“I’ve rented this condominium for 5 years,” says chef and cookbook writer Natasha Pickowicz of her 500-square-foot Brooklyn condominium. “At first, I resisted hanging artwork and making modifications as a result of a rental is momentary. However finally I spotted: That is the place I reside now. Why not make it as snug as I can?” Right here, Natasha provides us a tour…
ENTRYWAY
Rug: classic. Portrait: painted by Natasha’s mom. “I believe I’m eight on this one.”
On birthday traditions: Yearly, my mother, who’s an artist, painted a birthday portrait of me. My mother and father nonetheless reside in my childhood house in San Diego, and my bed room is stuffed with them. It virtually appears like a bizarre shrine to me! After I moved to New York, I introduced alongside just a few favorites.
KITCHEN AREA:
Pink lamp: related.
On meal planning: Working in eating places taught me to plan meals round elements, as an alternative of discovering a distinct dinner recipe to prepare dinner each night. If I’m within the temper for hen, I’ll purchase an entire hen after which poach it, so I’ve a leftover batch of flavorful inventory. Then, I’ll eat that inventory each morning with rice and steamed greens.
Vase: Carolina Irving & Daughters. Slicing board: Nordstrom.
On pet-proofing: My cat, Tini, found out how one can open the cupboard door and assist herself to meals and treats. My repair? Slant the door. It’s crooked, sure, however now she will be able to’t open it.
Print: Plant Planet.
On sizzling takes: Nectarines are my favourite fruit. They’ve softer pores and skin and extra acidity than peaches. They style good in salads with darkish greens, like spinach or escarole, they usually make wonderful jam.
Bookshelves: Ikea. Pink lamps: related. Cat bowl: Smalls.
On cooking in a small condominium: I transformed the entrance corridor closet right into a pantry, and I’ve a compact fridge. Dwelling on this area has taught me how one can prepare dinner leaner. As a substitute of doing massive grocery hauls, I’m going buying each couple days and speak to folks in my neighborhood.
LIVING AREA:
Rug: Schoolhouse. Couch: Pottery Barn.
On funds buying: Whereas sofa-shopping at Pottery Barn, I discovered one I beloved and was able to order. However then my boyfriend requested a salesman if I might simply purchase the ground mannequin. They mentioned sure and bought it to me at a giant low cost!
On household rituals: Rising up, my mother and father and I ate dinner collectively each evening. Afterward, we’d stroll across the block. These evenings with them instilled in me a deep love for strolling. These days, strolling across the neighborhood after consuming a nourishing meal is an act of being at house.
Print: Mike Paré. Desk: West Elm. Chairs: thrifted.
On life and not using a TV: After I first moved to New York, I didn’t purchase a TV since my former condominium was smaller, and I didn’t need it to be the very first thing company observed. After a pair months, I spotted I didn’t miss it. Now, if I actually wish to watch a film or present, I’ll watch it on my laptop computer. However as a common rule, I attempt to wind down by studying, drawing, or puttering across the backyard.
BEDROOM
Throw: Hubsch Inside. Sconces: Poplight. Facet desk: related.
On playful lighting: My mother visited and mentioned, ‘Your lighting scenario right here is insufficient.’ So, she purchased me these sconces. They’re nice for leases as a result of they follow your partitions with double-sided tape and are battery-operated.
On cozy corners: I wish to name my bed room my treehouse. It has stairs right down to the yard. Within the mornings, it appears like waking as much as a secret backyard.
On enjoyable crafts: My boyfriend, his son, and I made these dioramas within the yard — they’re impressed by tenting journeys we went on this yr. After I was a child, my mother turned our storage into her artwork studio, and I keep in mind seeing her paintings everywhere in the home. Now it feels so fulfilling to have a house that evokes my family members and me to create.
GARDEN
On restorative initiatives: My cookbook, Everybody Sizzling Pot, was printed earlier this yr, and I did a two-month e book tour, road-tripping from California to the Midwest to Canada and again to the East Coast. Visiting so many cities and assembly readers was exhilarating. However once I obtained again to New York, the comedown from all that pleasure hit me laborious. So, I spent plenty of time fixing up the backyard and planting vegetables and fruit: purple okra, kale, husk cherries, cucumber, bitter melon, and many tomatoes.
On occasion video games: I really like establishing blind style assessments like in High Chef. I’ll put everybody in makeshift blindfolds, then pluck no matter herbs are rising within the backyard — Thai basil, lavender, lemongrass — and provides them tastes. Folks get actually into it! They’ll really feel so assured that they know what they’re consuming, and seeing their faces when they’re mistaken is priceless.
On nostalgic fruits: Ardour fruit grows throughout San Diego, the place I grew up, so I planted two passionflower vines again right here. They’re so stunning and produce massive, bizarre flowers. At any time when I see them, I’m reminded of house.
On chaotic gardens: This yr, I actually wished to lean into as many vining crops as doable. I like for issues to get massive and bushy, go to seed and bolt, and appear like a wild jungle. I really feel so good about what my boyfriend and I did again right here this yr, and I’m excited to see what we provide you with subsequent summer time.
Thanks a lot, Natasha! We love you.
P.S. A Brooklyn condominium stuffed with surprises, and a household’s downsized dream house.
(Images by Veronica Olson for Cup of Jo.)
