Name: Brenden & Shannon
Occupation: Brenden is a graphic designer at a large architecture firm and Shannon is project manager at a small graphic design firm while also pursuing voice over acting on the side.
Location: Hayes Valley, San Francisco
Building Type: 1920's San Francisco style apartment building
Size: 478 sq. ft.
Years lived in: 4 years, owned
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Remember this Hayes Valley gem from our 2009 Small Cool contest? Shannon bought this apartment in the height of the real estate boom a few years back after falling in love with the beautiful 1920s details of the building, the open floor plan of the apartment, and the lively neighborhood. With Brenden's help, this apartment became a joint project, a melding of two individual styles to create a warm and comfortable home. Like most couples...
...Brenden and Shannon went though the initial process of cohabitation: weeding through their possessions, discussions about decorating, researching paint colors, determining what goes where... What they learned was that it all comes down to compromise. By coming to an agreement about their tastes, Shannon and Brenden have created a wonderful home that reflects their own unique style--and in less than 500 sq ft.
Because Brenden and Shannon are both very creative individuals, trying to settle on a cohesive style proved to be a problem. But by taking time with the decorating process and doing a thorough job of researching, they managed to find a perfect place for every piece--ideal for keeping things organized and under control in such a small space.
How do you choose what art is displayed on the walls when there's only 478 sq ft to work with? Mixing Shannon's love of comics with Brenden's art gives their home a look that is entirely unique. Check out even more of their home by visiting the photo gallery...
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At Survey:
Our Style: A refined mix of Mid Century Modern classic pieces with an eclectic array of unique art.
Inspiration: Our apartment is inspired by nostalgia, whether it be classic furniture pieces or vintage art. We have an appreciation for the timeless nature of many of the items in our home and the way they still feel very modern and current when mixed with newer pieces.
Favorite Elements: We love the architectural details that our apartment has to offer. The building was built in 1928 and has a lot of charm and character that's difficult to find in new construction.
What Friends Say: It's usually something along the lines of "where's your storage?" or "it actually doesn't feel that small."
Biggest Embarrassment: Our kitchen needs updating. The countertops and sink are in desperate need of a facelift and the cupboards lack organization.
Proudest DIY: The selection of paint colors to furniture was truly a team effort. When I (Brenden) moved in to Shannon's place, we wanted the apartment to compliment both of our styles and personalities. With new furniture being moved in, we had to figure out how to maximize the space, without it feeling cramped or awkward.
Biggest Indulgence: Even though we got a killer deal on the authentic Eames Lounge Chair, it still hurt our wallets.
Best Advice: Using giant sheets of paper cut to the sizes of our furniture, we were able to try out different layout options before we actually purchased some of our pieces. This quick exercise calmed our nerves that our new couch and chair would fit nicely in the space given.
Biggest Challenge: Co-habitating in 478 sqft definitely comes with its challenges. We feel like we're constantly going through our closets and getting rid of clothes or household items that we no longer use. Since our storage is so limited, we've learned to live a very simplified existence.
Dream Source: Brenden: The Alameda Flea Market at least one hour before the other customers arrive. Shannon: The Mile High Comics Collection
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Resources:
Paint Colors: Benjamin Moore Pelican Gray and Chelsea Gray

Furniture and Accessories: Andre sofa, Room and Board; Mimosa Coffee Table, MOMA store; MCM wood and leather chair, garage sale; Eames Lounge Chair, DWR; Picture Rails in Natural Steel, Room and Board; MCM desk, Alameda Flea Market; Jake Desk Chair, Room and Board; Gallery Book Case, Room and Board, Leather Storage Cube, Crate and Barrel; MCM Credenza, Craigslist find of the Century, Eames shell chairs and bikini wire chairs, eBay and Alameda Flea Market
Wallpaper: Wilderness (Black Lacquer) Wallpaper, Ferm Living
Lighting: Adjustable Metal Floor Lamp, West Elm, Jason Miller Antler Chandelier, Propeller Modern
Floors: Original hardwood floors
Art: Original 1967 James Bond Poster, Vintage European Posters; Original 1959 Professor Alba Poster, Vintage European Posters; Wayne Pate Flock print, goodshapedesign.com; Original paintings by Tara Smith, tarasmith.com; Framed kitchen posters, Sci-Fi move poster calendar, Original bathroom poster, designed by Brenden himself.
