Shannon Claire

Pardon My Dust- New Site!

2015-10-28T09:55:00.001-04:00

Hi friends! I just wanted to pop in really quickly to let you know that I am moving some things around here. So, over the next few days, Burlap and Lace is going to be looking pretty different!

I will still be active on Instagram and Facebook, so you can find me there! There are going to be a lot of changes happening around here, and I'd love for you to stick around. I'll be unveiling the new site soon, as well as an exciting newsletter with exclusive peeks to those of you who are signed up! Make sure not to miss out on any changes by signing up as a subscriber HERE. You'll want to be a part of it, because I have something very exciting happening for those of you who sign up!

And, if you use a Blogger platform or Google Friend Connect, make sure to follow me on Bloglovin' so you can get new posts! Since I will be making the switch to Wordpress, GFC will no longer automatically update with my new blog posts. So, please follow along! I'd hate to lose a single one of you wonderful people!

For those of you who are bloggers and are interested in making the switch from Blogger to Wordpress, I will be sharing my story and process on the blog soon. It's a huge leap to take, as anyone who has made the decision or is thinking about switching knows. I am so excited for the new look and new opportunities to come, and would love to have you along for the ride!

So join me, won't you?

Subscribe HERE.

Project Throwback: DIY Donut Pumpkins

2015-10-25T23:08:00.001-04:00

Can you believe that it's pumpkin season already? I've probably already talked about this several times, but I am just in complete denial that it's October. The leaves are changing here in DC, and it's just now starting to really feel like Fall. I have yet to purchase any pumpkins, but I have a few Thanksgiving activities coming up with friends, so I'm pulling out a few old tricks! Including one of my favorite projects of all time, these adorable DIY Donut Pumpkins.

Aren't they cute? And they are so easy to make! They would be a great project to make with kids, too. You can read the simple tutorial here.

Last year, I created this fun DIY Pumpkin Vase for my Thanksgiving table. Isn't it gorgeous?

Do you have any fun pumpkin projects to share with me? I'd love to see!

Washington Post Feature and Chat!

2015-10-14T23:42:00.003-04:00

Happy Thursday! This week has been absolutely crazy. We're heading to North Carolina this afternoon for a friend's wedding, and I am looking forward to being trapped in the car for seven hours with no distractions so I can get some work done.

I have some exciting news! I have made some really great connections here in DC, one of them being a fabulous editor from the Washington Post. She wrote a great feature story about our apartment, and she asked me to participate in a live chat today on the Home Front Blog!

From 11AM- noon EST, I will be hosting the chat and taking your questions! We can chat about downsizing, small space decorating, interior design, or blogging in general! Tune in the chat HERE!

I am beside myself excited to have the honor to host the chat this week. Design greats like Nate Berkus, Emily Henderson, and Lauren Liess have hosted the chat in the past- pinch me!

In addition to this fabulous opportunity, I am so grateful for the awesome feature story written by Jura Koncius. She came to our apartment to interview me a few times, and then came back with an awesome photographer (thanks, John!) We shared our story of downsizing from a big house in NC to a one bedroom apartment here in DC, and how I decorated in our new small space.

You can read the story here!

If you're here from the story and new to the blog, welcome! I'm in marketing by day, and I have a design business and this blog on the side. This is my creative outlet, my portfolio, and my way to connect with other entrepreneurs and creatives! Take a look around, or follow me on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest.

And to my readers and friends, thank you so much for all of your support. You guys have been so great over the past four years, and I am so grateful for every singe e-mail, message, and comment. You guys are the best. <3

all photos by John McDonnell of the Washington Post

Featuring: Second round of YOUR #colorshare photos!

2015-10-14T00:04:00.003-04:00

Welcome back to the second round of our #colorshare favorites! The lovely Kimberly from Swoonworthy and I dreamed up the hashtag #colorshare so we could create a colorful little community of color-loving photos. I am constantly inspired by color, and love photographing it to share on Instagram. And you guys do, too! There are SO MANY good ones to choose from! Here are just some of my favorites.

A photo posted by Elsie Larson (@elsielarson) on Oct 12, 2015 at 6:31pm PDT

A photo posted by @von179 on Oct 11, 2015 at 7:12am PDT

A photo posted by Marta (@simplymystyle.pl) on Oct 3, 2015 at 3:03pm PDT

A photo posted by Kelsey McEvoy (@thekelseymcevoy) on Oct 1, 2015 at 7:56am PDT

A photo posted by Kaitlin Robinson (@athenastreet) on Sep 27, 2015 at 5:34pm PDT

A photo posted by Meg Quinn (@ainttooproudtomeg) on Sep 21, 2015 at 2:42pm PDT

A photo posted by Old fashioned Susie (@oldfashionedsus) on Sep 18, 2015 at 11:26am PDT

A photo posted by Sonia Nicole Style (@sonianicolestyle) on Oct 7, 2015 at 9:44am PDT

