The Grahn-Hosey Family Living Small

Bedrooms: 1
Property: Rental
Square Feet: 700 approx.
Adults: 2
Children: 1

What do you get when a Swedish designer-turned-caterer has a baby with a Bay Area fabricator-slash-woodworker? Custom built shelves, one-of-a kind mobiles, and a cut-to-size diaper station. All put together with a Scandinavian eye and a Californian sensibility.

Emmet and Dylan have created a home for their family in a one bedroom apartment in the Precita Park neighborhood of San Francisco. Dylan is the founder of Skiff, a fabrication and design company, while Emmet is the proud owner of Mumsa, a fully organic and vegetarian program for preschool students.

When their daughter Alma arrived circa six months ago, they made a few changes, but weren’t concerned about a potential lack of space, “If anything it was more of a discussion on how to be able to raise a child in San Francisco” says Dylan. Having Alma sleep in their room rather than a separate nursery came naturally. Especially for Emmet who grew up in Sweden where apartment living is the norm.

In general the couple’s philosophy when transforming their space for Alma was to go easy on the specialized baby goods. They aim to create a harmonious space, “living in a space that creates obstacles, even if they are very small, will inevitably bring you stress. Being a new parent, having less unnecessary stress is essential. So if you’re tripping on a cord every day, it probably doesn’t serve you to keep it there.” says Emmet.

Alma plays in the clouds thanks to her handmade baby gym.

The couple are fortunate with this apartment in that there is a ‘front room’. Commonly annexed as a second bedroom in this kind of rental market - theirs hasn’t met such a fate yet. Instead it acts as office and living room, while offering the flexibility to transform into Alma’s room as she grows into toddlerhood.

Respective talents are well utilized in this room where the family spend most of their time. Along one wall is a custom made two person office desk. On the floor, a delightful wooden cloud play gym handmade by Emmet and Dylan in the final few days as they awaited Alma’s arrival. While across the room, what once was a disused doorway now features a custom built shelving unit. The pair have created space by building their storage into the room, and where possible, customizing to their needs as both small business owners and parents. Take the armchair that the couple converted into a rocker - it fits with their style and with a quick ‘hack’ to add the rocker feet, is an economical alternative to the rockers that currently dominate the nursery market.

Leaving the front room, we pass through an extension of the living room space (playing host to more seating and a gorgeous credenza), on the way to the bedroom, kitchen, bathroom and out to the back garden.

In the bedroom, Alma sleeps in an IKEA Singlar crib joined to Dylan and Emmet’s bed. Part makeshift co-sleeper, part full-size crib, it allows for everyone to sleep close and for easy feeding during the night. “It feels like we are sleeping on one giant bed as a family,” says Dylan. The colorful geometric mobile that hangs above was designed and made by Emmet. While a bookcase leaning against the wall is one of Dylan’s builds.

Through into the kitchen, the apartment opens up to light bright space thanks to large windows that lead out to the back garden. The kitchen table, handmade by the couple, beautifully extends from the wall. While the familiar Stokke chair was salvaged from the street and given a lick of paint. Now it’s good as almost new and perfect for little Alma to begin her journey into the world of solids. 

Details dotted around the kitchen hark to another home far away: A bright felt artwork made by Emmet’s mom, a Swedish flag on the windowsill, a traditional calendar hanging in the hall. Though from two different parts of the globe, Emmet and Dylan particularly like their place in the world right now. Being so close to the Mission and all of their usual haunts, “we love our location, we’ve both been in the Mission for the past six years and many of our favourite spots are in and around here, so we walk a lot,” says Emmet.

A typical Swedish calendar is a daily reminder of Emmet's roots.

Alma needs a new diaper, so we head into the bathroom. Her changing station lives here, handily cut down to just the right size and installed by the couple. “We’re super happy with how it turned out, having an easy to use convenient changing table is a must”, notes Emmet. Further customization is abound. To modernize dated fittings, the couple removed and replaced all of the doors on the bathroom cabinets with custom made white washed pine panels. They also made two shelving boxes for the wall and a shelving fixture next to the sink. 

The family’s living space doesn’t stop here. They are lucky enough to also have a peep of the outdoors, a sweet patio spot on their back stairs and a small shared garden. Not to mention the very fabulous perk of the occasional use of an in-law unit. Thanks to a very gracious landlord, Emmet and Dylan can use this when family visits, such as Emmet’s mother from Sweden.

Emmet, Dylan and Alma’s Precita Park home is a rare treat in this city. A one bedroom apartment with the kind of generous flexibility that should see them grow into the space, before they outgrow it.

Words: Rachel Jamieson
Pictures: Rachel Jamieson

The Kroleski Family Living Small

Snack time for Hunter. A second hand Stokke high chair and small table at the wall allow for a dedicated eating space.

Bedrooms: Studio
Property: Rental
Square Feet: Approximately 400
Adults: 2
Children: 2

I met Suzanne and her two young sons Hunter and Theoden in their studio apartment just a week before they moved out. Among the boxes and bustle of packing, the bones of family life in the apartment remained. The hand-built loft bed suspended above the living space, the closet home to Hunter’s crib and rocking horse, baby Theoden’s bassinet, and a stack of surfboards (yes, full-sized surfboards).

