{"id":5106,"date":"2026-08-06T20:40:21","date_gmt":"2026-08-06T20:40:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/silvybrand.com\/?p=5106"},"modified":"2026-08-06T20:40:21","modified_gmt":"2026-08-06T20:40:21","slug":"a-graphic-designers-330-square-foot-studio-in-brooklyn","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/silvybrand.com\/?p=5106","title":{"rendered":"A Graphic Designer’s 330-Square-Foot Studio in Brooklyn"},"content":{"rendered":"


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\"owobu<\/a><\/p>\n

Remember Owobu Ijewere<\/a>, the stylish stranger<\/a> Joanna met on a neighborhood walk this past spring? She\u2019s a 27-year-old graphic designer, who rents a 330-square-foot studio in Park Slope, Brooklyn. \u201cI\u2019ve learned how to make it feel cozy, but I\u2019m still figuring out how to host overnight guests,\u201d she says. \u201cWhen my sisters visit, we clear out the living space, blow up the air mattress \u2014 and then they\u2019re sleeping two feet away from me. I always tell them, \u2018Okay, you have one night here and then goodbye!’\u201d Here, she takes us on a tour\u2026 <\/p>\n

LIVING AREA<\/p>\n

\"owobu<\/a><\/p>\n

Dresser: Wayfair<\/a>. Coffee tables: Wayfair<\/a>. Sofa: \u201cOld CB2 on Facebook Marketplace.\u201d Throw pillows: Marshalls, similar<\/a>. <\/em><\/p>\n

On a two-year-long apartment search:<\/strong> 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 \u2014 only to be moved into temporary housing when the owners ran into permit delays. From there, I moved to another<\/em> 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\u2019m happy to say I\u2019ve really loved it.<\/p>\n

\"owobu<\/a><\/p>\n

Armchair: Facebook Marketplace, similar<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n

On a charming DIY:<\/strong> 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<\/a>, and sketched out the placement on a piece of paper. Then I reached out to my favorite guy on TaskRabbit, who\u2019s helped me with all my apartment projects. <\/p>\n

\"owobu<\/a><\/p>\n

On an emergency purchase:<\/strong> I only read romance novels. I don\u2019t know if that\u2019s a good or bad thing! I just started Reel<\/a>, by Kennedy Ryan<\/a>. I actually bought it because I popped into a bookstore, desperate to use the bathroom, and they had a strict customers-only policy. I\u2019ve read and loved Kennedy Ryan\u2019s other books, so I figured it was a safe bet! So far, it\u2019s really light and funny.<\/p>\n

\"owobu<\/a><\/p>\n

Credenza: Ikea<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n

On feeling at home in a big city<\/strong>: I grew up in Lagos, Nigeria, which has a very similar energy to New York: It\u2019s loud, it smells, and everyone is hustling. I\u2019m always most comfortable in places like that. So far, New York is the only other place I\u2019ve lived that\u2019s felt like home. <\/p>\n

BEDROOM AREA<\/p>\n

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Bookcase: Wayfair, similar<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n

On hosting:<\/strong> Since moving here, I\u2019ve started throwing apartment-caf\u00e9 parties<\/a>. 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<\/a> from Ikea, which are handy for gatherings. That\u2019s actually how I met Joanna<\/a> \u2014 she caught me on the sidewalk as I was heading home with my big Ikea bag! <\/p>\n

\"owobu<\/a><\/p>\n

Dresser and floor lamp: Facebook Marketplace. Painting: by Owobu. Pillows: Marshalls, similar<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n

On a party headcount:<\/strong> I only invite three guests max, because I\u2019m convinced that this space can\u2019t fit more than four people comfortably. My friends insist I could do at least eight, but I don\u2019t buy it. I believe that everyone should be able to sit down at the same time. (And sitting on my bed is not allowed!) <\/p>\n

\"owobu<\/a><\/p>\n

Chair: Facebook Marketplace. Foldout desk: Amazon<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n

On playful place cards:<\/strong> For my birthday this year, I invited friends to join me for dinner at Freemans<\/a> restaurant. I thought it\u2019d 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.<\/p>\n

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KITCHEN<\/p>\n

\"owobu<\/a><\/p>\n

Light pendant: Ikea<\/a>. Wooden fork: vintage, from Kudzu Antiques + Modern<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n

On apartment-hunting advice:<\/strong> If you\u2019re looking for an apartment here, I\u2019d recommend prioritizing location over size. If you can\u2019t live in your dream neighborhood, then try to live near a subway that\u2019ll get you to it. <\/p>\n

\"owobu<\/a><\/p>\n

On saving space:<\/strong> 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\u2019m sentimental!). I did the math and realized I\u2019d rather pay $150 for a storage locker than an extra $1,000 for a bigger apartment.<\/p>\n

\"owobu<\/a><\/p>\n

On new adventures:<\/strong> I got engaged earlier this summer, and I\u2019m actually moving out of my studio in a couple weeks. My partner lives in Toronto, and I\u2019ve decided to give Canada a try. I\u2019m really excited to be living with my best friend, but I\u2019m sad to be leaving New York. I made my fianc\u00e9 promise me that we\u2019ll move back here in a couple years, and I\u2019m holding him to it.<\/p>\n

Thank you so much, Owobu<\/a>! We\u2019re rooting for you! <\/strong><\/p>\n

P.S. More house tours<\/a>, including Stella Blackmon\u2019s 175-square-foot apartment<\/a>, and a small Swedish apartment that\u2019s bursting with color<\/a>.<\/p>\n

(Photos by Veronica Olson<\/a> for Cup of Jo.)<\/p>\n

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