A 499-Square-Foot Montreal Studio Feels MUCH Larger Than It Actually Is

Name: Kevin Campbell
Location: Montreal, Quebec
Type of home: Apartment
Size: 499 square foot
Years lived in: 4 months, renting

Tell us a little (or a lot) about your home and the people who live there: My studio is a small, tobacco-factory loft conversion located a hop and a skip away from the beautiful Atwater Market in Montreal, Quebec. Despite the 499 square footage, its overall layout renders the space surprisingly open and comfortable. Years before moving into this apartment was even a thought, I remember saving a picture of a beautiful studio apartment located in Berlin. The apartment had the most beautiful architectural windows across the entire front of the space, and I remembered thinking to myself that I’d love to live in a similar space one day. Fast forward to 2020, and I am literally living in a space that isn’t too far off from the picture I saved on my desktop more than ten years ago. Manifestation is real, y’all!

I was born in Trinidad and Tobago, so there are definitely aspects of my afro-Caribbean identity that is reflected in my home. I’m not afraid of colour, pattern, texture, or bold visual statements. Of course there are always limitations as to what can be executed in a rental unit… that said, I do draw on some of the visual cues that speak to my heritage and to my travels when approaching some of the choices that I have made in my home. The giant seagrass stems in the woven basket beside my bed are definitely one of the elements that conjure feelings of growing up on the islands. Also, the woven mesob above my chest of drawers was something that I haggled intensely for in an Ethiopian market during my travels to Addis Ababa a few years ago. My dresser was a splurge for me, but I purchased on sight because its undeniable global, one-of-a-kind appeal. I enjoy pieces that are unique, and that come with its own narrative.

Describe your home’s style in 5 words or less: Organically eclectic with international touches

What’s the last thing you bought (or found!) for your home? My recent gift to myself was an incredible piece of art from the Boston-based artist, Imo Nse Iseh. He is INCREDIBLY talented!

Any advice for creating a home you love? 1. Take your time. Generally, it always takes longer and costs more than you anticipate to build a home that you love. 2. Be true to what you love. When it comes to creating a home that you love, it really is ALL ABOUT YOU!!

This submission’s responses and photos were edited for length/size and clarity.

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