A photo posted by Sarice Amiee (@sariceamieeinteriors) on Sep 30, 2015 at 12:49pm PDT

A photo posted by Jennifer Griffin (@jenniferdimplesandtangles) on Sep 18, 2015 at 12:47pm PDT

A photo posted by Tanya | Dans le Lakehouse (@danslelakehouse) on Sep 18, 2015 at 9:01am PDT

Aren't these so good? I love how so many of you have been thinking outside of the box and sharing colorful moments in your life that extend beyond traditional decor shots. Colorful inspiration is everywhere! Make sure to follow along with the #colorshare movement here, and add your colorful snaps with the tag #colorshare! You might be featured on my blog or Kimberly's blog, and we'll re-gram some of our favorites on Instagram!

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In other news, I have a feature coming out in the Washington Post! And TOMORROW, from 11AM-noon EST, I am hosting an hour long chat on the Washington Post Home Front Blog. I would love it if you could tune in, and participate in the conversation! You can ask me questions about downsizing, city living, apartment decorating, or anything that has to do with interior design or decor. THANK YOU, my lovely readers, for all of your support! I'd love to see you there so we can chat.

Tune in here!

DIY Upholstered Craigslist Chairs

2015-10-11T22:37:00.000-04:00

Happy Monday! Today I'm back with an update on my Dining Room Chairs... did you guess the right fabric? ;)

In case you missed my first post about these chairs, here's a recap: my friend Cassie lives pretty close to DC, and she is always finding the best stuff on Craigslist! One day, she stumbled upon these rattan cantilever chairs, and sent me the ad saying I should buy them. I already had a set of cantilever chairs in my dining room that needed to be reupholstered, but I fell in love with the awesome rattan backs of this new set. So, in true grass is always greener fashion, I called my husband from work and asked him what he thought. A few hours and $60 later, they were in my living room.

They were in fantastic shape- even the original burnt orange velveteen (yes) fabric was pristine. I almost (almost) felt bad removing it. But I knew that these chairs were the right decision as soon as I pushed them up to the dining room table- even before I recovered them. Now, all I had to do was choose a fabric, which I talked about here.

If you've been around here for a while, you know that I have a love/ love relationship with Minted. They are so great to work with, and make the best products. And, they sell fabric by the yard! Who knew?! I finally decided on this Organic Dot fabric in black and white, and the rest is history.

The fabric has a fun but classic feel, and doesn't take away from the intricate rattan backs on the chairs. I was trying to decide if I wanted to go with a colorful fabric, but in the end, black and white won out, as it often does around these parts.

And now that I have my new Scout & Nimble pendant hung and chairs recovered, I'm calling this room done! I may switch out the black and white art for something more colorful down the road, but for now, monochrome is the name of the game, baby.

Reupholstering was a breeze, by the way. I simply ripped off the old fabric (and sent it off to live forever in the land of shag carpet and Pink Floyd), and cut and stapled the new fabric around the original foam cushion. Jenny has a great trick for mastering those tricky corners for those of you who are new to upholstery!

So, did you guess right? And do you love the new look? I love that these chairs have a different look to them, but I'm really in love with the combination of textures- linen, rattan, and brass. They still look classic (with a twist!), which is right up my alley. And, they were a steal! Win/ win/ win.

PS- this is not a sponsored post, I just love Minted and this fabric. All opinions are, as always, 100% my own!

Tell me about your space: new series and poll

2015-10-04T23:26:00.000-04:00

Hi! Happy Monday! I'm sorry for the disappearance last week- I didn't post on the blog or on Instagram at all. Gasp! I didn't realize that I was taking a break until halfway through the week, and then I just went with it. It was nice to just get things done and have a relaxing weekend. But I'm back! And I need your help.

If you've been following this blog for a while, you know that in the past two years, Nick and I downsized from a fairly large house to a small one bedroom apartment in Washington, DC. I have learned many tips and tricks (mostly by trial and error!) about small space and rental living, so I want to start a new series!

This is where you come in: tell me more about the space in which you live! I'd love to know so that I can gear this series towards my readers. And even if you don't live in a small space or aren't a renter, these tips and tricks can apply to you, too! So, will you help me out by filling out the polls below?

Let me know more about your space! Once I get the details, I will tailor the series so that there's a little bit for everyone. Thank you for your help!

Do you:

My Home Tour on A Beautiful Mess!

2015-09-25T10:55:00.001-04:00

The lovely ladies of A Beautiful Mess have featured my Home Tour on their blog! I am so honored to be a part of the "At Home With" series.

Make sure you stop by the tour to see some photos you might no have seen before, and let me know what your favorite space is!

I'm also the featured Designer of the Week for Mintwood Home's Designer Spotlight Series! If you're not familiar with Mintwood Home, get familiar! These ladies are fabulous, local to DC, and have an amazing shop. It's where I got my bar cart!

