Although squishing into 600 square feet doesn’t sound great to some, this tiny two-bedroom apartment is heaven to photographer Annie McElwain. Nestled close to the canals in Venice, California, the rental is McElwain’s very first location where she’s living on her own. “I was drawn to the bright space, but I think what I ultimately fell in love with was that it was mine,” she says.
The apartment might be a temporary refuge, however, McElwain has enjoyed decorating. Smart storage options, plenty of wall artwork and gorgeous vignettes add personality to the space without requiring any structural changes.
in a Glance:
Who lives here: Annie McElwain
Location: Venice, California
Size: 600 square ft; 1 bedroom
Annie McElwain Photography
McElwain moved in to 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 I did not have to please anyone besides myself,” she says. “I highly recommend every young girl have her own apartment at some point.”
Rug: Overstock.com; cushions: West Elm; bedside lighting: Etsy
Annie McElwain Photography
Favourite night reading material is readily available on wall shelves next to the bed. Flea market accessories, sourced from her favourite places in the Rose Bowl Flea Market and the Ventura Flea Market, accompany an easy industrial lamp.
Nightstands: flea market; bedside lighting; Amazon; shelves: Umbra
Annie McElwain Photography
McElwain adored the concept of using milk crates as storage — something she had found in a workshop. She found the crates during a trip to the Ventura Flea Market, and her boyfriend reinforced them with reclaimed wood and installed them onto the wall using cleats. Vintage-inspired accessories complete the look.
Annie McElwain Photography
Storage is always a challenge in this little apartment, so McElwain keeps all her possessions on display. A cable framed shelving unit holds linens and shoes in the bedroom.
Wire organizer: Urban Outfitters
Annie McElwain Photography
The ever-present California sun filters through the large windows in each area. This reliable all-natural light was a huge attraction for McElwain. “It makes all of the difference in the world,” she says. “Nothing could seem as pleasant, bright and comfortable without great light.”
A beautifully worn classic leather couch sits alongside a metal magazine rack and side table in the living area. “I feel as though furniture should come from various areas, or the space only ends up seeming like a store catalog,” she says.
Side tables: Urban Outfitters; magazine holder: Etsy; armchair: leather, Jeni from Found Vintage; carpet: West Elm
Annie McElwain Photography
Because this was her first time decorating her own space, McElwain soon discovered that it is not easy to make a space lovely and functional. Though she cried online for inspiration, it was hard to discover a look that felt livable. “For the small apartment everything needs its location, or the house feels cluttered and thoughtless,” she says.
Couch, pendant: Urban Outfitters; coffee table: flea market; cushions: eBay
Annie McElwain Photography
Straightforward vignettes enable McElwain to display treasured belongings in an artful way. The wooden piece underneath the lamp and novels is a toy chest her parents gave her when she was little.
Glass lamp: CB2
Annie McElwain Photography
Cameras, skateboards, purses and other knickknacks feel as a part of a vignette when carefully hung or displayed on white towels that are simple.
Annie McElwain Photography
Having such a useful and artistic boyfriend is helpful also. McElwain recruited him to design and build those shower shelves.
Annie McElwain Photography
Since her apartment is a rental, the kitchen has been installed, and McElwain can make only minimal adjustments. Fortunately, the clean and open layout made it fairly simple to decorate. Countertop pair and A bar with two seats for casual dishes.
Annie McElwain Photography
A built-in shelving system in the kitchen is one of those few storage options that came with the apartment. The open piece makes capturing spices and oils simple.
Annie McElwain Photography
A linen and neon Heath Ceramics tea towel provides vibrant style.
Annie McElwain Photography
Always a photographer — whether to the job or not — McElwain has a little Polaroid camera that she chooses out from time to time when friends get together. Putting her favorites onto the fridge helps her keep loved ones near.
