Brett Meech, proprietor of Conifer Shop, resides in a charming apartment situated directly above his antique establishment on the main thoroughfare of Lunenburg, N.S. This convenient arrangement allows for an effortless daily commute, while also providing Brett with the opportunity to continuously refresh his living space with unique vintage and antique finds sourced from his extensive buying trips across Massachusetts, India, and Europe. One particular challenge of this historic circa-1860 apartment is its compact "Parisian kitchen," equipped with only a mini fridge, microwave, toaster, and a single burner. Despite these limitations, Brett emphasizes that the primary objective was to customize the area to suit his personal needs, asserting that the space successfully fulfills every requirement he envisioned for his home. He proudly supports the local culinary scene and believes his store introduces a touch of urban sophistication to the small town.

Brett Meech's journey to this unique dwelling wasn't driven by a specific town, but rather by an immediate connection to the building itself, which captivated him from the outset. The structure’s excellent condition meant minimal expenditure on renovations, allowing him to focus on minor yet impactful updates, such as repainting and installing a ceiling-mounted shower fixture for the existing clawfoot tub in the bathroom. Living in a small space offers distinct advantages, with Brett highlighting the ease of maintaining tidiness; a quick 10-second cleanup is far less demanding than managing a larger household. His approach to decorating involves strategic splurges on high-quality furniture and accessories, like elegant drapes, believing that such details elevate and personalize the interior. However, he acknowledges the necessity of discipline in curating possessions due to limited space. Despite these benefits, small-home living presents its own set of challenges, particularly in culinary pursuits and entertaining capabilities, as accommodating more than two guests can quickly lead to overcrowding. Yet, the presence of a guest room provides a comfortable retreat for visiting parents.

A standout feature of Brett's apartment, and indeed one of his favorites, is the set of skylights installed by the previous owner above the stairwell and in the bedroom. These architectural elements imbue the space with a distinct Parisian garret ambiance, transforming his living quarters above the shop into a personal sanctuary reminiscent of a charming European retreat. For those considering small-space living, Brett advises prioritizing functionality based on individual lifestyle. He contemplates future upgrades, such as a more expansive kitchen with a larger refrigerator and oven, should his long-term plans involve remaining in this location. The decision to allocate space for a guest room, rather than a den or office, underscores his philosophy of tailoring the home to immediate needs. His role as a store owner offers an unconventional but effective solution to clutter: a continuous rotation of accessories. This constant exchange means that once an item has served its purpose or a more desirable alternative is found, it can be seamlessly swapped out, embodying the timeless and adaptable nature of antiques.