A Graphic Designer’s 330-Square-Foot Studio in Brooklyn
Remember Owobu Ijewere, the stylish stranger Joanna met on a neighborhood walk this past spring? She’s a 27-year-old graphic designer, who rents a 330-square-foot studio in Park Slope, Brooklyn. “I’ve learned how to make it feel cozy, but I’m still figuring out how to host overnight guests,” she says. “When my sisters visit, we clear out the living space, blow up the air mattress — and then they’re sleeping two feet away from me. I always tell them, ‘Okay, you have one night here and then goodbye!’” Here, she takes us on a tour…
LIVING AREA
Dresser: Wayfair. Coffee tables: Wayfair. Sofa: “Old CB2 on Facebook Marketplace.” Throw pillows: Marshalls, similar.
On a two-year-long apartment search: I moved from Atlanta to Brooklyn in 2024, and decided to sublet for three months while I looked for an apartment. I thought that would be plenty of time to find something that made sense in terms of price, space, and location. Three months stretched into five, and then I signed a lease for an apartment in a new building — only to be moved into temporary housing when the owners ran into permit delays. From there, I moved to another apartment, which turned out to have mice. I stayed for 11 months before I hit my limit. Then, finally, I found this studio last March, and I’m happy to say I’ve really loved it.
Armchair: Facebook Marketplace, similar.
On a charming DIY: I always envisioned living in an older building with interior moulding and character. But I quickly realized I like access to modern amenities and the gym! So I DIYed the moulding. I took measurements, ordered a peel-and-stick kit, and sketched out the placement on a piece of paper. Then I reached out to my favorite guy on TaskRabbit, who’s helped me with all my apartment projects.
On an emergency purchase: I only read romance novels. I don’t know if that’s a good or bad thing! I just started Reel, by Kennedy Ryan. I actually bought it because I popped into a bookstore, desperate to use the bathroom, and they had a strict customers-only policy. I’ve read and loved Kennedy Ryan’s other books, so I figured it was a safe bet! So far, it’s really light and funny.
Credenza: Ikea.
On feeling at home in a big city: I grew up in Lagos, Nigeria, which has a very similar energy to New York: It’s loud, it smells, and everyone is hustling. I’m always most comfortable in places like that. So far, New York is the only other place I’ve lived that’s felt like home.
BEDROOM AREA
Bookcase: Wayfair, similar.
On hosting: Since moving here, I’ve started throwing apartment-café parties. Essentially, I set up my apartment like a coffee shop, with a spread of pastries and drinks. I invite a few friends, and we hang out over matcha. I got a few of these stools from Ikea, which are handy for gatherings. That’s actually how I met Joanna — she caught me on the sidewalk as I was heading home with my big Ikea bag!
Dresser and floor lamp: Facebook Marketplace. Painting: by Owobu. Pillows: Marshalls, similar.
On a party headcount: I only invite three guests max, because I’m convinced that this space can’t fit more than four people comfortably. My friends insist I could do at least eight, but I don’t buy it. I believe that everyone should be able to sit down at the same time. (And sitting on my bed is not allowed!)
Chair: Facebook Marketplace. Foldout desk: Amazon.
On playful place cards: For my birthday this year, I invited friends to join me for dinner at Freemans restaurant. I thought it’d be fun to use their baby pictures on the place cards, instead of names. So, I found baby photos on their Instagrams, printed them out, and put them on the table with little party hats. Everyone loved it so much and said they were the best party favors.
KITCHEN
Light pendant: Ikea. Wooden fork: vintage, from Kudzu Antiques + Modern.
On apartment-hunting advice: If you’re looking for an apartment here, I’d recommend prioritizing location over size. If you can’t live in your dream neighborhood, then try to live near a subway that’ll get you to it.
On saving space: I have a storage unit about 10 minutes away from my building, where I keep winter clothes and holiday decor. I also keep things like my prom dress and old journals in there (I’m sentimental!). I did the math and realized I’d rather pay $150 for a storage locker than an extra $1,000 for a bigger apartment.
On new adventures: I got engaged earlier this summer, and I’m actually moving out of my studio in a couple weeks. My partner lives in Toronto, and I’ve decided to give Canada a try. I’m really excited to be living with my best friend, but I’m sad to be leaving New York. I made my fiancé promise me that we’ll move back here in a couple years, and I’m holding him to it.
