Bear in mind Owobu Ijewere, the stylish 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 realized methods to make it really feel cozy, however I’m nonetheless determining methods to host in a single day friends,” she says. “When my sisters go to, we filter out the dwelling house, blow up the air mattress — after which they’re sleeping two ft away from me. I at all times inform them, ‘Okay, you have got one evening 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, similar.
On a two-year-long house search: I moved from Atlanta to Brooklyn in 2024, and determined to sublet for 3 months whereas I appeared for an house. I believed that might be loads of time to seek out one thing that made sense by way of value, 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 glad to say I’ve actually cherished it.
Armchair: Fb Market, similar.
On an enthralling DIY: I at all times 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 kit, 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 a very good 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 cherished Kennedy Ryan’s different books, so I figured it was a secure guess! Thus far, it’s actually gentle and humorous.
Credenza: Ikea.
On feeling at house 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 at all times most snug 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, similar.
On internet hosting: Since transferring right here, I’ve began throwing apartment-café parties. Primarily, I arrange my house like a espresso store, with a variety of pastries and drinks. I invite a couple of buddies, and we hang around over matcha. I obtained a couple of of these stools from Ikea, that are useful 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 ground lamp: Fb Market. Portray: by Owobu. Pillows: Marshalls, similar.
On a celebration headcount: I solely invite three friends max, as a result of I’m satisfied that this house can’t match greater than 4 individuals comfortably. My buddies insist I might do a minimum of eight, however I don’t purchase it. I imagine that everybody ought to be capable to sit down on the identical 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 yr, I invited buddies to affix 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 photographs on their Instagrams, printed them out, and put them on the desk with little celebration hats. Everybody cherished it a lot and stated they had been the very best celebration favors.
KITCHEN
Gentle pendant: Ikea. Picket fork: classic, from Kudzu Antiques + Modern.
On apartment-hunting recommendation: Should you’re searching for an house right here, I’d advocate prioritizing location over measurement. Should 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 preserve winter garments and vacation decor. I additionally preserve issues like my promenade gown and outdated 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 a much bigger house.
On new adventures: I obtained 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 offer Canada a strive. I’m actually excited to be dwelling with my finest buddy, 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. More house tours, together with Stella Blackmon’s 175-square-foot apartment, and a small Swedish apartment that’s bursting with color.
(Photographs by Veronica Olson for Cup of Jo.)
