Bear in mind Owobu Ijewere, the fashionable 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 best way to make it really feel cozy, however I’m nonetheless determining the best way to host in a single day visitors,” 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 all the time inform them, ‘Okay, you may 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, related.
On a two-year-long house search: I moved from Atlanta to Brooklyn in 2024, and determined to sublet for 3 months whereas I seemed for an house. I believed that may be loads of time to seek out one thing that made sense by way of value, area, and placement. Three months stretched into 5, after which I signed a lease for an house in a brand new constructing — solely to be moved into short-term housing when the house owners bumped into allow delays. From there, I moved to one other house, 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, related.
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 trendy facilities and the health club! So I DIYed the moulding. I took measurements, ordered a peel-and-stick package, and sketched out the position on a bit of paper. Then I reached out to my favourite man on TaskRabbit, who’s helped me with all my house tasks.
On an emergency buy: I solely learn romance novels. I don’t know if that’s an excellent or dangerous 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, and so they had a strict customers-only coverage. I’ve learn and cherished Kennedy Ryan’s different books, so I figured it was a protected wager! Thus far, it’s actually mild and humorous.
Credenza: Ikea.
On feeling at residence in an enormous metropolis: I grew up in Lagos, Nigeria, which has a really related 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. Thus far, New York is the one different place I’ve lived that’s felt like residence.
BEDROOM AREA
Bookcase: Wayfair, related.
On internet hosting: Since shifting right here, I’ve began throwing apartment-café events. Basically, I arrange my house like a espresso store, with a ramification of pastries and drinks. I invite a couple of associates, and we hang around over matcha. I obtained a couple 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 huge Ikea bag!
Dresser and flooring lamp: Fb Market. Portray: by Owobu. Pillows: Marshalls, related.
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 may do not less than eight, however I don’t purchase it. I imagine that everybody ought to be capable of sit down on the similar 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 believed it’d be enjoyable to make use of their child footage on the place playing cards, as an alternative of names. So, I discovered child pictures on their Instagrams, printed them out, and put them on the desk with little occasion hats. Everybody cherished it a lot and mentioned they had been one of the best occasion favors.
KITCHEN
Gentle pendant: Ikea. Wood fork: classic, from Kudzu Antiques + Trendy.
On apartment-hunting recommendation: In the event you’re searching for an house right here, I’d suggest prioritizing location over dimension. In the event you can’t stay in your dream neighborhood, then attempt to stay 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 maths and realized I’d fairly pay $150 for a storage locker than an additional $1,000 for an even bigger house.
On new adventures: I obtained engaged earlier this summer time, and I’m truly shifting out of my studio in a pair weeks. My companion lives in Toronto, and I’ve determined to offer Canada a strive. I’m actually excited to be dwelling with my finest good friend, 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 house, and a small Swedish house that’s bursting with shade.
(Pictures by Veronica Olson for Cup of Jo.)