Packing boxes signal the end of the Kroleski's memorable time as a family in their 400 sq ft studio apartment.

We chatted about family life in the apartment; the logistics of it all. Negotiating naptimes for two under two was a particular point of amazement and awe, not without its war stories. Mostly Suzanne wanted other families contemplating staying in studios to know that it can be done. Mom Suzanne, dad Greg, and sons Hunter and Theoden, successfully lived together in what is essentially one room - a studio apartment in San Francisco’s Western Addition. Here’s how they did it.

Suzanne moved in with Greg and his ten or so surfboards after getting married in 2012. When their first son, Hunter, arrived couple of years later, they decided to stay put. Though not without reservations about welcoming another human into the space, “I was definitely apprehensive. How would we/he sleep? Where would he sleep?” said Suzanne.

The beautiful Cariboo basinett, flanked by Greg's surfboards. // Photograph courtesy of Greg Kroleski.

For the first six months, Hunter slept in a bassinet. Once he outgrew that, they swapped their sofa for a smaller model and moved Hunter into a crib. A relatively simple and satisfactory arrangement for all. Still impressive mind you, given that once Hunter was asleep for the night or nap time, there was no ‘other room’ for the couple to abscond to, bar a tiny galley kitchen that snakes off the living room. Nevertheless, Suzanne was pleasantly surprised as to how much they could do, around a sleeping babe, “I’ve also been surprised at how sound of sleepers babies are particularly in the evening. After they go to bed, we can cook, talk quietly, and even watch a show without waking them.”

A new and considerably more ample challenge presented with the Kroleski’s second son’s arrival. Fitting two babies (Hunter was 14 months old when Theoden was born) into a space designed for a bachelor required a little more thought, resourcefulness and creativity. They could have moved, but their plans were complicated, and San Francisco rental prices are no joke, “we kept saying, 'we hope to move soon, but things are going well right now',” said Suzanne.

Suzanne and Greg's loft bed was hand built to their needs and specifications. The bookcase acts as stairs. 

To prepare for Theoden’s arrival, Suzanne and Greg set to making some big changes in the space. With nowhere to go but up, they decided to head skyward. Greg built a loft bed, so that the master bed could be hoisted above the sofa and completely open up the space. “He learned as he went,” said Suzanne. They did their research online to assess what would work best for their needs, “we spent time searching the internet for photos of different types of lofts and ladders/staircases,” Suzanne added. Once the couple had an idea of what they wanted, Greg drew plans, measured, bought and cut the wood. He constructed their loft bed both in and outside their apartment - making use of the roomy sidewalks outside their building and San Francisco’s dry weather to work outside as much as possible. The finished product was a sturdy wooden loft, with a corresponding staircase that also functions as a bookshelf. Greg’s handywork worked remarkably well and freed up the bottom floor to be a living room for the family.

To create a dedicated sleeping space for the then one-year-old, Hunter. They cleared out the closet and converted this into a nursery. Neatly fitting Hunter’s crib, changing table, rocking horse, clothing and other stored items. As for Theoden, like his big brother before him, a bassinet was placed in the living room to serve as his cozy bed for the first few months of his life. To further free up the space for two children, Suzanne and Greg also said goodbye to their piano (I assure you this is not a typo), and culled and sorted some more of their belongings.

Hunter's nursery tucks neatly away into the closet. Fitting a full-sized crib, changing table, clothing and storage.

Even with the logistics of where everyone sleeps under control, there are of course some question marks over just how that sleep goes down. As mentioned earlier, nap time is a particularly unforgiving beast in the small apartment experience. Though the age gap between Hunter and Theoden is only just over a year, they were at vastly different stages in their development while living in the studio. “How are you supposed to keep a toddler quiet while an infant sleeps?” remarked Suzanne. A difficult enough feat even when you have walls dividing the nappers from the rest of the household.

Theoden surveys the world from his Baby Bjorn bouncer and bay window perch.

Another noise issue presented in the form of balancing early morning work with sleeping babes. To help the boys sleep longer, Greg started taking those early business calls in the car (in the garage downstairs); the Living Small equivalent of a home office.

With an active toddler and a newborn in tow, a yard or outdoor play area would have made life a little easier for Suzanne and Greg. However, they loved their Western Addition location. The proximity to quality local playgrounds and city amenities was invaluable in enabling them to enjoy their neighbourhood as an easy extension of their small abode, “I love that everything is within walking distance - the grocery store, our favorite burrito place, several fantastic parks, the pool, two libraries, and our church. It has been a privilege to live in such a beautiful, diverse city.” Suzanne explained.

The studio's quintessential San Francisco street view.

Not only did living in a small space help them to appreciate their surroundings, it also pushed them to look inward. There aren’t too many places to hide from each other when you’re perched on a loft bed above two sleeping kids. “(living here) brought Greg and I closer together, forcing us to realize that we’re on the same team… when you’re in a tight space, you can’t ignore each other, or issues that come up,” said Suzanne.

