabulous!
Nope, I'm not a pro designer. I'm writer who works from home. Designing is my way of procrastinating - "Hm, I have deadline to make, but it suddenly occurs to me this hallway needs to be painted. Right now."
It would be really fun to occasionally help people with their homes in between projects. I'd love that. Help make their places reflect their personalities.
As far as flea markets, Long Beach is my fav (well edited, good prices, not too crowded). Also Pasadena City College has a newer one that is quite good. And the Rosebowl is, of course, a classic.
I think Melrose Trading Post is mostly crappy-crap-crap. Unless you're into the 70's & 80's retro hipster thing - too played out for me.
How big is the living room? It looks really large and open. Does your total square footage include the patio?
I just adore this apartment! I love everything about it from the chalk mural to the green to ... hell, can I move in?
DITTO! Love the chalk mural and the pistachio room. Sigh....
NY CHICK -
Sorry I never answered your question.
450 is tiny, but I have to tell you, after remeasuring my place CORRECTLY, it's on 560 square feet, including 100 on the patio. So, inside it's on 460 - close.
SO, SMALL SPACE TIPS:
This is how I do it -
STORAGE - look for furniture that has drawers and any other features to hide stuff away i.e. I couldn't function w/o bedside table that did not have a drawer.
Also look for ways to store your stuff that becomes part of the decoration - glass doors, glass jars, etc.
Live with your stuff, but always have enough space on tables to set a drink down.
UNIFY WITH COLOR - Edit yourself to 2-3 colors MAX per room. It keeps everything cohesive, visually tidy and thus makes the space look bigger.
Even just painting an accent wall helps, especially in a 5'x4' bathroom like mind. I through bright yellow on the main wall, one large piece of art, and it brightened up. All the towles stay white to keep a calm, spa feeling (Oxyclean rules for white linens, btw!!)
GET COLOR ON THE WALLS!
Anything is better than white, even if it's just a warm beige. Obviously, I prefer tone on tone stripes ;)
If you can't paint, get a giant (I'm talking the hugest you can find) canvas from your local art supply and paint that. Hang it on the wall and then hang a piece of artwork infront of it - that would be awesome.
MIRRORS - they aren't a vanity thing. They are like extra windows, open up the space and throw light around the room.
FURNITRE ON LEGS - makes a room feel lighter b/c you can see so much of the floor. A big feature of MCM furniture, but also asian, etc.
FLOOR TO CEILING CURTAINS - always make the room/ window seem taller. And if they are the color of your wall, they blend in and make the space feel bigger.
FURNITURE PLACEMENT - I think a small space should not have tiny dollhouse furniture - reg size furniture feels better to me - just have less of it. But configure the space to how you use it. For instance, I move my eat-in kitchen outdoors b/c it was tiny and staring at my stove while I ate was depressing. It works muuuuuch better as a bar/ extra storage/ extra counter.
And besides that, I usually end up eating dinner in the living room - which is why I have a big coffee table and a comfy rug to accomadet me and several friends sitting on the floor to dine.
Also I think big TV armoirs almost always dwarf a small space. Get a low credenza and plop the TV on that.
PATIENCE - I'm 30 and I've been collecting/ flea-marketing since I was 15. So, while everything I own cost me $50 or less (100 on the RARE occasion), it has taken me a long time to aquire.
USE YOUR FRIENDS' TALENT: If you have a friend who can sew, bribe them to help you make curtains to save lots a money. Same with someone who's good at flea-marketing, painting walls and picking colors, and furniture arranging, etc.
You'd be amazed at what asking questions can get you - most people with hidden talents are dying to share their insight, etc. Use it!!!!
And poking around this website/ contest should give you tons of tips.
But most of all, start each room w/ something YOU LOVE. It's your space at the end of the day.
Hopefully, I don't sound like a design dictator (gag) and there's something in rambling that can help.
Good luck.
Why isn't this a finalist yet?
Hey Shauna, they ought to give a prize for the person who's the best host on their own page. I'm serious! You've been answering questions and giving tips, more than some of the people that are in the "finals".
You do NOT have the attitude of "Of course I'm going to win" which I've felt in some of the finalist comments. People who've already gone shopping for specific items and know exactly where they're going.
Yeah, I suppose if I'd entered a contest with a certain company gift certificate, I'd look around a bit too. Actually, I did go look around to see what the certificates would actually BUY at DWR. My god, they're pricey.
I vote that your place is the "Mostly likely to get dressed up and go to a party" home. Where party goers are likely to arrive in champagne satin, or vintage florals and capris, or go-go boots and mill about smartly in the living area looking good.
It will become such a popular destination that the buzz-words in L.A. will be "I'm going to Shauna's" when dressed up...which then leads to a unique home furnishing and clothing store...and then a huge corporation worth oodles of money.
Can you also tell me more about the patio? From the diagram, it appears to be squarish. And the photo here is probably taken from the top of the stairs looking down. But in the photo it looks like there's part of the "square" that's been hidden behind the gauze...is it? Or is it just the way it looks?
Whether or not you make it into the finals, could you set up a Flickr account and post more pictures? Like of the desk area that looks out into the patio.
Good job on the scarf on the bed! I tried to explain to someone before that you can use fabric or even beach towels for the end of a bed for color/pattern and couldn't find a picture of it. I'd seen Ralph Lauren beach towels used on the end of a pair of twin beds that were dressed in white coverlets, and the towels added great color!!!
It doesn't have to be an entire bulky coverlet or comforter or blanket to go over the base. Just a splash of color. I now know where to go for a picture to show other people!
Shauna, you're in the finals! And they're trying to find you. And I, for one, want to see more of your place. So see if you can get in touch with the selection committe. You've got my vote after just the preliminary competition.
Best of luck.
This is so warm and personal. It really feels like a home. Great colors and very inviting.
Gorgeous and inspirational! I am currently moving, and can't wait to take up some of your tips.
Where did you get the flokati rug, btw? I am looking for a round one of similar size...
Thanks!
Briana
Eh, I mean, if you're into what hip, hot former Texas gals do to transform some mediocre LA real estate into enviably cozy living spaces, I guess it's ok. Seriously, I'm just cross cuz I miss me some Shauna, sugar. ; )
Ragsdale!
Is that you?! I miss you too! We need to catch up.
xo
Shauna
Brava! Bis! I love it: this place has WIT, JOIE DE VIVRE, and a distinct POINT OF VIEW.
it's definitely not one of those cookie-cutter "death by mid-century modern" places where the meek inhabitants are so COWED BY THEIR OWN FURNITURE that they display NO PERSONALITY WHATSOEVER. hate that.
Shauna, you're the top!