Window Treatments: Ikea curtains and hardware
Rugs: Thomas Paul Damask Rug, Design Public Sample Sale; Coir Carpet Tiles, Flor
Thanks, Brenden & Shannon!
What a remarkable use of space. Love the artwork.
view MiniEnglishRose's profile
Amazing! Where did you get that awesome shower curtain?!?
view joydreamz's profile
this is so great. I love how all of the artwork is displayed.
The bathroom is so neat too! I really like how the shower curtain is reflected in the mirror and makes it look like another piece of art on the wall.
view plumeria's profile
I totally love how the artwork is displayed as well...I might have to snag that idea for my apartment! Also, the wallpaper in the bedroom area is swoon-worthy.
view Jess Watson's profile
Love all the artwork flows through the house and I love the gray paint. Beautiful and inspiring.
view souk1501's profile
every bit of this = SO GOOD.
that candle on your coffee table - my aunt gets me one every year for Christmas... best smelling, longest lasting, little glass jars of nose heaven.
& the hooks/face cloths over the sink in the bathroom, love that idea - def using that :)
view hissingsissing's profile
I love your place! Great inspiration. My husband and I are moving next week and your style is exactly what we're going for. There is a lot to be said for letting the space come together naturally--getting pieces from craigslist, flea markets, etc.
I really like your two picture rails above the couch. I have a TON of art and this a great alternative to do a wall of photos, plus you can swap stuff out so easily if you feel like it.
view jennaelliott's profile
one of my favorite small spaces might just be my favorite house tour EVER.
*squirms with jealousy*
view erinpeace's profile
Really great guys! What did you use as the pattern behind your bed? Is it paint or wallpaper? Gorgeous!!!
view diplocat's profile
I love the shower curtain too!
Lovelove it!
And the rest of the place too, have to say.
Maybe I should wake up earlier for Alameda too...apparently.
view Lilli K.'s profile
Great job--inspiring to me. Where do you keep your clothers?
view jen_g's profile
ooooo!
Put me on the shower curtain list!!!
view JessicaO's profile
awesome!
view amazonikon's profile
The comic books are nice touch..they bring live to a more serious decor.
Thank you for including the floor plan! I love being able to put the rooms together and see how they work as a whole.
view yellowjacket's profile
Oh, I WANT that shower curtain!
view marie516's profile
Wow, I see why you won Smallest Coolest. Congrats on a great space.
view Lisa (Montreal)'s profile
Thank you all so much for your lovely comments; it means so much to Shannon and I!
For those who asked the shower curtain is made by Izola and is called the Faile Shower Curtain. We bought it last year while traveling in Vancouver and now it's being sold for much more than we paid, guess we got a good deal.
Thanks again.
view BMendozaSF's profile
Good job guys.
We're moving to Portero Hill and trying to design our space now...love seeing spaces like this.
view dlome's profile
I love the comic books- my husband would die if I did that in our bathroom :D I'm moving in a matter of days and cannot wait to start with a blank slate. Supposedly, we're allowed to paint our walls in the new place too!!! >.
view dunklekatze's profile
Love the paint colors. Oh if my succulents looked half that good. :)
http://www.modernests.com
view MODERnestS's profile
I still love it. Every inch of space is used well, and beautifully decorated. Kudos!
view Lillian's profile
Really nice job.
view hrhprincessfiona's profile
Great place. I love the old posters on the walls. It feels much bigger then it really is.
view Nina79's profile
Great job. Very inspirational. Thanks for sharing.
view EAM's profile
Great job displaying artwork! This is a very cool, casual, and a relaxing space!
view ejensen's profile
I really love this tour. Definitely one of my favorites.
view alisonK's profile
I agree with everyone who loves this tour -- I just -- LOVE this tour. It's calming just to look at the gallery. Anyone have experience using that kind of gray on wood paneling? sounds nuts, maybe, but might it work?
view janamartin's profile
Your home is just beautiful! We live in a small home as well and have always loved the design challenges it presents :) My husband and I are in love with the colors you've used-can you tell me what the gray color in the kitchen is? Thank you!