Though the family were in the process of moving out when I stopped by, it was inspiring to meet and witness even a passing glimpse of their ingenuity and resourcefulness. A fully functioning home for a family of four. In a space with a floor plan the size of a pacifier. Yes it can be done, yes it has been done. “Everything just sort of fell into place. We were very thankful,” said Suzanne.

For more about the lessons learned during family life in a studio, take a look at Greg’s personal blog post about the experience.

Words: Rachel Jamieson
Pictures: Rachel Jamieson and Greg Kroleski

The Newsome-Campbell Family Living Small

Bedrooms: 1
Property: Rental
Square Feet: Approximately 600
Adults: 2
Children: 1
Pets: 2

14-month-old Freja lets out a squeal as she spots a large labrador retriever being walked along the narrow street below. Perched on top of the sofa, Freja lights up at the sights and sounds that filter through her living room window.

As with many city kids, Freja’s front yard is her neighborhood - The Mission, a bustling San Francisco zone with a changing face and a long history. In contrast, her back yard is home to two redwood trees, standing tall on a patch of earth that is now more accustomed to sprouting apartment blocks.

This second floor apartment is home to Freja, mom Wendy, dad Brett, Flaca the Italian Greyhound and Natsu the cherished elderly cat. Wendy is a hair stylist and Brett works in corporate catering. They lead busy lives and have lived in this apartment for several years now.

Wendy and Brett managed to create a nursery for their daughter in what was previously a small sunroom occupied by pet and household storage, “we had to purge a ton of albums that we've collected and rearrange the ones that we've kept. And also find new places for our pets food dishes and litter box,” said Wendy. With a little reorganisation, the tiny alcove space off the kitchen has become a living breathing nursery. Housing a mini crib, changing table, storage for baby items, and a whimsical monster-unicorn-head-trophy thing. It’s cute.

The nursery works remarkably well for now. The mini crib fits perfectly, and a full-size crib or toddler bed could even replace it when Freja gets too big. The real challenge for Wendy and Brett is not the space itself, but the closeness of their surroundings. Noise transparency in particular.

With no door on the nursery, and upstairs neighbours that don’t share Freja’s 7pm bedtime, allowances must be made in an attempt to create a quiet sleeping environment for the youngest Campbell. Particularly difficult is the lack of access to the kitchen once Freja has gone to bed for the night, or is down for a nap. Especially for a couple that tend to work later than the traditional working hours, and for someone in Brett’s line of work, “Brett would love to be able to play around more in the kitchen and try out recipes but it's not always possible with Freja's sleep schedule,” said Wendy. The pair have adapted their lives to facilitate quiet as much as possible, “we hide away in our bedroom a lot to listen to music or chat on the phone… it is also hard to clean and get caught up when Freja sleeps, because of her room location. We'd have to go through her room to take out garbage, and the same for taking out our dog.”

Freja eats a snack in her Ikea Antilop high chair. Loved by many parents for its simplicity of design and ease of cleaning, it's also only $20.

In terms of the space itself, the kitchen has not seen huge changes since the arrival of Freja. With the exception of the high chair and a small wooden play oven. Despite the limited access, Wendy and family like to spend time in this room. The parents both enjoy cooking and Freja takes advantage of the floor space to move and play. What’s more, its view out the the redwoods is special for a city apartment (one of which they have dubbed ‘Freja’s tree’, as it lies directly outside her nursery window).

An umbrella stroller like this Summer Infant 3D Lite is perfect for navigating stairs, then stowing indoors.

Follow the aptly named dog, Flaca (skinny in Spanish), down the hall and the rest of the house unravels; revealing a bathroom, master bedroom and lastly the living room, adjacent to the front door. While the hall is not wasted space either, playing host to storage, art and Freja’s stroller, which stays folded neatly until the next outing.

In the living room, Freja’s toys are mostly neatly stored away in a basket under the coffee table with the exception of a wooden activity center. It doesn’t feel cluttered or kids-y. There is ample art and personal pieces in the room that play homage to lives lived by a young couple. When Freja needs entertainment however, toys can be pulled out to transform the room into a play zone.

So far, Wendy and Brett have enjoyed family life in the apartment, “we've been pleasantly surprised at how well we've been able to live with less,” said Wendy. Beyond the sound transparency issue, the biggest challenge has come from storage. Or lack thereof, “it's been interesting trying to fit things in every other nook and cranny that we can come up with. Our closets and drawers are packed and there's no wiggle room under our bed,” Wendy adds. The couple try to keep on top of what is being used, what isn’t, and to purge the superfluous items. Bulky things that Freja used in earlier stages of her development, such as their cherished Bednest bassinet, or baby toys like a jumper and walker, have already been moved on.  

The family are in a constant state of give and take. And this adaptability is how the Newsome-Campbells are making it work in their small apartment; crafting a home for themselves out of, and with respect to, their urban environment.

Words: Rachel Jamieson
Pictures: Rachel Jamieson