And other exciting news- I have a photoshoot with a national newspaper (!!!) on Sunday! I've already been interviewed, and the photoshoot is Sunday morning. I will be sharing all of the behind the scenes action (#bts) on Snapchat, so make sure to follow along! My username is scsmith012, and I'll be sure to share all of the juicy details!

Have a great weekend!

DIY Knockoff CB2 Marble Shelf

2015-09-23T23:48:00.001-04:00

I have long been lusting over this Marble Wall Mounted Shelf from CB2. Isn't it fabulous? Who doesn't love a good marble / gold / functional element for your home?

I knew I could DIY an almost identical version, so I created a tutorial for my latest eHow Post! I'm in love with the outcome, and it was so, so easy.

I use it to display nail polish, jewelry, and my favorite candle, but it would be so great in a kitchen or bathroom as well.

Head on over to me post on eHow to see how I did it!

DIY tutorial here

BLOGGER STYLIN' FALL HOME TOUR 2015

2015-09-22T00:08:00.000-04:00

Welcome to my Blogger Stylin' Fall Home Tour! Lindsay, the talented lady behind White Buffalo Styling Co. created this tour to feature so many fabulous and talented bloggers from the blogosphere. Each day, six different bloggers and designers will share how they update their home for Fall for the entire week. It's a blog hop, so make sure to follow on to the next stop on the tour at the end of this post!

If you're coming here from withHEART, welcome! Isn't Jen fab? If you're new here, my name is Shannon. I'm in marketing by day, and I have a design business and this blog on the side. I live in Washington, D.C., and I am so happy you're here today! My style is chic eclectic- I love finding things and making them my own. I live in an 850 sq. ft. rented apartment with my husband, fluffy dog, and two cats. Living in a small space has taught me so many things about design, and I've learned to look at form and function in a completely different way! Feel free to poke around my blog a bit to see some of my other projects, or check out my recent home tour in Glitter Guide! Now, grab a cup of coffee (or wine, I don't judge), and tuck in!

I am not a "themed season" decorator, but I do like to switch things up in my apartment when the weather gets cooler. I love to decorate with color, but when the seasons change, I embrace chic neutrals! Luxurious faux fur, yummy candles, and a delicious cocktail in a copper mug are all I need to cozy up for Fall. I like to call my seasonal design "luxe neutrals"...read on to see why!

There are tried-and-true variables that I resort to when decorating for seasons or holidays. I like to adhere to these rules loosely, because as long as something either fulfills the form or function aspect or design, or most importantly is something that you love, you really can't go wrong. These are the things that I love to incorporate for Fall!

Mixing metals are so important to a well-rounded space. Metallic surfaces reflect light and add a little touch of glam to your home. To keep things from looking flat, I like to layer gold, brushed brass, copper, and silver or chrome in my space. This keeps things neutral but adds an element of luxury, and gives your space a "collected over time" feel. The gold skull is edgy but feminine, and is also a nod to Halloween, which is fast-approaching!

The horn coasters and gold antler add a touch of luxury to a natural element, and my favorite thing to put out for Fall is eucalyptus! The hobnail white milk glass vase is traditional, but beautiful, and the greenery smells amazing.

One of the most luxurious and cozy elements that you can add to your home for the fall and winter is faux fur or faux sheepskin. Of course, I say faux because if you want to incorporate these textures, that's the way to go! Faux sheepskin rugs keep my 1920s original hardwood floors from getting too cold, and add another layer to your space. Faux fur throws add depth and texture, and not to mention keep you warm! My dog, who is fluffy already, loves these things, I might add. I like to store my throws in a wicker basket (with a touch of metallic!), or toss them on a side chair for a layered look. I also like to add a faux sheepskin to the benches under my entry table- it adds some warmth while changing up the look.

Minted is one of my favorite vendors. They have the best art prints- I use them all the time for clients! When they asked if I wanted to use one of their art prints for fall in my home tour, so I jumped at the chance to pick something for my dining room. I took down my black and white art and replaced it with this gorgeous Glacier Print by Miranda Mol. I wanted to use a large-scale piece of art that bordered on abstract- an item found in nature that looked like a pattern. I wanted to mimic the look of wallpaper or a patterned panel, and this print was perfect. I went the industrial route and hung this large print (60"x44"!) with chrome binder clips. I love how my new pendant looks against it- it makes such a dramatic statement and signifies the the change in seasons. Bring on the cold weather!

Well, you made it to this point! Why not reward yourself with a cocktail?

One of my favorite drinks is the famous Moscow Mule. I wanted to create a version with a fall twist, so I came up with the Apple Cider Moscow Mule! Here is there recipe- make sure to pin it for your upcoming holiday parties! It's flavorful and savory and crisp, and is perfect for Thanksgiving or Christmas.

Ingredients: Vodka, St. Germain, Ginger Beer, Apple Cider (sparkling or still), green apples, and copper mugs!

