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 easy methods to make it really feel cozy, however I’m nonetheless determining easy methods to host in a single day company,” she says. “When my sisters go to, we filter out the residing house, 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 evening 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 Couch: “Outdated CB2 on Fb Market.”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, related.
On a two-year-long condominium search: I moved from Atlanta to Brooklyn in 2024, and determined to sublet for 3 months whereas I regarded for an condominium. I believed that may be loads of time to seek out one thing that made sense when it comes to worth, house, and placement. Three months stretched into 5, after which I signed a lease for an condominium 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 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 pleased to say I’ve actually cherished it.
Armchair: Fb Market, related.
On a captivating DIY: I all the time envisioned residing in an older constructing with inside moulding and character. However I rapidly realized I like entry to trendy facilities and the fitness center! So I DIYed the moulding. I took measurements, ordered a peel-and-stick equipment, and sketched out the position 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 unhealthy 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 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 secure wager! Thus far, it’s actually mild and humorous.
Credenza: Ikea.
On feeling at house in a giant metropolis: I grew up in Lagos, Nigeria, which has a really related vitality to New York: It’s loud, it smells, and everyone seems to be hustling. I’m all the time most comfy in locations like that. Thus far, New York is the one different place I’ve lived that’s felt like house.
BEDROOM AREA
Bookcase: Wayfair, related.
On internet hosting: Since transferring right here, I’ve began throwing apartment-café events. Basically, I arrange my condominium like a espresso store, with an expansion of pastries and drinks. I invite just a few associates, and we hang around over matcha. I bought just a few of these stools from Ikea, that are helpful for gatherings. That’s really how I met Joanna — she caught me on the sidewalk as I used to be heading house with my huge Ikea bag!
Dresser and ground lamp: Fb Market. Portray: by Owobu. Pillows: Marshalls, related.
On a celebration headcount: I solely invite three company max, as a result of I’m satisfied that this house can’t match greater than 4 individuals comfortably. My associates insist I might do at the very least eight, however I don’t purchase it. I consider that everybody ought to have the ability to sit down on the similar time. (And sitting on my mattress will not be allowed!)
Chair: Fb Market. Foldout desk: Amazon.
On playful place playing cards: For my birthday this 12 months, 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 a substitute 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 cherished it a lot and stated they had been one of the best social gathering favors.
KITCHEN
Mild pendant: Ikea. Picket fork: classic, from Kudzu Antiques + Fashionable.
On apartment-hunting recommendation: In case you’re searching for an condominium right here, I’d advocate prioritizing location over dimension. In case you can’t dwell in your dream neighborhood, then attempt to dwell close to a subway that’ll get you to it.
On saving house: I’ve a storage unit about 10 minutes away from my constructing, the place I preserve winter garments and vacation decor. I additionally preserve issues like my promenade costume 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 bought engaged earlier this summer season, and I’m really transferring out of my studio in a pair weeks. My companion lives in Toronto, and I’ve determined to present Canada a strive. I’m actually excited to be residing 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 condominium, and a small Swedish condominium that’s bursting with colour.
(Pictures by Veronica Olson for Cup of Jo.)
