Same flats, different interiors: Lessons from 10 years of living

Ten years ago, we bought two similar apartments in the same residential building. The flats had almost the same floor area, number of rooms and facilities. But we made different decisions when it came to interior design.

I, Alim Rahman, hired a professional interior designer after buying my flat. My friend Maruf Raihan, on the other hand, decorated his apartment with furniture and other items according to his personal taste and needs.

At the time, neither of us thought this difference would have much impact. But after 10 years, we have realised that planned interior design does more than improve the beauty of a home. It can also make everyday life easier and more comfortable.

Alim Rahman's Experience
After buying the apartment, my first concern was how to make the best use of every available space. I wanted a home that would not only look attractive but also meet my family's everyday needs.

I therefore worked with an interior designer to plan the use of each room, furniture sizes, storage facilities and movement space.

After 10 years, I can see the benefits of that decision. My living room has all the necessary furniture without making the space crowded. The television unit, wall shelves and cabinets were designed in a way that reduced the need for extra furniture. As a result, the room remains organised and functional.

The kitchen is one of the most useful parts of the design. Separate cabinets and drawers provide space for utensils, cooking equipment, spices and other daily necessities.

The cooking area, sink and storage facilities were arranged to make kitchen work easier. I can find things quickly, and keeping the kitchen clean is also less difficult.

The bathroom was also designed with proper fittings and storage facilities. The basin, mirror, shower and other fittings were placed according to practical needs. Wall shelves and cabinets provide space for toiletries and other essentials. This helps keep the bathroom organised.

Space has also been used effectively in the bedrooms. Wardrobes, drawers and storage beneath the beds have reduced the need for additional cupboards and racks. Clothes, books and other household items can be kept in an organised way.

Another advantage is the coordination of wall colours, furniture, curtains and lighting. Even when we make small changes, they can be adjusted to match the overall design.

For me, the biggest benefit of interior design is that it has made everyday activities easier. I also spend less time organising the home.

Maruf Raihan's Experience
After buying my flat, I thought purchasing furniture according to my personal taste would be enough to create a comfortable home. I did not feel the need to hire an interior designer.

Initially, everything seemed fine. I bought a sofa, dining table, cupboards, showcases and other furniture according to my needs.

However, after a few years, I began to notice some problems because I had not planned the interior properly from the beginning.

I gradually added more furniture to the living room. As a result, the open space became smaller. Some pieces of furniture did not match in size or placement. Cleaning the room and moving around comfortably have become more difficult than before.

The kitchen has created even more challenges. I initially installed a few cabinets and shelves according to my immediate needs. But without proper planning, much of the available space was not used effectively.
Later, I had to buy additional racks and storage units. This increased my expenses and reduced the space available for cooking.

I also did not have a proper storage plan for the bathroom. Over time, I had to install additional shelves and small cabinets. As these changes were made at different times, maintaining a balance between appearance and practical use became difficult.

The bedroom has faced similar problems. As storage space became insufficient, I had to buy additional cupboards. This reduced the available floor space. Furniture purchased at different times also did not always match in design and colour.

Now I realise that some planning at the beginning could have saved me unnecessary expenses and trouble later.
However, not everything about my apartment has been inconvenient. I enjoyed decorating it according to my own taste. But I did not give enough importance to long-term use and the effective use of space.

What we have learned
After 10 years, our experience has taught us that interior design does not necessarily mean expensive furniture, luxury decoration or additional spending. It is about making the best use of available space according to a family's needs.

We believe that homeowners should consider the number of family members, lifestyle, future needs, budget and storage requirements before decorating an apartment.

Each area, including the kitchen, bathroom, bedroom and living room, needs proper planning.
Buying an apartment is a major investment. Therefore, homeowners should think not only about how they want their homes to look today, but also about how they will live there over the next 10 or 15 years.

Our experience shows that planned interior design does more than make a home beautiful. It can make everyday living easier, more organised and more comfortable.