1. In a mixer, pour four ounces of vodka over ice.

2. Add 12 ounces of Ginger Beer.

3. Top it off with a splash (about 2 ounces) of St. Germain Elderflower liqueur.

4. Shake vigorously (be careful if your ginger beer is carbonated- make sure the lid is tight!) and pour over ice into copper mugs.

5. Top off with apple cider until mugs are full, and add apple slices for garnish.

6. Stir with a cocktail spoon and enjoy!

Thank you to Lindsay for hosting this! And thanks for stopping by my tour. Make sure to check out the next stop on the tour: one of my favorites, Desert Domicile!

LIVING ROOM UPDATE: New Bar Cart

2015-09-21T00:21:00.003-04:00

There's a shiny new addition to my living room, and I am in love! You may have seen this baby in my Glitter Guide home tour, but I thought I'd give you a refresh on the varying stages of "bar" in my apartment.

My original bar cart was a shiny brass number that I scored at a thrift store for less than $20. It was perfect for what I was looking for, and I used it all the time for entertaining. I brought it with us to DC from North Carolina (here's what it looked like in our old house), and it sat in the sliver of wall space between the hallway and a closet door. This space was just made for a bar, I'm telling you. Here it is decorated for Christmas:

I wanted something different than the brass and glass look after a while, but the thing I tired of the most was the oval shape of the original. It didn't hold much, and I wanted more surface area. So, I found a vintage marble wash stand on Craigslist and used it as my bar for my One Room Challenge makeover. I loved the look, but this piece was really too big without being big enough, if you know what I mean. I really missed the bottom shelf, and it stuck out a little too far into the living room.

So, after much deliberation and ogling, I got the bamboo trolley cart from Mintwood Home! I love their shop and was so happy to learn that it was run by two local DC gals who live right down the street from me. Small world!

Isn't it gorgeous? It solved all of my problems: two shelves, rectangular with plenty of surface space, and light and airy (thanks to the metallic and glass look). Plus, I didn't know it before, but I needed a bamboo cart.

It's the perfect size for my apartment, and can be rolled around to accommodate guests when I'm entertaining.

I just love this little space now! The $25 thrift store mirror looks perfect over the bar, and the whole space is brighter, airier, and functions so much better than before.

If you're in the market for a bar cart (or so many other pretty things), check out Mintwood Home. This isn't a sponsored post- I'm just in love with their shop! So many gorgeous things.

What do you think of my new bar cart? I feel like Goldilocks, except I like my porridge served with a side of vodka. Quite apropos, no? ;)

PS- The Blogger Stylin' Fall Home Tour starts today, hosted by Lindsay! Make sure to check out all of the fab tours today, and stay tuned for my tour tomorrow...there is something BIG you're going to want to see!

FRIDAY FAVORITES

2015-09-18T00:47:00.002-04:00

After a brief hiatus, Friday Favorites is back! I am still not ready to forego the bright summer colors that I've been wearing and loving these past few months, so I included some bold pieces that I think are perfect for this pre-fall transition period that we're in. You know, the one where everyone takes a photo of themselves bundled up in a scarf with a pumpkin latte in their hands while you're sweating on your bus commute home. That transition period.

We're headed to NC for the weekend to visit family, and I'm looking forward to seeing everyone! You can shop my picks below (that lamp is a steal for the quality!). What are you up to this weekend? Have a happy Friday! <3

affiliate links used.

Featuring: Your #colorshare Photos!

2015-09-16T00:18:00.000-04:00

Last week, my transatlantic soul sister Kimberly and I introduced a new hashtag campaign and encouraged our loyal followers to share their most colorful projects and photos of their home with the hashtag #colorshare! Over 200 of you shared your gorgeous and colorful photos, and we have loved looking through them! It was difficult to choose, but here are a few of my favorites that you guys shared. Click on each photo and be sure to follow these gorgeous people on Instagram! You're going to want to after you see these photos, trust me.

A photo posted by erin kestenbaum (@erinkestenbaum) on Sep 4, 2015 at 7:10am PDT

A photo posted by Maddie G Designs (@maddiegdesigns) on Sep 2, 2015 at 12:39pm PDT

A photo posted by Sarice Amiee (@sariceamieeinteriors) on Sep 11, 2015 at 1:27pm PDT

A photo posted by @simplymystyle.pl on Sep 11, 2015 at 6:48am PDT

A photo posted by Anna Riddell (@annainternational) on Sep 11, 2015 at 6:32am PDT

A photo posted by Lucy Loves Ya (@lucylovesyablog) on Sep 5, 2015 at 4:10am PDT

A photo posted by @von179 on Sep 4, 2015 at 3:29am PDT

A photo posted by Cee (@cee_saw_seen) on Sep 4, 2015 at 2:55am PDT

A photo posted by Kayla Taylor (@kaylawtaylor) on Aug 27, 2015 at 10:56am PDT

Pop over to Kimberly's Blog Swoonworthy to see her favorites! And make sure to follow along with and use the hashtag #colorshare -We will be Instagramming our favorites this week, so be sure to use the tag on your gorgeous photos for a chance to get featured. I can't wait to see what you share! And be sure to throw a few colorful emojis in there for good measure. ;) (PS- there is finally going to be a unicorn emoji- is anyone else as excited about that as I am?!)

