# A Shop Owner's Tiny Parisian Apartment Above His Store

> Brett Meech lives above his antique shop in a petite 1860s apartment with a one-burner kitchen and rotating vintage decor.
- Title: A Shop Owner's Tiny Parisian Apartment Above His Store
- Summary: Brett Meech lives above his antique shop in a petite 1860s apartment with a one-burner kitchen and rotating vintage decor. Small-space living works when you…
- Keywords: brett meech, conifer shop, lunenburg, nova scotia, small space living, antique store, parisian style, apartment living, vintage decor, live-work space, Shop, Owner's
- Source: House & Home — https://houseandhome.com/decorating-and-design/petite-parisian-style-apartment
- Author: Aisha Duldul
- Published: 2026-09-16T15:56:23+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: brett meech, conifer shop, lunenburg, nova scotia, small space living, antique store, parisian style, apartment living, vintage decor, live-work space
## Living above the shop
Brett Meech owns Conifer Shop in Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, and lives in the circa-1860 apartment upstairs. He rotates vintage pieces from buying trips into his home.
## The building spoke to him
Brett didn't have a specific town in mind when he bought the place. The building was in great condition, so he didn't need to spend much on renovations.
## Minimal renovation required
For the apartment, Brett only had to paint and add a ceiling-mounted shower fixture in the bathroom. The quick turnaround made move-in easy.
## A one-burner kitchen
Brett's tiny Parisian-style kitchen has just a mini fridge, microwave, toaster and single burner on a rolling cart. He supports local restaurants instead of cooking elaborate meals.
## Splurging on the details
Brett spent money on furniture and accessories like nice drapes. He believes the details make a space feel elevated and special, even when it's small.
## A revolving door for decor
Being a store owner means Brett can swap out accessories whenever he wants. When he finds something he likes better, he just rotates pieces between home and shop.

> That's the beauty of antiques, they're timeless.
## Skylights create Parisian vibes
The skylights above the stairwell and in the bedroom are Brett's favorite feature. They make him feel like he's living in a Parisian apartment.
## Clever storage solutions
Brett uses antique pieces for storage, like a rolling cobbler rack from a shoe factory and stacked apothecary drawers on a Hungarian table as a secretary.
## Prioritize your lifestyle
Brett needed a guest room for his parents, but says others might prefer a den or office. Tailor your small space to what actually matters to you.
## Key takeaway

Small-space living works when you prioritize what matters most to your lifestyle, not what convention says you need.