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 discovered 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 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’ve got 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 assumed that will be loads of time to search out one thing that made sense by way of worth, house, 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 completely satisfied to say I’ve actually beloved 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 fashionable facilities and the fitness center! 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 house tasks.
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 toilet, and so they had a strict customers-only coverage. I’ve learn and beloved Kennedy Ryan’s different books, so I figured it was a secure guess! Up to now, 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 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 house.
BEDROOM AREA
Bookcase: Wayfair, related.
On internet hosting: Since shifting right here, I’ve began throwing apartment-café events. Primarily, I arrange my house like a espresso store, with an expansion of pastries and drinks. I invite just a few pals, and we hang around over matcha. I acquired just a few 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 house with my large 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 house can’t match greater than 4 individuals comfortably. My pals insist I may do at the least eight, however I don’t purchase it. I imagine that everybody ought to be capable of sit down on the identical time. (And sitting on my mattress just isn’t allowed!)
Chair: Fb Market. Foldout desk: Amazon.
On playful place playing cards: For my birthday this 12 months, I invited pals 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 pictures on their Instagrams, printed them out, and put them on the desk with little get together hats. Everybody beloved it a lot and stated they have been the very best get together favors.
KITCHEN
Gentle pendant: Ikea. Wood fork: classic, from Kudzu Antiques + Fashionable.
On apartment-hunting recommendation: In the event you’re in search of an house right here, I’d advocate prioritizing location over measurement. 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 house: 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 gown and previous journals in there (I’m sentimental!). I did the mathematics and realized I’d slightly pay $150 for a storage locker than an additional $1,000 for an even bigger house.
On new adventures: I acquired engaged earlier this summer time, and I’m truly shifting 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 residing with my greatest 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.
(Images by Veronica Olson for Cup of Jo.)