Have a happy and colorful Wednesday!

Home Depot Halloween Style Challenge Reveal

2015-09-15T01:09:00.005-04:00

Hi hey hello! Today, I want to share with you my HOME DEPOT HALLOWEEN CHALLENGE! It was in the 60s in DC this past weekend, so I don't feel so bad sharing this Fall-themed post with you anymore. PS- can I get a hallelujah for this weather?!

I was challenged to create a Halloween-themed post for Home Depot's Apron Blog, and I wanted to think a little outside of the spider-filled, jack-o-lantern, goblins and ghouls stereotype and create something for people who aren't "Halloween-y" people (i.e., me). I used to love getting dressed up and might even do it again some time, but I wanted to create more of an All Hallow's Eve/ harvest post. So, I came up with a Ghost Story Telling Party!

We gathered our friends and congregated in the garden for an evening of roasted marshmallows, wine in copper mugs, and ghost stories around my creative DIY bonfire (since we couldn't have an open flame in the city). It was a beautiful night with great company!

We gathered around the candles, lounged on blankets, and ate popcorn out of paper sacks. It felt perfectly "fall", and made me so, so excited for the upcoming season.

Check out the whole feature HERE!

Fall Home Tour 2015!

2015-09-08T00:25:00.000-04:00

Hey hi hello! Welcome to my 2015 Fall Home Tour hosted by Marty from A Stroll Thru Life. If you're here form Decor to Adore, welcome! Isn't she fabulous? The best part about these home tours is meeting new faces and gaining new friends. If you're new to Burlap and Lace, I'm so glad you're here! I'm Shannon, and I have an interior design business and a design blog based in Washington, DC. Take a look around, and make yourself at home. I was recently featured in The Glitter Guide, so head over to take a peek at a more in-depth home tour! Now, I know it's September, but I haven't really gotten into the "fall" mood yet. I'm trying to force myself to spend every second outside, soaking up the last warm nights outside with friends.

Of course, scotch on the rocks and red wine in a copper mug certainly helps put me in a Fall mood! What is it about plaid and copper that just look like they're meant for each other?

As far as seasonal home decor goes, I like to keep it neutral. If you were around for my Christmas Blogger Stylin' Home tour last year, you already know this. Mixed metallics and shades of white and cream are my favorite way to accessorize without overwhelming my permanent decor.

One of the fastest way to make my apartment feel cozy in this "pre-fall" stage is by lighting my favorite candles and cuddling up on the couch with a movie. The nights are getting darker earlier (so sad!), but this means that there is more time to cuddle with my man and some Netflix.

A touch of metallic here or there brings a touch of glam to the Fall decor, as well. This wishbone makes me think of Thanksgiving- something that will be here before we know it!

Fresh flowers are also a great bet, too. These white roses are perfect for bringing the outside in without looking too seasonal.

I like to collect vintage matchbooks, so I moved them to a decorative bowl on my bar cart- it comes in handy when lighting all of those candles!

Even though you may still have the AC cranked, you should probably keep a cozy knit blanket on hand. This cream cable-knit sweater blanket is perfect for adding that texture that I crave.

Max loves it as well. He's very excited for Fall.

Layering extra blankets like this one from Mintwood Home are perfect for adding that extra texture to your bed and are great to cover up with when reading the September issues.

If you're really in the mood for Fall, stay tuned for an exciting photoshoot that I worked on for the The Home Depot Apron Blog! Here's a sneak peek- it's one of my favorites!

Thank you to Marty for hosting this tour! The next stop tomorrow is my dear friend Summer from Simple Stylings Blog. She is fabulous and you're not going to want to miss it! Here are the rest of the tours- make sure to check out all of the great Fall ideas!

Monday - Sept 7th

A Stroll Thru Life

Life on Virginia Street

Tue - Sept 8th

Decor To Adore

Burlap and Lace

Wed - Sept 9th

Thurs - Sept 10th

Fri - Sept 11th

Design Post Interiors

Designing On The Side

Life Love Larson

Tidbits & Twine

I'm Going to NYC! #DC2NY

2015-09-03T02:01:00.000-04:00

TOMORROW! Nick and I are celebrating our 6th wedding anniversary, so we are jetting off from DC to NYC for four days. We've both been many times before, but usually either when we were younger or for day trips here or there. We are both super excited to stay in the city (at this gorgeous hotel!), and we're really looking forward to exploring the neighborhoods and lesser-known places that we haven't seen before. I see NYC as our next step in our life adventure, so it's going to be so much fun exploring and scheming about the future!

