Ellen Ho (with pet dog Bossy) in her Mount Pleasant studio loft.

Credit: Doug Shanks

MY DIGS: Loving life in Mount Pleasant

What it is: An artist loft studio in the Mount Pleasant area

Price: $340,000

Square feet: 700

Occupants: Ellen Ho, photographer and owner of Hong Photography Studio; and Bossy, a Boston Terrier.

Major selling features: “It’s an open-concept space with a huge 16-by-nine-foot window and a really cool ceiling, and it’s at a central location, with easy access to shops, restaurants, and grocery stores.”

First thing I changed: “The first thing I did was add three huge antique gold-framed floor mirrors to make the space appear bigger. Then I added an antique-looking wallpaper behind the bed, and I also hung a chandelier.”

Features I brag about: “I love the gold-framed floor mirrors, combined with my antique collection and my new French-inspired sofas — they add so much character in this industrial space; the loft looks chic but a bit edgy. There’s also a huge, white built-in closet with a Murphy bed that unites the space perfectly.”

That one conversation piece: “I have a reclaimed pine panel showcasing a hand-painted Guinevere portrait, hung above the sofa. It’s a perfect blend of elegance and ruggedness.”

The décor: “It’s a bright and airy space, so I added lots of antiques and classic French-style furniture to inject some character. The space is set up primarily for my ‘Boudoir’ photo sessions — sexy lingerie shoots for everyday women — so I thought the French style would work really well, and it does! To avoid making the space too girly, I also added an old wooden trunk to create a stronger balance, and two Moroccan poufs to add some colours.”

Story behind the art: “I decorated the place with a lot of my own photography, as well as some 1960s fashion posters I got from Paris. All of them are framed in gold and showcased in a collage style.”

Downside: “The traffic is pretty noisy if you leave the window open.”

Neighbourhood haunts: “There are lots of cool cafés, boutiques, antique stores, and really good restaurants on Main Street. My favourite places to go are Baker’s Dozen Antiques, Gene Cafe, and Toshi Sushi.”

Compared to my last place... “This new place is located in a hip area where I love to hang out. I get to have the lifestyle I always wanted.”

Most recent home purchase: “I bought an old antique mannequin that was very hard to find. I also found an antique typewriter with some books from the early 1800s.”

Favourite home activity: “Hanging out with my beloved Bossy on the sofa and watching TV.”