Location: Gastown Rent: under $1,200 per month Square feet: about 850 Length of time here: Three year

Occupants: Ross MacMillan, artist/designer/owner of Industrial Artifacts Inn; with Kimberly ManMillan, human resources management for local hi-tech company

Major selling feature: "it's one of the architectural gems of Vancouver, the only true 'Flat Iron' building in Vancouver, and the only one I know of anywhere that has a balcony at the bow. It's also only about a 10minute walk to the Vancouver Convention and Exhibition Centre where I'm taking part in the Circle Craft Christmas Market (31st annual, Nov. 10-14, www.circlecraft.net). It's the best place to do your Christmas shopping and see the work of some Canada's most talented artists and craftspeople."

First thing we changed: "New paint, new carpets, hardwood flooring for kitchen."

Feature we brag about: "The balcony. We have one of the most interesting perspectives in the city. And of course, the history of the Europe Hotel. Our suite was once Angelo Calori's (builder of the Europe Hotel) private suite. I'm told this was the first steel-framed poured concrete building west of Chicago. I also brag about living only 50 metres away from my store and about 150 meters from my workshop... where I transform recycled industrial materials into uniquely funky furniture and decor."

The decor: "Historically eclectic. Urban-rustic-modern. Many of the pieces are my creations. The liquor cabinet was once a machinist's tool cupboard: the dining table is made from a wooden master pattern used to cast steel sprockets for Progressive Engineering Works, circa 1940s. There's a number of family antiques and artifacts from both my family and Kim's family."

Story behind the furniture: "All of the original art is by local artists Johann Wieghardt, Brigitte Potter-Mael, Luciana Alvarez, and a few of our other talented friends. The most unusual piece is a beautiful bottle of wine from Steven Segal's winery. The label is priceless, and so is the story of where it came from!"

Downsides: "Occasionally it can be a bit noisy, but you get used to it. No dishwasher and one sink has helped Kimberly and me to be more productive by turning dishwashing time into a meditative exercise."

About the 'hood: "Gastown is the best and most authentic neighborhood in the city - it's where it all started. It's a very unpretentious neighborhood where people get to know their neighbors and where everyone's welcome. It's definitely blossoming into the neighborhood we all knew it could be. It's a garden whose seeds are being cultivated by a diverse cross-section of caring people."

Neighborhood haunts: "Industrial Artifacts (49 Powell, www.industrialartiftcts.com), the Irish Heather, the Jewel of In dia. Mo' Butta have the best burgers in the 'hood. Restaurant One, Sunrise Market. Army & Navy. We're also only an eight-minute walk to the Tinseltown Cinemas."

Compared to our last place: "Our last place was in False Creek on Moberley. It was a bigger place with a nice mountain and harbour view, but quite boring for us and our tastes. This place has the architecture, the history, and the diversity. There's never a dull moment. It's a more creative and edgier existence. And centrally-located."

Most recent home purchase: "Stainless steel dish rack."

Renovation plans: "New counter tops for kitchen, tiles for the bathroom floor, and I want to design more efficient storage unit for some of our clothes."

Favourite apartment activity: "With 16 windows and a Papal-like balcony, our favorite activity is definitely watching the variety of people who live, work, tour, and party in Gastown. Barbecuing in the summer is always entertaining- there's always lots of fun interaction with the people on the street."