Expert Advice: 10 Secrets for Living Artfully in a Small Space

When I interviewed artist and graphic designer Wendy Furman for the post Living Large in a Tiny House, Downsizing Edition, I was struck by how much thought she had given to her surroundings (all 643 square feet of it) and her consideration of what it means to live with objects, particularly when the space is small. Here she shares her insights, with applications for spaces both large and small.

Photography by Mimi Giboin for Remodelista.

Remodelista: You used the term “reduction” in reference to how you live. Can you explain?
Wendy Furman: Design should be a feast for your senses in a restrained way. That said, someone like the architect John Pawson is too extreme–he strips down too much, especially for a visual person like me. I think he takes too much away and I want to be able to live with art. You don’t need to own everything and less is certainly more, but your possessions should bring you pleasure.

Above: A solo Cherner side chair and a single framed photograph are all that are needed to make this corner interesting.

RM: Ideas for showcasing what you have?
WF: Create a few sculptural elements in the space. I grouped some green pots on top of a shelf in the kitchen, then added the art.

Above: In the small kitchen, counter space is a premium and reserved just for the essentials. Wendy uses the surface above a wall cabinet to display some more decorative items.

Above: A close-up of the collection of green bowls offset by the collage propped against the wall.

RM: Easy fix?
WF: Even if you are in a rental, make the space yours since you’re the one that has to live there. A coat of paint goes a long way and is a cheap investment. Flooring is a bigger investment; putting in new blinds can also make a big difference.

Above: Wendy turned her kitchen shelves into an installation of sorts by painting the frames white and the back wall a custom flat graphite gray, to create contrast for the white dishes on display.

RM: Shopping philosophy?
WF: Take your time when you buy something. Don’t go for fads, and only buy what gives you the most pleasure. Understand that you will be living with pieces for many years. Ask yourself a lot of questions: “What does this add to my life?” “What is its beauty, its function?” It took me five years to find the perfect flatware. I looked at George Jensen and reissued Russel Wright patterns, but none of it was perfect. Then I came across the Calvin Klein Bark Cedar flatware and that was it—it was something about the combination of beauty and balance that appealed.

Above: Bark Cedar Flatware from Calvin Klein home. The line is discontinued but pieces are available online at Replacements.

RM: I read recently that you should go through your wardrobe twice a year and cull what you don’t wear. How does that apply to the home?
WF: Cherish and value what you have. If it gives you no pleasure, get rid of it. Don’t be afraid to let go. I bought some small space furniture for outdoors, and I hated it so I sold it. You are reminded of your mistakes daily, so choose carefully. Look at everything with a curator’s eye.

Above: A custom maple wardrobe that Wendy designed. The basket is refurbished with rope handles.

RM: Choice of materials?
WF: Keep a simple palette, both with materials and color. I am more comfortable with wood than highly polished steel. Wood has an organic element that warms a small space but without dominating it. I carry this over to the art on my walls. I only have wood frames that are natural wood or white.

RM: Favorite color?
WF: Create a white palette. In a small house white makes everything look cleaner and larger, it’s optical. Avoid dark colors unless you specifically want to create a dramatic focal point. Once you’ve created a white backdrop allow the objects to fill the space. This comes from the museum and gallery world. Curators like to use specific whites and a lot of galleries like the Dunn Edwards palette. They have blue-whites that make the work look crisper and are great for showing off art.

Above: Wendy painted the whole space in Behr Ultra Pure White with, as she says, “an extra hit of Pure White, around five percent. They think you’re nuts when you ask for it at the paint store, but it makes the white colder and more opaque.”

RM: Favorite sources?
WF: Flea markets are your friend. Don’t be frightened to buy something used and upgrade it. I found my Thonet chairs at a junk store then upgraded them with Knoll fabrics. I find my Russel Wright and silverware at flea markets. Collections are good, but don’t buy to buy. Find the best of the styles you collect.

RM: Rules to live by?
WF: You should never have more than five main pieces in a room, otherwise it is too much. You need a table, a lamp, and a sofa–just the basics. Apply reductive thinking.

Above: A tray with pieces from Wendy’s collection of Russell Wright ceramics sits on a Parsons Dining Table from West Elm. (One of Wendy’s first art installations involved a piece of Wright’s hanging on the wall). The Thonet chairs are custom covered in 1950’s Knoll green fabric.

RM: Any other tips?
WF: Live by the Coco Chanel rule. She recommended that when you accessorize, flip around and look at yourself in the mirror, then remove whatever catches your eye. It’s a reductive way of living. Do the same in a room with the objects you own.