Houzz Tour: Tiny Sun-Bathed Apartment in California
A photographer fills her first solo home, a rented apartment in Venice, with flea market finds and resourceful storage
Vanessa Brunner
June 7, 2012
Houzz Contributor
Although squishing into 600 square feet doesn't sound great to some, this tiny sun-drenched apartment is heaven to photographer Annie McElwain. Nestled close to the canals in Venice, California, the rental is McElwain's first place where she's living on her own. "I was first drawn to the bright space, but I think what I ultimately fell in love with was that it was mine," she says.
The apartment may be a temporary refuge, but McElwain has enjoyed decorating it. Smart storage solutions, plenty of wall art and beautiful vignettes add personality to the space without requiring any structural changes.
Houzz at a Glance:
Who lives here: Annie McElwain
Location: Venice, California
Size: 600 square feet; 1 bedroom
The apartment may be a temporary refuge, but McElwain has enjoyed decorating it. Smart storage solutions, plenty of wall art and beautiful vignettes add personality to the space without requiring any structural changes.
Houzz at a Glance:
Who lives here: Annie McElwain
Location: Venice, California
Size: 600 square feet; 1 bedroom
McElwain moved into her apartment after a long relationship had ended — with no furniture except for a bed. "I loved the process of creating my own space, and that I didn't have to please anyone other than myself," she says. "I highly recommend every young woman have her own apartment at some point."
Rug: Overstock.com; pillows: West Elm; bedside light: Etsy
Rug: Overstock.com; pillows: West Elm; bedside light: Etsy
Favorite nighttime reading material is easily accessible on wall shelves next to the bed. Flea market accessories, sourced from her favorite spots at the Rose Bowl Flea Market and the Ventura Flea Market, accompany a simple industrial lamp.
Nightstands: flea market; bedside light; Amazon; shelves: Umbra
Nightstands: flea market; bedside light; Amazon; shelves: Umbra
McElwain loved the idea of using milk crates as storage — something she'd seen in a workshop. She found the crates during a visit to the Ventura Flea Market, and her boyfriend reinforced them with reclaimed wood and installed them on the wall using cleats. Vintage-inspired accessories complete the look.
Storage is always a challenge in this small apartment, so McElwain keeps most of her possessions on display. A wire framed shelving unit holds shoes and linens in the bedroom.
Wire organizer: Urban Outfitters
Wire organizer: Urban Outfitters
The ever-present California sunshine filters through the large windows in every room. This reliable natural light was a huge draw for McElwain. "It makes all the difference in the world," she says. "Nothing would seem as cheerful, bright and comfortable without good light."
A beautifully worn vintage leather couch sits next to a metal magazine rack and side table in the living room. "I feel like furniture should come from a variety of places, or else the space just ends up looking like a store catalog," she says.
Side tables: Urban Outfitters; magazine holder: Etsy; armchair: leather, Jeni from Found Vintage; rug: West Elm
A beautifully worn vintage leather couch sits next to a metal magazine rack and side table in the living room. "I feel like furniture should come from a variety of places, or else the space just ends up looking like a store catalog," she says.
Side tables: Urban Outfitters; magazine holder: Etsy; armchair: leather, Jeni from Found Vintage; rug: West Elm
Since this was her first time decorating her own space, McElwain soon found out that it's not easy to make a space beautiful and functional. Although she browsed online for inspiration, it was hard to find a look that felt livable. "For my small apartment everything needs its place, or else the home feels cluttered and thoughtless," she says.
Couch, pendant: Urban Outfitters; coffee table: flea market; pillows: eBay
Couch, pendant: Urban Outfitters; coffee table: flea market; pillows: eBay
Simple vignettes allow McElwain to display treasured belongings in an artful way. The wooden piece underneath the lamp and books is a toy chest her parents gave her when she was little.
Glass lamp: CB2
Glass lamp: CB2
Cameras, skateboards, purses and other knickknacks feel like part of a vignette when carefully hung or displayed on simple white shelving.
Having such a handy and artistic boyfriend is helpful too. McElwain recruited him to design and build these simple shower shelves.
Since her apartment is a rental, the kitchen was already set up, and McElwain could make only minimal changes. Luckily, the clean and open design made it fairly easy to decorate. A wooden bar and countertop pair with two chairs for casual meals.
A built-in shelving unit in the kitchen is one of the few storage solutions that came with the apartment. The open piece makes grabbing spices and oils easy.
A linen and neon Heath Ceramics tea towel adds colorful style.
Always a photographer — whether on the job or not — McElwain has a little Polaroid camera that she takes out from time to time when friends get together. Putting her favorites on the fridge helps her keep loved ones near.
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Everything looks so neat and organized in this small space.. However, I do not care for hanging ones possessions in open view- They end up being dust collectors. I would like to see more storage for these things that is fronted by a curtain or interesting doors.