Thank you for visiting my lifestyle blog, “Room for Passion” !
My name is Maria.
Born and raised in Japan, I decided to pursue my dream in one of the most exciting cities in the world (like a lot of others), and became a NYC resident in 2009.
I created this blog mostly because I wanted to have a place to share inspirations, ideas, and stories about my never-ending home design projects.
I have lived in a pre-war apartment in East Village for 9 years, and found a contemporary condo in East Williamsburg with my then boyfriend. This condo has been work in progress and there is still long way to go!
By constantly reporting my projects here, hopefully I can enjoy them more and push myself to move forward. But more than that, I would like to learn!
There is massive ocean of creative people (you!) one computer/smartphone screen away and this is a wonderful opportunity to get connected. I’ve never had an Instagram account before but I just opened it today. Hey, this is how committed I am. Please join my journey towards the “dream home” from zero 🙂
I’m also planning to cover other topics like cooking (Japanese, vegan, and anything ethnic or slow cooking) and those related to a NYC life sometimes. I am super excited!
Since this is a lifestyle blog, please allow me to introduce the 3 main characters, myself and two whom I share my life with, in this blog:
-Maria (author)
I am passionate about interior design, colors, art & craft, and garage sales & vintage shopping. I’m curious how certain places make us feel, and how places represent the persons who live in.
As a freelancer I spend a lot of time at home and grew to love improving my living space and found a refreshing escape in those projects. My tiny home in East Village has inspired me and encouraged me to get through the hardest times when I felt too worn to hang in. I have realized that to be able to come back to a place that feels “home”, the place that accepts me for who I truly am, is crucial to get through a sometimes overwhelming life in a foreign city without a family or long time friends (especially when you cannot afford a travel home or to leave the city for a vacation…)
Animal rescue advocate but not a vegan. Well, I tried.
-Igo, the boyfriend
He is a math nerd, an innovator, an art and music lover, a student of Japanese, an animal whisperer (every animal loves him even a fish), and is a recovering minimalist. He is getting better now. In spring, I will bring more plants home and see.
-Nico, the bunny
Introvert but friendly. Timid but curious. Territorial but gentle and trusting. He will throw his pride right down the toilet whenever he asks for a piece of banana.
He enjoys his newly constructed, floor-to-ceiling windowed, hardwood (looking) floored, duplex bunny condo (DIY post to follow). He is litter trained and free roaming in the room.
Thank you for reading my very first post. Let us begin, shall we?
Whatever you do to make a living, there is always a room for passion, right?
Room for Passion 