“My home is functional for my lifestyle and inspires me. I feel held and content when I’m at home. My plants bring so much life into the space, and I love propagating them. I use a lot of natural materials … lots of wood, along with marble, bamboo, and natural fiber textiles,” Teju describes of the two-bedroom Bed-Stuy apartment she’s been renting for two-and-a-half years.

“I believe art and colors (more broadly) are life-giving, so I have a lot of art and colors in my house. As a Black Jamaican American woman it is important for me to have art made by Black people, and Black women as well. Not only is much (but not all) of my art made by Black people, but it also shows various types of Black people.

Art is not just images or paintings — it is also jewelry, sculpture, and photos. I enjoy having old photos of myself and my family around my space to remind me of the love I am from and will continue to cultivate with chosen family,” Teju writes. And as an environmentalist, Teju explains that many pieces are secondhand. And to her, plants are more than decor, “rather as a necessary part of our environment, as (like plants) humans (too) are part of nature.”

“I work from home most days — running a global network for farmers, designers, and artists, as well as consulting for an impact fund. I read a lot, as evidenced by the stacks of books everywhere. I do crafts and projects like painting, clay, and making things. I enjoy having friends come over to hang out and/or have dance parties in the kitchen. I do yoga and journal in my multipurpose room (technically second bedroom) almost every day. I take baths and listen to music constantly. On a hot sunny day I like to make a big salad and sit on my fire escape.” 

• Mercer velvet sofa — Wayfair (my first ever couch, has come to three different homes with me over the years — but, alas, has to be retired soon)
• Tower bookshelf (originally purchased from Overstock, but available here)

• Dining room walnut table — Cost Plus World Market
• Brown and white woven leather chairs — Target 

• Oak bed frame — Article
• LIXHULT cabinet — IKEA (that I painted cream)

• Bamboo chair — Originally purchased made to order from Burke Decor, but now available here
• Umbra floating bookshelf — The Container Store (also in bedroom)

Thanks, Teju!

This tour’s responses and photos were edited for length/size and clarity.

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