view Rdeol's profile
A really nice place - very spacious feeling. I would feel remiss, though, if I didn't mention that hanging paper (or canvas) based art in the bathroom is really bad for it. The constantly fluctuating humidity will eventually destroy it with mildew.
view home body's profile
I love the beautiful colors and clean lines, and that it's not overly feminine or masculine, rather a perfectly balanced shared space!
view HeatherAB's profile
Well done! Great collection of artwork, and I love the Ugly Doll on the bed. Ugly Dolls rule.
view CallDoctorBison's profile
Yay for Hawkman above the couch! This is a great place with so much personality. I echo everyone else in saying great job with the artwork.
view valleyval's profile
this is like my favorite place ever. so perfecely my style :)
view kdkaboom's profile
I love this place - so calm, and yet vibrant with art.
But where do you put your clothes, extra blankets, bike gear, etc? This part always throws me when I imagine living in such a small space.
view Elvis's profile
Very Nice!
view lizzybean's profile
Masculine, stylish, warm, chic, urban... Well Done!
view jeffnyc's profile
i love all of the ceramics in your apt. where do you find them?
view tarachristine's profile
You two did an amazing job! I can't believe what you've done with such a mini space. It doesn't look cramped. At all. And I LOVE your paint colors.
So funny, but we have the same curtains in our living room and two very similar chairs to the one you have between your windows. Here's a bad picture in case you're curious:
living room
view lipstickonyourteeth's profile
Love, love, love. simple. elegant. unexpected. & original.
your great taste was well executed.
xoxo your place.
view phoskins's profile
What a wonderful apartment -- the way you display your art is so great. (That Bond poster is perfect.) And I love the paint colors.
Given that your place is so small, it would be very interesting and instructive to see more of your storage solutions. Where do you keep clothes, for example?
view mllemiki's profile
LOOOOOVE that James Bond poster, and the amazing thing is that vintage movie posters really aren't my thing. I normally dislike seeing them, but it's so perfect where it is. Great choice.
view niabassett's profile
Oh, and I don't care how much that Eames Lounge Chair set you back. Totally worth it.
view niabassett's profile
THis place never really grabbed me. THey don't have a lot of personal possessions, the layout is straightforward, and there's nothing particularly creative here. All of which makes this pretty unremarkable in my book. They've created a nice little apartment for themselves, but I just don't ge why this won as "coolest".
view kushkush's profile
The sleeping nook looks so cozy. And gray is absolutely one of the best neutral colors--it's the new white! I love the grays used here; the walls make everything sparkle.
When the time came to turn our office into our son's nursery, we decided NOT to change the Benjamin Moore Taus Taupe color. The gray-brown is a perfect foil for his paintings and textiles.
view erikakn's profile
I adore the look and feel of this space. I oohed and aaaaahed. That shower curtain makes me wet!
view Lissanne's profile
I really like this!! I like the comic book theme!
But what I especially love is the sofa!!!
I have a small home and am currently moving to an other small home (I'm not at the painting stage yet, still taking off the layers and layers of 1950's, 60's and 70's wallpaper!), but this home is a real inspiration to me! I might steal some of your ideas!
Thank you for letting us take a look inside your beautiful home!
view Saartje's profile
so cute! Where did you get the leaning book shelf?
view carai235's profile
I love the chandelier above the kitchen table. Where is this from?
view bramm's profile
What a beautiful, balanced space. Bramm, the chandelier is the Jason Miller Antler Chandelier from Propeller Modern.
I have read this post thoroughly, hoping to find out where the shower curtain is from. It is gorgeous, and I simply must know where I can get it! Thanks in advance.
view eliasson's profile
Eliasson,
The shower curtain is made by Izola and is called the Faile Shower Curtain. We bought it last year while traveling in Vancouver and now it's being sold for much more than we paid, guess we got a good deal.
Thanks for all the wonderful comments.
view BMendozaSF's profile
This is very nice for 20-somethings...when do we get to see some really cool spaces for grown-ups...or for those in the older demographics...we're not all Gen Yers and Millennials here.
view aychihuahua's profile
I love this apartment. Everything is perfect, it's everything in it's place and everything matches. I think it's to much perfect, but I would love to live in it :)
view wearaddiction's profile