Thank you so much, Owobu! We’re rooting for you!
P.S. More house tours, including Stella Blackmon’s 175-square-foot apartment, and a small Swedish apartment that’s bursting with color.
(Photos by Veronica Olson for Cup of Jo.)
Comments
81 commentsI love her style but specifically her watch… could you please share where it is from?
Beautiful apartment! And I hope you love Toronto as much as I did! I went to college there and grew to absolutely love it- I hope you do too ❤️
Good luck in Toronto! Also I think it would be really fun to read a post in a little while once you’re settled in there telling us about how you like it! I always love reading about people’s transitions to new cities, meeting friends there, etc :)
This is one of my favorite apartments featured on Cup of Jo. I would like to think this is how I would design my space if I could get my act together, lol.
Beautiful painting above the bed! :)
gorgeous apartment! i think you will love toronto (as someone who grew up there). :)
So many good ideas! Thanks, Owobu!
That is the most beautiful small apartment set up I have ever seen. Everything is beautiful and well-considered.
Adore this apartment! The desk chair looks like an Eames/Herman Miller desk chair. I found one on FBMP and it’s one of my crowning Marketplace victories : ) So lovely to have a little nest that is all of your own!
Owobu! I just (reluctantly) moved from Brooklyn back home to Toronto a few months ago. I’ve been shocked at how much I’m liking it, and I hope you come to love it, too. What’s worked best for me is to stop expecting it to be NYC and to to actively notice all the cute things about it. I love New Yorkers, but I’ve come to appreciate that there’s a gentleness and a sweetness in the way people interact here. And American politics feel very far away :) Thank you for sharing your stunning home, and best of luck with the move!
Lovely apartment! I hope Owobu invites COJ to her wedding and gives us a peek of life in Toronto. Best wishes to you, Owobu!
But where is the green sofa from???!!?!?
It’s from CB2, it’s called their “ Fitz 72.5″ Channeled Green Velvet Loveseat”
Form and function at its finest! Thanks for sharing, Owobu.
Wow, such a great space! I wish I was this cool at 27 haha
She’s so cool and beautiful! A divine meeting on the sidewalk.
Owobu how did you choose this color scheme? Just based on colors you like, or colors from the art above the bed? If you have designer tricks for choosing and limiting color schemes, I am all ears. I love what you did with your space.
I love your space. I also live in a small home and you’ve given me some ideas to steal. And shout out to the Olivia Dean album :)
What a pretty space! I love her painting over the bed. Also so fun to see a Kudzu plug on here! I was there a few weeks ago.
I agree with the comments about the use of color. Something I’m recently finding to be very challenging for me (especially in my yellow wood 1920s rental home). As someone who lived in NYC for 9 years, the advice about neighborhood or proximity to the neighborhood you want to be in is so great.
“Yellow wood 1920s home” sounds awesome.
Beautiful! And I am obsessed with your painting!!
Lagos is the besssst. The food. The shopping!
I do not comment very often at all but oh my goodness – Owobu! I’m in love. Can we pretty please request an update after the upcoming move? Or a week of outfits? Really, I’ll take anything. :)
I have to agree here! I’m back a second day to ogle her bedroom color scheme and got stopped in my tracks admiring the kitchen setup. That soap dispenser with the offset pump is so cool!
Yes please update us when you move to Toronto!!
I love this ! I love her confidence and frankness and the ability to use it ! ” No sitting on my bed ! My sisters leave after 1 night !” I love this so much. As someone who only got better at setting boundaries later in life I love this so much ! Also ducking in a bookstore for the bathroom and buying a book ! That’s so great. I love the apartment too ! A move to Canada should be cool, especially now. Oh, all the best to you ! 27, what a fun age. Have to give a shout out to the MCM divider shelves ! Love them.
Lovely home. I like your minimal but not boring atheistic. Can you share source for your button down?
From Zara! A couple summers ago
So lovely!! All the best with the transition to Toronto. I hope you love it here. Like everyone else has said, one of the best things about Toronto is its neighbourhoods. Personally I love Seaton Village (west of the annex), which has big trees and little apartments in old houses, two annual porch festivals (one dance, one music!), and the best Korean food. And the local independent grocery store stocks excellent bagels :)
WOW. My home town had “little apartments in old houses ” Love them. All the things you mentioned sound so great. Right down to the bagels. Bagel challenged out here ! My grocery store back East had great bagels, day old sold in a huge bag. Like a dozen for 3 bucks. Anyway, sounds like a great place ! :) Thanks for the fun description !
amazing! is the caption missing from the kitchen photo? would love to know each and every source: paper towel holder, espresso maker, soap pump, toaster. all perfect!