I need your help! We have an itinerary that's chock full of fun things to do, but I suffer from a severe case of what the kids call FOMO (and what ~~old people~~ I call "fear of missing out"). Have you been to NYC? Do you live there? Let me know what your favorite off-the-beaten-path places are to visit! Have a favorite restaurant? Show? Neighborhood? Bar? Park? I wants to see them all! I'm specifically looking forward to exploring the High Line, trying Buddakan, shopping at Brooklyn Flea, and having high tea at Bergdorf's. We're still searching for a nice dinner spot for our actual anniversary on Saturday, so let me know if you have any recommendations! (Bubba Gump in Times Square? No?)

I am so excited to get on the road! Make sure you're following along on Instagram and Snapchat (I'm scsmith012 and I will be using this the most) to see what I'm up to! And let me know in the comments what I shouldn't miss. Can't wait to hear your suggestions!

image via, graphics by me

Introducing Kimberly of Swoon Worthy and a new hashtag- #COLORSHARE

2015-09-02T09:51:00.003-04:00

Well, hello! Happy Wednesday! I have some exciting news for you today- are you ready? Do you love color? ME TOO! And because I love color, I have partnered with my sister-from-another-mister who lives across the pond and created a new hashtag campaign that involves COLOR! Introducing Kimberly from Swoon Worthy. If you haven't met her or aren't familiar with her blog, check it out it all its colorful goodness HERE. She is uber talented and her home is absolutely jam-packed with colorful details that she deliberately curated to make a stunning home.

I've been known to play it a little safe (aka, neutral) in the past- my old house was outlined in black and white and decorated with a pop of color here or there. But since moving to a small apartment in the city, I decided to embrace the color wheel and GO CRAZY (and thus, my pink ceiling was born). Kimberly embraces the same mentality when it comes to color. Her walls are slathered with the most beautiful moody colors- so rich they look three dimensional. She accents with metallics and brass like a pro, and loves to bring in those bright colors to up the contrast in a space- and I love this about her! We've also bonded over our love of makeup and cats, which happen to be two of my weaknesses (in no particular order).

What does this mean to you? EVERYTHING! Well, if you love color, that is. If you are as much of a fan of color as we are, we want you to share (color share, get it?) The hashtag that we came up with for this campaign is #colorshare so be sure to use it on your Instagram images of your colorful spaces! We love to see what our readers and followers have been up to, and this is the perfect way to create a little color community!

So, here's what to do: make sure to follow ME and KIMBERLY on Instagram! Then, share your colorful photos with the hashtag #colorshare. On September 16th, we will pick our favorites and share them here on our blogs! In the mean time, we'll be looking, liking, and re-gramming those photos, so make sure to use the hashtag! We can't wait to see what you come up with!

#colorshare

New Dining Room Pendant!

2015-08-30T23:07:00.003-04:00

photo by Abby Jiu

Thank you so much for your kind words on my Glitter Guide tour! If you didn't catch the feature, you can read it HERE. And if you did catch it, you probably saw that there were a few new things in my apartment. I can't wait to share all of my updates with you! Today, I'm sharing my new dining room pendant. When we moved in, there was a horrible ceiling light that I not-so-lovingly termed the "UFO". Forgive me for not having a before photo, but you get the picture by the nickname, right? As a stop gap until I found what I really loved, I installed a large drum shade from Ikea, and shared it in my Blogger Stylin' Spring Home Tour. Here's a refresher:

My dear friend Jesse has an amazing home shop that I love, Scout & Nimble. I fell in love with the "Copper", and knew that it would work perfectly in my dining room (also, notice the chairs? More on that this week!)

The black coordinates with the black wall, but doesn't get lost, thanks to the black and white art on the wall behind it. The inside of the light is a gorgeous brushed coppery gold that glows beautifully at night. We also installed a dimmer- lighting is so important, even in rental apartments! I really do believe that lighting makes all the difference.

Isn't it stunning? You can shop all of Scout & Nimble's lighting here- I guarantee you'll have trouble picking a favorite.

I love how this one give the dining room a chic upgrade, making the whole room look more expensive. The modern shape mirrors the shape of the tulip table, too- repeating shapes in a small space is key for giving your eye something on which to land.

What's your favorite lighting source?

DIY Pink Ceiling and Sunburst Mirror "Light Fixture"

2015-08-25T23:42:00.000-04:00

Let's talk about this pink ceiling.

Before we do that, though, I want to thank each and every one of you for your kind words on my Glitter Guide Feature yesterday! I am SO honored to be interviewed and featured. If you haven't checked it out yet, you can read all about it here. It was written by the fabulous and hard-working Carrie and photographed by the uber talented Abby Jiu.

The thing that I got the most e-mails and comments about after my feature went live (besides my dining room chairs- more on those later!) was my pink ceiling. And I have to admit- it's one of my favorite things in my apartment! It's certainly the most surprising. Our ceilings are so high (9+ feet!) that you don't immediately notice it, but it's a pop of fun surprise when you're walking in the hallway. I love quirky things like this- I think they're essential in a small space especially.

