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
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
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| 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. |
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| 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 |
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
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| 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 |
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.
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| 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.
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| 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. |
Comments
Deja Vu Vintage Modern Beautiful images of an art filled and well designed space! Putting everyday items on display because of lack of storage is smart and practical, while reminding you do surround yourself by things you love.
13 months ago · Like
Hugh Wolfe Very nice... lots of inspiration here. I like small spaces and can also relate to the lack of furniture (only a bed) as I'm in a similar situation... Currently looking for a place of my own as I'm tired of the rental game.
13 months ago · Like
inkwitch It's gratifying to see photos of a really small, modest living space with wonderful finds treated with importance. So true: everyone should live alone at least once. You'll be surprised how addictive it is! And liberating! I'd love to see more modest domiciles. Not all of us live in big, architect-designed to-die-for homes. Love your place!
13 months ago · Like
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Charmean Neithart Interiors, LLC. Small spaces are wonderful. I had a similar place when I was in my early 20's, before I was married. Brings back great memories. Thanks for sharing.
13 months ago · Like
ralucachirila I love your appartment, small and sooo intimate. I'm a girl living by myself in a tiny apartment too and I really really like all about it. It is my own and I decorated it myself. Maybe someday I will send some pictures.
13 months ago · Like
SPACIFY INC, perfect Small spaces dear!
13 months ago · Like
dshaviv Very nice
13 months ago · Like
Vintage Renewal Love it!
12 months ago · Like
leslie Small and sweet.
12 months ago · Like
Lori Gentile Interior Design Takes me back in time--I had a few of these small perfect nests as well. Enjoy!!
12 months ago · Like
kylaskloset I enjoy these types of modest, featured homes and apartments, etc. I love browsing through all of the elegant homes on this site, but I find this type of feature much more practical and helpful. All of the storage and decor ideas are great, and keeps her apartment modern, functional and cozy.
12 months ago · Like
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Whitney F I wholeheartedly agree that every young woman should have her own apartment at some point. This apartment is a lovely reflection of the woman who lives there. Kudos.
12 months ago · Like
Cindy Strobel I love how you have managed to make your small space seem large and your collectables make it feel homey, I noticed that you collect bottles,why not try some colored ones and place in your window for some light sparkle! summer or winter the light shines through them You might even want to add some prisms to the mix! Ps. I have a son who lives in an a small apt also in Venice, I have sent him your unique ideas on storage solutions. 
12 months ago · Like
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zombieknit Cute, neat and practical. I also like the more realistic homes (but the fancy ones are nice to drool over too). One thing I would mention, though...you might want to put Blutack under the ornaments, in case of earthquakes. I wish I had done it before our city was shaken up (4 big ones in just over a year). It may never happen, but that's what we thought in Christchurch, New Zealand. Losing all your ornaments is a pain and a mess, especially the sentimental objects.
12 months ago · Like
evergrove lovely apartment!
12 months ago · Like
erikadeer Thank you for sharing your home- would you also share more about your bedside lamps, besides that you sourced them on Amazon? Thank you~
12 months ago · Like
dublin1948 Great ideas. A very cozy space! Thanx for sharing.
12 months ago · Like
kennedytarheel On this week's Houzz.com, Laura Gaskill featured this same wire shelf and suggested that it came from a "cool junk hunt." See:
Ideabook: 12 Steps to a Happy Teen.... Obviously, that was not true because this article states that it is from Urban Outfitters (see photo 4 above).
Ideabook: 12 Steps to a Happy Teen...10 months ago · Like
sofiadaniella Was in awe when I saw this! I felt like I was in heaven! Peaceful & it's like a problem-free place. Nice one!
2 weeks ago · Like
Ideabook published on June 7, 2012.
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