Yes to that soap dispenser!
Paper Towel Holder: Marshall’s Espresso Maker: Casabrews Espresso Machine Soap Pump: Zara Home Toaster: Target (Bella 2 slice slim toaster)
This is absolutely perfect apartment! I love her creative use of space (the little desk attached to the wall – mwah!) and demarcation of the bedroom. (Agree, no one should EVER sit on your bed!) Everything is so gorgeously streamlined and colorful, too!
Your painting is gorgeous! Would love to see more of your artwork. <333
This!!!! And where/how to buy prints or originals!
agree!!!
This apartment is perfection! Home tour when you get settled in Toronto please :)
Seconded!
Gorgeous painting above the bed. I really, really love it. Impeccable use of color. So warm and joyful. Clever use of complimentary colors to define the spaces. I can’t believe the molding is peel and stick! ha! Thanks for sharing before you move. Best of luck in your next stage!
Ahh the painting! Love so much!
Love this so much! Also, the kitchen decor from Kudzu makes me happy. I love kudzu and pass it every day on my way to and from picking my daughter up.
What a beautiful apartment and such a great arrangement of the space! I love the molding. Congratulations to Owobu on your engagement and your upcoming move to Canada. I hope that you love it there. I’d never heard of a Thuma bed before reading the comments and I really like it. I’m tempted to upgrade to one.
Such a gorgeous use of a studio space, still has tons of personality and joy throughout the apartment! Smart idea to have a storage unit instead of paying for more square footage too. Also, as a transplant from the states to Canada myself… welcome! I’ve lived in the country 8 years now, with the last four being in Toronto and it has become home. Stayed for love as well and am so happy I did so. I’m sure you’ve already spent a fair amount of time in the city but my favourite spots include the AGO, bagels from Primrose for when you are missing New York Style bagels (as a former new yorker, this only place I’ve found that does good ny bagels in the city), and gelato from Futura. Hope you have an easy, welcoming transition to life up north! :)
Three thoughts: 1. Your taste and apartment are stunning! 2. Can CoJ follow along for your wedding? I’d love to see how your taste extends to your big day! 3. Is a chair an armchair if it has no arms?
You’ll love Toronto. I brought an American here too, a Texan no less. You’ll probably miss home for a long while, and if you’re like most people, a day will come when you can’t imagine leaving. If you are renting, I recommend an apartment in a house. There’s a lot to love about Toronto, but most people stay because they fall in love with their neighborhoods. Look forward to seeing the next place you decorate ❤️
No notes :)
This place makes me want to live alone. Tasteful and stylish!
Owobu! I have not seen a more stunningly beautiful human ever. My gosh. 1. Can we pretty please get a correspondent to report on this upcoming wedding?? Congrats Owobu!!! I’m imagining you as such a lovely bride. 2. Wasn’t there a wedding post recently with a Nigerian wedding? Am I dreaming? 3. I would love to just hear more about Lagos to NYC to Toronto! And you’re still in your 20s! What’s it like to live such fifteenth places, what do you love/ hate? 4. Finally, your comment that NYC smells sent me back in time, to the one and only time I’ve been lucky enough to visit. It was August. Like 99° in the shade. We walked out of La Guardia and I was hit with a wave of the most humid air I’ve ever experienced, and while trying to process that, the SMELL then hit me. Pee. It smelled like pee. Our friend said “oof! Let’s get the fxck outta here” and off we drove to upstate, Ossining. Which did not smell like pee. This apartment is a delight! Every inch.
I love it all. Such a stylish little place, everything fits so nicely.
Welcome, in advance, to Toronto. I think you’ll be surprised by how much you’ll love it here! Just find a great neighborhood;)
im going to be in toronto next week for the first time! would love any recs!! thank you
Owobu, our flats have the same size! Jippeh! I adore my flat, my neighbours, my neighborhood. Sometimes I think, gosh, I would love to live in a space big enough to leave my clothes on the floor (it def is a repeating dream), but then again, I like that I know where everything is, I only have what I want and all of it is beautiful. And when there are guests, it feels like sleepovers when I was a child/student. It brings an uncomplicatedness (is that a word?) to life and friends. And we both listen the Olivia Dean album! :) You were a delight to meet on this Thursday!