Let me tell you the story of how this ceiling came to be. Nick was at work one day, and I was working from home. I was sitting on the couch and staring at this ceiling, and I suddenly had the idea to paint it pink. I knew that I wanted to paint a ceiling in our apartment (our landlord is totally ok with paint), and since this hallway ceiling was the smallest space in the apartment and was completely enclosed by walls on all sides, it was the clear winner. I actually mixed this paint color myself from a few samples I had lying around! I threw down a drop cloth, stood on my tip-toes on a chair, and got to work. If you've been reading this blog for a while now, you know that I've talked about my (horribly) textured walls. I shared a tutorial on how to paint lines on textured walls already, but this ceiling was a whole different beast. Because it was so textured, I couldn't use a roller. So, I had to load up a paint brush with paint and brush the entire thing. Also, loading up a paint brush with paint so you can get in the cracks and crevices also means that some (most) of the paint will end up in your hair (and face, and bra). It was a completely rash decision that was a pain in the butt and I don't regret it for one second.

From the very beginning of this spur-of-the-moment makeover, I knew that I wanted to hang something from the ceiling. And since there is no light fixture in this hallway, I knew that I could mimic the look of a light fixture by hanging a sunburst mirror upside down. Well, the idea was easier said than done since our ceilings are not only textured, but made of concrete. We had to buy a special drill bit to drill holes in the ceiling, and then screw sturdy cup hooks in the ceiling to hold the mirror in place. It did the trick, and I am in love with the result! The best part is that the mirror itself is convex (fish-eyed), so it bounces light around and makes the hallway look much bigger than it really is.

I think it's so important to include fun and quirky things that you love in your home, especially if it's a small space. These things add character and charm, and are a perfect way to display your style and personality.

My favorite part of this story is about Nick- he was neither surprised nor upset that I painted a ceiling pink while he was at work. And he didn't bat an eyelash when I asked him to hang a mirror upside down in this tiny hallway. It really is the little things, guys. :)

I'M IN GLITTER GUIDE!

2015-08-25T09:32:00.003-04:00

My feature on Glitter Guide is live today! I'm so thrilled with how it turned out!

Photos by Abby Jiu

I am so grateful for this opportunity! Make sure to check out the feature HERE, and let me know what you loved most about it!

DIY Shibori Dyed Fabric and Pillow

2015-08-24T00:10:00.002-04:00

My latest project for eHow is now live! I'm sharing how to create shibori dyed fabric. I made a textile (seen above) that can be used for a pop of color on your bed or couch, or even used as a picnic blanket or light throw.

I also used the same technique on a white pillow case to create this throw pillow- my favorite! I love how the pattern turned out. I like to change up my bedding quite often, so switching between the pillow and the textile keep it feeling fresh.

Head over to eHow to read how I created this project here!

Friday Favorites // Chic Neutrals

2015-08-21T00:52:00.001-04:00

HAPPY FRIDAY! I'm working on a secret project this weekend that I can't wait to share, so make sure to follow along with the behind the scenes on Snapchat (@scsmith012). Shop my favorite picks below!

affiliate links used.

Living Room Update: New Sofa and Coffee Table

2015-08-20T01:24:00.001-04:00

I am over the moon that my apartment is "finished". I say "finished" with quotation marks, because as a designer and blogger, nothing is every really finished. But it's finished for now. I changed two major things in our living room- the sofa and the coffee table. Here's a peek at what it looked like before, when I completed my One Room Challenge this past spring.

We had actually ordered our sofa before these photos were taken, but it didn't arrive on time (sad face). I also bought a glass and bamboo coffee table on Craigslist for this challenge, but after living with it for a few months, it just wasn't working. The top slid around and it wasn't quite big enough, so back on Craigslist it went.

I could not WAIT to get rid of our old sofa. It was a thrift store couch, and was beginning to show a lot of wear and tear. We desperately needed more seating, and our living room was the perfect spot for a sectional. We went with the Keegan Sofa in a custom heather gray fabric from Macy's, and I am in looooooove. Here's what our living room looks like now!

I kept the same pillow combinations from my ORC, including my favorite Orangerie pillow from Stuck on Hue. The extra space is so great- Nick is tall (6'4"), so it's really nice to finally have room for both of us to relax!

The light gray goes well with the rest of the apartment, but it's not white. And our living room is awkwardly narrow and long, so the chaise is a great way to break up the room into two distinct spaces.

Now for the coffee table...we went with the infamous Peekaboo Acrylic Coffee Table from CB2. The clear acrylic keeps the space feeling open while at the same time providing a much needed surface area- so important in small spaces like our apartment!

