Keep 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 discovered the right way to make it really feel cozy, however I’m nonetheless determining the right way to host in a single day company,” she says. “When my sisters go to, we filter out the dwelling area, blow up the air mattress — after which they’re sleeping two toes away from me. I at all times inform them, ‘Okay, you might 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 Couch: “Outdated CB2 on Fb Market.” Throw pillows: Marshalls, comparable.
On a two-year-long condo search: I moved from Atlanta to Brooklyn in 2024, and determined to sublet for 3 months whereas I regarded for an condo. I assumed that might 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 condo in a brand new constructing — solely to be moved into non permanent housing when the homeowners bumped into allow delays. From there, I moved to one other condo, 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 pleased to say I’ve actually cherished it.
Armchair: Fb Market, comparable.
On an enthralling DIY: I at all times envisioned dwelling in an older constructing with inside moulding and character. However I rapidly realized I like entry to trendy facilities and the gymnasium! 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 condo initiatives.
On an emergency buy: I solely learn romance novels. I don’t know if that’s a superb or unhealthy factor! I simply began Reel, by Kennedy Ryan. I truly purchased it as a result of I popped right into a bookstore, determined to make use of the lavatory, they usually had a strict customers-only coverage. I’ve learn and cherished Kennedy Ryan’s different books, so I figured it was a protected guess! To date, it’s actually mild and humorous.
Credenza: Ikea.
On feeling at residence in a giant metropolis: I grew up in Lagos, Nigeria, which has a really comparable vitality to New York: It’s loud, it smells, and everyone seems to be hustling. I’m at all times most snug in locations like that. To date, New York is the one different place I’ve lived that’s felt like residence.
BEDROOM AREA
Bookcase: Wayfair, comparable.
On internet hosting: Since transferring right here, I’ve began throwing apartment-café events. Basically, I arrange my condo like a espresso store, with a selection of pastries and drinks. I invite a number of associates, and we hang around over matcha. I bought a number of of these stools from Ikea, that are helpful for gatherings. That’s truly how I met Joanna — she caught me on the sidewalk as I used to be heading residence with my large Ikea bag!
Dresser and ground lamp: Fb Market. Portray: by Owobu. Pillows: Marshalls, comparable.
On a celebration headcount: I solely invite three company max, as a result of I’m satisfied that this area can’t match greater than 4 folks comfortably. My associates insist I might do at the very 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 is just not allowed!)
Chair: Fb Market. Foldout desk: Amazon.
On playful place playing cards: For my birthday this yr, I invited associates to affix 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 a substitute of names. So, I discovered child photographs on their Instagrams, printed them out, and put them on the desk with little social gathering hats. Everybody cherished it a lot and stated they have been one of the best social gathering favors.
KITCHEN
Gentle pendant: Ikea. Wood fork: classic, from Kudzu Antiques + Fashionable.
On apartment-hunting recommendation: In the event you’re on the lookout for an condo right here, I’d advocate prioritizing location over measurement. In the event you can’t dwell in your dream neighborhood, then attempt to dwell 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 maintain winter garments and vacation decor. I additionally maintain issues like my promenade costume and previous journals in there (I’m sentimental!). I did the mathematics and realized I’d fairly pay $150 for a storage locker than an additional $1,000 for an even bigger condo.
On new adventures: I bought engaged earlier this summer season, and I’m truly transferring out of my studio in a pair weeks. My accomplice lives in Toronto, and I’ve determined to provide Canada a strive. I’m actually excited to be dwelling with my finest pal, 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 condo, and a small Swedish condo that’s bursting with coloration.
(Pictures by Veronica Olson for Cup of Jo.)
