Megan Close’s first solo digs may be pint sized, but that doesn’t stop her from expressing her absolutely super-sized personality.

This tiny 450-square-foot studio apartment in Vancouver’s tree-lined West End neighbourhood represents a lot of things about homeowner Megan Close – in concentrated form, of course. If you spot the ruffles, the stunning chandelier and the soft pink walls, you’ll guess correctly that Megan adores all things feminine and romantic. She is definitely sentimental when it comes to family, cherishing passed-down treasures. And yes, her favourite colour is blue.

Here’s something less obvious to the untrained eye: Megan, the communications manager at the home decor store the Cross Decor & Design, is actually a forward-thinking gal. The 28-year-old chose everything in this apartment with an eye to the future, hoping that it might someday work in a larger place. “My intention was to live in this apartment for a year to save up enough money to buy my own place,” she explains. Nevertheless, this place of transition quickly became a nest of creative expression for the recently liberated roomie. “I had always lived with someone before and had to keep some of my design desires under a lid,” she says. “It’s safe to say I really unleashed myself in here.” And yet, somehow, Megan managed to do all this without dishing out a lot of dough.

 

Homeowner Megan

Megan had her grandmother’s parlour chair refinished in a beautiful blue linen.

 

Whimsical decor accessories

Need a conversation starter? How about a colourful parrot (the non-talking kind)? “I love birds in decor,” says homeowner Megan Close.

 

Pendant light

A pendant light with a delicate naked lampshade adds interest without over-whelming the tiny bedroom or stealing the homemade headboard’s limelight.

 

White dresser

Crystal knobs update a basic white dresser. It now serves as both a dressing table and a room divider.

 

Gallery wall

Megan always wanted to create a gallery wall, and her plain 1960s apartment walls offered the ideal blank slate. This one features family photographs, favourite artwork and other collectibles.

 

Side table

A vintage trunk acts as a side table with storage or extra seating when needed. Says Megan: “I usually lean toward neutrals and soft pastels, but when I find something in a dark colour that I love, I always buy it.”

 

Kitchen

Megan added the bar top and a shelf (not shown) made from inexpensive MDF. The four-by-five-foot small space kitchen needed the extra counter space, and the shelf provides more storage. A pair of industrial gunmetal-grey stools turns the counter into a breakfast bar while creating extra seating for guests.  

 

Adding pattern

Megan says the bestway to add pattern in a small space is with toss cushions. She imparted a dash of zest with vibrant green ones throughout. Megan opted against drapery in the living room because she loves the light that pours in. “Plus, the view really opens up the small space,” she says.

 

Vintage cabinet

This vintage cabinet served a handful of functions for Megan and her sisters over the years. Right now, it's a stylish storage solution, housing Megan’s rather large collection of kitchen dishes. “That really pretty sparkly chandelier, which I begged my mom to buy for me way back in high school, has followed me everywhere,” she adds.