Mysest56 
July 9, 2019
When Daniel Meloche downsized out of a 900-square-foot apartment into a 530-square-foot space of his own, he knew it was time to get creative. “I really wanted something different and this design stood out to mepersonally,” he states. “The plan is very unique and makes the square footage appear much bigger.”
The apartment was in great shape when he moved in, but it was not to his preference. Meloche updated many of the finishes and painted the walls crisp white as a background for his eclectic art collection. Custom modern furniture and smart DIY touches helped transform this tiny apartment into a gorgeous and efficient home.
at a Glance
Who lives here: Daniel Meloche
Location: Downtown Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Size: 530 square feet; a single bedroom; one bath; balcony
That is intriguing: Daniel transformed a kitchen storage space to a dining room.
Heather Merenda
Heather Merenda: What motivates your personal style?
Daniel Meloche: Everything around me is inspirational, from architecture to character to fabrics to other designers’ works of art.
HM: Can you own a decorating doctrine?
DM: I genuinely believe your home should always begin with a neutral palette around the walls and with major furniture pieces. You can construct color through your accessories and art. Color trends come and go so quickly, and the easiest way to refresh your distance is altering your accents. Nobody wants to be stuck using a green sofa or a purple wall, as people naturally like different colors and colors as time passes.
Sofa: Made to purchase at Stylus Sofas; chair: Wassily design, HomeSense; floor lamp: Moda, Torre & Tagus; pig statue: Design House (painted black); carpeting: 18 Karat
Heather Merenda
Meloche made many of the accessories within his living space, for example, typography and throw pillows. The art pieces were made using stencils and spray paint, as well as the cushions with assorted Maharam fabrics.
HM: What was your main design splurge?
DM: Hands it down the mirrored glass entrance light. I broke the first one and needed to replace it. Even after chopping off the top of my front door to make it fit, I am still so happy I bought it — totally worth all of the heartache.
Entry light: Notte, Prandina
Heather Merenda
HM: Your favourite design bit?
DM: My favourite design bit is the lit”M” signal that I bought on Etsy. It really stands out in the apartment. I am huge on incorporating conversation pieces that elicit a story or an emotion.
Lounge chair: Barcelona design from Eternity Modern; throw:’Exaggerated Plaid’ fabric, Maharam; rabbit lamp: Moooi
Heather Merenda
HM: Tell me about those shadowboxes.
DM: I had so many private items in boxes and determined it was time to exhibit a number of those meaningful keepsakes. The artwork screen by the front hallway involves a first photo of my late grandfather when he was at the Air Force, his vintage pocket watch and a little toy cube — that the letter”D” for Daniel, saved from my youth.
Heather Merenda
Meloche found the polished chrome coffee table frame at Metropolitan Furniture and obtained a marble slab out of 18 Karat to fit the frame.
HM: What exactly are you working on now?
DM: Working for Northland Properties, there are lots of exciting projects, from renovations to new builds from the ground up. I am quite lucky to work with such a talented team where we conceptualize and strategy resorts and restaurants from begin to finish. We have some fantastic new Moxie’s, Chop, Shark Club and Sandman Hotels going up around Canada.
Heather Merenda
This creative keyholder out of J-me Designis found in the entrance hall so Meloche never misplaces his keys.
HM: Any amazing deals you found along the way?
DM: For almost everything I purchase for my home, I attempt to source a whole lot. The Wassily-style side chair in the living room, which I found for under $300, was unquestionably among the best up to now.
Keyholder:Room In Order
Heather Merenda
HM: Where’s your favorite spot in your property?
DM: I really like the little patio. It has an open minded, private patio feel. It’s my small city escape, including peekaboo mountain perspectives and faux grass floors.
Seat: Kartell Bubble Club Chair by Philippe Starck; gnome statue: Canadian Tire (painted yellow)
Heather Merenda
Meloche repurposed a kitchen storage room as a formal dining room. The oversize pendant adds drama, and the transparent Kartell La Marie dining chairs by Philippe Starck reduce visual distance.
Gun vase: Create Design (spray painted black); pendant light: Moooi Random; dining table: Docksta, Ikea
Heather Merenda
HM: Who is your favourite designer?
DM: My favourite designer is Philippe Starck. He’s extremely talented not only in his interior designs, but also in the goods and furniture he generates. He’s the entire package when it comes to design, and that is an inspiration.
Faux taxidermy: HomeSense
Heather Merenda
HM: What would you like to do with your house next?
DM: The next project will be the kitchen. I think that the appliances are rather large in scale into the apartment and I would like to size them down. Also, I would like new granite countertops, a new undermount sink and new cupboard fronts at a darker finish to contrast off the walls.
Heather Merenda
HM: Any DIY projects?
DM: I am very proud I was able to tile the bathroom and do the plumbing. I have seen it done a lot of times on television — you never believe it is possible to do yourself, however, it wasn’t bad in any way. I am happy I did it by myself!
Wallpaper: Velvet Collectibles III variant, Metro Wallcoverings
Heather Merenda
HM: What did you do to earn the distance yours?
DM: I painted all of the walls white, added attribute wallpaper into the washroom and dining room, and extra marble tile into the fireplace, entrance and toilet when incorporating heated flooring. I replaced the vanity, sink and toilet with more modern fixtures and added all new light throughout the apartment. In the bedroom, I added custom closet organizers to maximize storage space. This happened about two months.
Shelves: Enudden, Ikea; flip clock: Torre & Tagus; wood candles: Jysk Home; clear tissue box: Caban (now closed)
Heather Merenda
The tufted, upholstered mattress frame features a space-saving storage method. The plan enables the mattress to pop up on hydraulics for access to things from below. It was custom designed and fabricated at Stylus Sofas.
Wood-stamped artwork: HomeSense; pendant lamps: habit; fur throw and cushions: 18 Karat
Heather Merenda
HM: What has been your main design issue?
DM: Lack of storage. I moved from a 900-square-foot apartment with many closets down to 530 square feet and only a closet in the bedroom and front hallway. Keeping only the things you actually need and finding a home for everything really posed a challenge.
Bedside lamps: Torre & Tagus; duvet/shams: made at a quilted fabric from Westport Manufacturing
Can you live in a creative, little apartment? Discuss it with us!