A Couple’s Life in 800 Square Feet 

Banker couple Shakil Mohammad Faisal and Tonvi Akhter have bought an 800-square-foot flat in Sheorapara area of Mirpur in the capital with a bank loan. 

Buying their own flat amid their busy careers is a dream come true for the couple. At the same time, arranging their new family life within a limited space has become a new experience for them.

“It has been our dream for a long time to have a home of our own. We bought the flat with a bank loan. The place is not very big, but since it is our own home, it gives us a special feeling,” Shakil Mohammad Faisal said.

For Tonvi Akhter, one of the best things about having their own flat is the opportunity to decorate it according to their own taste.

“We both work. After being in the office all day, we want to come home and relax. So, even though it is small, it is important for us to keep the house tidy and comfortable,” she said.

The bedroom is one of the areas where they have to be careful about space. Tonvi said the room can accommodate the necessary furniture, but there is little room for additional items.

“You can keep the necessary things in the bedroom, but there is no room for too much furniture. After putting the necessary things, including a bed and a wardrobe, there is not much space to move around. So you have to think about what to keep and what not to keep,” she said.

For the couple, storage is another major issue in a small flat.

“Storage is a big issue for us. If you keep a lot of things, it is difficult to find space in a small house. So you need furniture that can store things and at the same time does not take up much space,” Shakil said.

The drawing room is also limited in size. Tonvi said choosing the right furniture is important to keep the room from looking crowded.

“The drawing room is not very big. If you put a big sofa or a lot of furniture, the room will feel even smaller. So we want furniture that looks good but also takes up less space,” she said.

The dining area also needs careful planning. According to Shakil, there is not enough space for a large separate dining area.

“There is no space to have a separate large dining space. So we have to make a small dining arrangement along with the drawing room and kitchen. A table that is too big will not fit here,” he said.

The toilet also has limited space. Tonvi said it can accommodate the necessary facilities, but there is little room for additional cabinets or storage.

“The toilet can hold everything you need, but there is less space for extra cabinets or storage. So how to utilize the wall space is important,” she said.

The balcony, however, is one of their favourite parts of the flat. Although it is small, they enjoy spending some quiet time there.

“Even though the balcony is not very big, it is nice to stand here and look outside or sit for some time in the morning. After a busy day, this small space often becomes a place to feel good,” Shakil said.

The kitchen is also not very large. But Tonvi believes good planning can make it functional.

“The kitchen is not very big. We both work, so everything needs to be close at hand and organised. If the cabinets and storage are done well, it is possible to work even in a small kitchen,” she said.

According to the couple, the main problem with an 800-square-foot flat is the limited space. The problem could become more noticeable if their family grows in the future. Finding enough space in the drawing room when guests visit can also be challenging.

At the same time, they see some advantages in living in a smaller home.

“It is relatively easy to clean and organise a small house. If you do not keep unnecessary things, the house looks quite nice,” Tonvi said.

For Shakil, the size of the flat is less important than the feeling of owning it.

“The flat may not be very big, but it is our own. We have to pay bank loan instalments, and there are many responsibilities. Even then, having our own address is the greatest joy,” he said.

For this couple, the 800-square-foot flat is therefore more than just a few rooms, a kitchen, a toilet and a balcony. It is their new home, a place to plan their future and build a life of their own.