What a stunning apartment!
Impeccccccccable from top to bottom!
I’ve lived in Toronto for 11 years – it’s my home now! I hope you enjoy our city (and perhaps an apartment where you can host 8 people ; )
Beautiful apartment, Owobu! Where did you get the bed? I’m looking for a Thuma like bed without the price tag.
I have to sell my Thuma because we are moving internationally next month. It has been a great bed and is one of the only things I’m sad to part with. You should just splurge and get one. You won’t regret it.
I got it a couple years ago from CB2, it’s called their Dondra Teak Bed. It looks like it has been discontinued, I found this resale link https://www.aptdeco.com/product/cb2-dondra-teak-dream-bed. And a similar style on west elm https://www.westelm.com/products/anton-bed-h4426/?catalogId=71&sku=4502383&pickuplocation=ST:%7Bstore_code%7D&cm_ven=PLA&cm_cat=Google&cm_pla=Furniture%20%3E%20Beds&cm_ite=4502383_14465514686_pla-548809732078&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=14465514686&gbraid=0AAAAABjYLmnit8gAezD9HCrbhXTwsrNhv&gclid=CjwKCAjw4dDTBhAqEiwAkHYmSlL28EtS5heKNpAt6Jaxna_csjIkVRyMomeVGIlcYEJbVtGx_cs0MBoC1asQAvD_BwE
Thuma bed is entirely worth it but check for second hand ones – it is how my brother got his!
If you’re looking for one without the headboard, I got this Zinus one a few years ago and love it. It’s super sturdy. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N8SNUCA?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&th=1
This apartment is a comfortable and lovely space. Cannot wait to see what you create in Canada. Best wishes for a new adventure full of laughter and love.
Owobu & Joanna, would you consider doing an article on your strategies for furniture shopping on FB Marketplace? So many beautiful pieces here! Thank you!
Genius to rent a storage unit instead of upsizing your apartment! Maybe that’s a common thing for new yorkers but it’s new to me :)
This all felt so familiar, like I knew her from my time in NY…the Freeman’s birthday party, loving the hustle, and then the big reveal—moving to Canada! I live in New Brunswick, which is as culturally opposite from NY as it gets. Toronto should be an easier transition! Good luck!
Hi Owubu! I’ve love NYC, but I’ve lived in Toronto the last ten years and love it. It’s so multicultural and full of personality. Your advice to live in a good neighbourhood will be key here!! I lived in the first floor of a house in Little Italy, was close with all my neighbours, had three fruit trees in my backyard, and could walk to all the best bars and restaurants. I hope you find the same here too!!!
This is one of the most impressive small studio arrangements I’ve ever seen. It’s elegantly decorated, has easily identifiable areas for different tasks, and manages to make the bedroom area feel private without making the apartment feel claustrophobic. The peel-and-stick mouldings are genius. Congrats on your engagement and I hope you will show us your next apartment!
I agree with every word of this!
yes! I was so impressed by how you organized your space! It’s classy & stylish, and the defined zones are perfection.
Agreed!
Yep, no notes! Owubu has impeccable style
Agreed! I also love the colors and patterns of everything – it’s both clean and cozy!!
Gorgeous apartment and huge question…what are you doing with your gorgeous furniture when you move?! I live in a studio in Clinton Hill and would be interested in some of your setup …:)
I absolutely mean this as a compliment: this questions feels very New York to me—always hustling! Gotta love it.
I’ll be selling them on trusty Facebook marketplace! Reach out on Facebook or instagram!
What a lovely job you have done with a small space, Owobu. Best of everything to you in Toronto.
Obsessed. As a Mom of a newly minted toddler I can only dream of this level of cleanliness and organization right now, but what I love most are all the color stories. Her painting is gorgeous, and the warm reds with the dark wood, and the pop of green couch! Perfection!
Totally agree. So gorgeous!
Single lady with zero kids and I still aspire to this level of cleanliness and organization. Owobu, tell us you have a junk drawer! hahaha But seriously, always love to see how people make the most of their small spaces especially – everything inside is so precious and needed!
I could have written this.