Bear in mind Owobu Ijewere, the trendy stranger Joanna met on a neighborhood stroll this previous spring? She’s a 27-year-old graphic designer, who rents a 330-square-foot studio in Park Slope, Brooklyn. “I’ve realized find out how to make it really feel cozy, however I’m nonetheless determining find out how to host in a single day visitors,” she says. “When my sisters go to, we filter the dwelling area, blow up the air mattress — after which they’re sleeping two toes away from me. I all the time inform them, ‘Okay, you could have one night time right here after which goodbye!’” Right here, she takes us on a tour…
LIVING AREA
Dresser: Wayfair. Espresso tables: Wayfair. Couch: “Previous CB2 on Fb Market.” Throw pillows: Marshalls, comparable.
On a two-year-long condominium search: I moved from Atlanta to Brooklyn in 2024, and determined to sublet for 3 months whereas I appeared for an condominium. I assumed that will be loads of time to search out one thing that made sense when it comes to worth, area, and site. Three months stretched into 5, after which I signed a lease for an condominium in a brand new constructing — solely to be moved into momentary housing when the homeowners bumped into allow delays. From there, I moved to one other condominium, which turned out to have mice. I stayed for 11 months earlier than I hit my restrict. Then, lastly, I discovered this studio final March, and I’m glad to say I’ve actually beloved it.
Armchair: Fb Market, comparable.
On a captivating DIY: I all the time envisioned dwelling in an older constructing with inside moulding and character. However I shortly realized I like entry to fashionable facilities and the health club! So I DIYed the moulding. I took measurements, ordered a peel-and-stick package, and sketched out the location on a chunk of paper. Then I reached out to my favourite man on TaskRabbit, who’s helped me with all my condominium initiatives.
On an emergency buy: I solely learn romance novels. I don’t know if that’s a very good or dangerous factor! I simply began Reel, by Kennedy Ryan. I really purchased it as a result of I popped right into a bookstore, determined to make use of the toilet, they usually had a strict customers-only coverage. I’ve learn and beloved Kennedy Ryan’s different books, so I figured it was a protected wager! Up to now, it’s actually gentle and humorous.
Credenza: Ikea.
On feeling at residence in an enormous metropolis: I grew up in Lagos, Nigeria, which has a really comparable power to New York: It’s loud, it smells, and everyone seems to be hustling. I’m all the time most snug in locations like that. Up to now, New York is the one different place I’ve lived that’s felt like residence.
BEDROOM AREA
Bookcase: Wayfair, comparable.
On internet hosting: Since shifting right here, I’ve began throwing apartment-café events. Primarily, I arrange my condominium like a espresso store, with a diffusion of pastries and drinks. I invite a couple of associates, and we hang around over matcha. I received a couple of of these stools from Ikea, that are useful for gatherings. That’s really how I met Joanna — she caught me on the sidewalk as I used to be heading residence with my large Ikea bag!
Dresser and flooring lamp: Fb Market. Portray: by Owobu. Pillows: Marshalls, comparable.
On a celebration headcount: I solely invite three visitors max, as a result of I’m satisfied that this area can’t match greater than 4 individuals comfortably. My associates insist I might do at the least eight, however I don’t purchase it. I imagine that everybody ought to have the ability to sit down on the identical time. (And sitting on my mattress shouldn’t be allowed!)
Chair: Fb Market. Foldout desk: Amazon.
On playful place playing cards: For my birthday this yr, I invited associates to hitch me for dinner at Freemans restaurant. I assumed it’d be enjoyable to make use of their child photos on the place playing cards, as an alternative of names. So, I discovered child images on their Instagrams, printed them out, and put them on the desk with little social gathering hats. Everybody beloved it a lot and mentioned they had been the perfect social gathering favors.
KITCHEN
Gentle pendant: Ikea. Picket fork: classic, from Kudzu Antiques + Trendy.
On apartment-hunting recommendation: For those who’re in search of an condominium right here, I’d advocate prioritizing location over dimension. For those who can’t reside in your dream neighborhood, then attempt to reside close to a subway that’ll get you to it.
On saving area: I’ve a storage unit about 10 minutes away from my constructing, the place I hold winter garments and vacation decor. I additionally hold issues like my promenade gown and previous journals in there (I’m sentimental!). I did the mathematics and realized I’d moderately pay $150 for a storage locker than an additional $1,000 for a much bigger condominium.
On new adventures: I received engaged earlier this summer season, and I’m really shifting out of my studio in a pair weeks. My companion lives in Toronto, and I’ve determined to offer Canada a attempt. I’m actually excited to be dwelling with my greatest buddy, however I’m unhappy to be leaving New York. I made my fiancé promise me that we’ll transfer again right here in a pair years, and I’m holding him to it.
Thanks a lot, Owobu! We’re rooting for you!
P.S. Extra home excursions, together with Stella Blackmon’s 175-square-foot condominium, and a small Swedish condominium that’s bursting with shade.
(Pictures by Veronica Olson for Cup of Jo.)
