A Graphic Designer’s 330-Sq.-Foot Studio in Brooklyn
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 tips on how to make it really feel cozy, however I’m nonetheless determining tips on how to host in a single day friends,” she says. “When my sisters go to, we filter the dwelling house, blow up the air mattress — after which they’re sleeping two toes away from me. I at all times 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 Couch: “Outdated CB2 on Fb Market.” Throw pillows: Marshalls, comparable.
On a two-year-long condo search: I moved from Atlanta to Brooklyn in 2024, and determined to sublet for 3 months whereas I seemed for an condo. I believed that might be loads of time to seek out one thing that made sense when it comes to value, house, and placement. Three months stretched into 5, after which I signed a lease for an condo in a brand new constructing — solely to be moved into non permanent housing when the house owners bumped into allow delays. From there, I moved to one other condo, 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 blissful to say I’ve actually cherished it.
Armchair: Fb Market, comparable.
On a captivating 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 fitness center! 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 condo initiatives.
On an emergency buy: I solely learn romance novels. I don’t know if that’s 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 toilet, they usually had a strict customers-only coverage. I’ve learn and cherished Kennedy Ryan’s different books, so I figured it was a protected guess! To this point, it’s actually mild and humorous.
Credenza: Ikea.
On feeling at dwelling in an enormous metropolis: I grew up in Lagos, Nigeria, which has a really comparable vitality 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. To this point, New York is the one different place I’ve lived that’s felt like dwelling.
BEDROOM AREA
Bookcase: Wayfair, comparable.
On internet hosting: Since transferring right here, I’ve began throwing apartment-café events. Primarily, I arrange my condo like a espresso store, with a diffusion of pastries and drinks. I invite just a few mates, and we hang around over matcha. I received just a few of these stools from Ikea, that are useful for gatherings. That’s really how I met Joanna — she caught me on the sidewalk as I used to be heading dwelling with my huge Ikea bag!
Dresser and ground lamp: Fb Market. Portray: by Owobu. Pillows: Marshalls, comparable.
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 folks comfortably. My mates insist I might do a minimum of eight, however I don’t purchase it. I consider that everybody ought to have the ability to sit down on the identical time. (And sitting on my mattress isn’t allowed!)
Chair: Fb Market. Foldout desk: Amazon.
On playful place playing cards: For my birthday this 12 months, I invited mates 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 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 the perfect social gathering favors.
KITCHEN
Gentle pendant: Ikea. Wood fork: classic, from Kudzu Antiques + Trendy.
On apartment-hunting recommendation: In case you’re in search of an condo right here, I’d advocate prioritizing location over measurement. In case 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 previous journals in there (I’m sentimental!). I did the mathematics and realized I’d somewhat pay $150 for a storage locker than an additional $1,000 for an even bigger condo.
On new adventures: I received engaged earlier this summer time, 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 attempt. I’m actually excited to be dwelling with my finest pal, 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 condo, and a small Swedish condo that’s bursting with shade.
(Photographs by Veronica Olson for Cup of Jo.)