I am in love with how it has come together. Eventually, the blue rug will probably be moved to the bedroom, and I'd like to get something lighter with a thicker pile for the living room (hence why I said "finished"...sorry, Nick). But for now, I am enjoying it so much! Is it weird how much a new sofa can change your perspective ~~on life~~? There are a few other updates in this space that you might be able to pick out if you're a regular blog reader...and I can't wait to share them with you! Stay tuned! ;)

photos by and property of Shannon Smith

DIY: How to Build a Radiator Cover

2015-08-19T00:01:00.000-04:00

One of the biggest projects that we tackled in our Bathroom Makeover was building a radiator cover. There is a small radiator behind the door which we've never used (our apartment stays very warm in the winter!), and I thought it would be the perfect place to create an extra surface, while at the same time covering the not-so-pretty radiator.

You can read the in-depth tutorial with all of the details in my article for eHow HERE!

The radiator cover has created a necessary extra flat surface in this tiny bathroom, and gives the space a much cleaner look overall.

Make sure to read all about how I made it HERE!

Full bathroom makeover reveal HERE.

How to Paint Straight Lines on (heavily) Textured Walls

2015-08-16T23:52:00.001-04:00

If there is one thing that has been the most difficult thing to work with in our apartment, it's definitely the walls. For starters, they are concrete- so drilling anything into them takes patience and a very strong drill bit. But the most obvious thing about the walls in our apartment is the texture. Texture, texture, EVERYWHERE. After almost 100 years of tenants living in this space, these walls have been patched, and primed, and painted so much that the building managers just decided to go with a texture. And I get it- textured walls make for much easier upkeep and they disguise a multitude of sins. But I'd be lying if I told you they weren't a complete nightmare to paint (and stare at them long enough and you start seeing patterns and shapes).

For my Bathroom Makeover, I knew I wanted to create a clean, black line that mimicked classic tile. It tied in the overall design scheme that I had for the space and added a renter-friendly custom element for the room. But in order to paint a clean line, I had to devise a plan to achieve said clean line. Here's what I came up with.

What you'll need:

Painter's tape

Paintable caulk

Caulk gun

STEP ONE: Create your line with tape.

I used a line of tape where I wanted my future "stripe" to go, as a guide. I then taped on the top and bottom of that line and then pulled the middle strip of tape off. It helps if you buy a roll of painter's tape that is the thickness of your desired line! This ensures that your line will be straight, no measuring needed.

You can see just how textured my walls are in this photo. I mean...that is some texture.

STEP TWO: Load your caulk in the caulk gun.

I used DAP brand of paintable caulk. It comes in two shades: clear silicone, and white. I chose white for this project, since that was the color of the wall I was painting. The caulk I used could be painted two hours after the application, which made this project pretty speedy.

STEP THREE: Caulk the inside of the tape, where you will be painting your line.

If your walls aren't super textured, you can probably get away with a thin line of caulk. If you have more texture like me, you might have to glob it on in a few places.

STEP FOUR: Spread your caulk evenly with your fingers.

Make sure that every nook and cranny is filled with caulk, so that there are no gaps between the tape and the wall. The good thing about this step is that if your walls are already pretty teetered like mine, you don't have to be super neat and exact...the caulk looks like it's part of the wall.

STEP FIVE: Let dry, and paint!

I waited two hours to paint, and then pulled the tape off while the paint was still wet. This ensures that you won't have any paint that peels after it's gotten tacky or dry.

And that's it! You might have to touch it up in a few places, but if you've applied the caulk evenly, you shouldn't have to do this in many places. The clean line is a welcome relief to these heavily textured walls!

Do you have textured walls? Do you have any painting tips or tricks you'd like to share! Let me know!

Friday Favorites // Chic Picks for Fall

2015-08-14T00:59:00.004-04:00

This week has been absolutely crazy! I haven't had much time to read blogs or peruse Pinterest, but there were a few things that caught my eye. I'm craving a pared-down (but effortlessly chic) wardrobe for fall, and am sharing a few wishlist + budget items that every closet needs. I also am still crushing majorly on that West Elm side table...swoon. Shop my picks below by clicking on the photos.

Have a great weekend!

affiliate links used.

Shannon Claire

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Do you:

Define your space:

My Home Tour on A Beautiful Mess!

DIY Knockoff CB2 Marble Shelf

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LIVING ROOM UPDATE: New Bar Cart

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Featuring: Your #colorshare Photos!

Home Depot Halloween Style Challenge Reveal

Fall Home Tour 2015!

I'm Going to NYC! #DC2NY

Introducing Kimberly of Swoon Worthy and a new hashtag- #COLORSHARE

New Dining Room Pendant!

DIY Pink Ceiling and Sunburst Mirror "Light Fixture"

I'M IN GLITTER GUIDE!

DIY Shibori Dyed Fabric and Pillow

Friday Favorites // Chic Neutrals

Living Room Update: New Sofa and Coffee Table

DIY: How to Build a Radiator Cover

How to Paint Straight Lines on (heavily) Textured Walls

Friday Favorites // Chic Picks for Fall