Hiring an Interior Designer for a Tiny Temporary Home
Professional guidance helped transform a 150-square-foot garage into a functional, organized living space.
1Transitioning to Small Spaces
Following a separation, the author moved into a 150-square-foot converted garage at her parents' home. Despite the temporary nature of the living arrangement, the need for a functional environment remained critical. She sought professional design assistance to manage the limited square footage while accommodating existing furniture like a mandatory bunk bed.
2Professional Design Assessment
The author hired local interior designer Alex Pevtsova to address overwhelming clutter and storage deficits. Pevtsova initially evaluated the space, noting that its existing layout was surprisingly functional despite the size. This professional validation helped the author articulate specific needs, such as dedicated areas for paperwork, keys, tools, and gift-wrapping supplies.
3Strategic Budget Management
Working with a strict $600 initial budget, the pair explored planning software at Ikea to visualize potential storage solutions. They prioritized light wood finishes to enhance brightness in the small room. Although the initial Ikea wardrobe plan exceeded the budget, Pevtsova provided expert guidance on finding cost-effective, high-quality alternatives online.
4Cost Breakdown and Savings
The final project costs included $229.10 for an Amazon wardrobe, $120 for cube storage, and $43.63 for bathroom organization. Pevtsova’s design fee totaled $375 for two and a half hours of consultation. The total expenditure reached $768, preventing costly mistakes by ensuring the purchased items were perfectly suited for the specific room dimensions.
5Overcoming Assembly Challenges
The author faced physical challenges during delivery, as the heavy boxes required individual transport into the home. Despite lacking prior experience with furniture assembly and struggling with unclear instructions, she completed the build over a full Saturday. This process provided a sense of personal accomplishment and pride in her new living environment.
6Optimizing Visual Clutter
The new storage units allowed the author to remove awkward hanging shelves and consolidate loose items into fabric bins. By utilizing the top of the wardrobe for additional storage, the room feels significantly more open. These changes successfully reduced visual noise, creating a calmer atmosphere during a period of personal life transition.
7Low-Cost Aesthetic Improvements
Beyond furniture, the author’s mother contributed by modifying existing curtains to improve light blockage. By removing grommets and closing the top holes at no additional cost, the room’s aesthetic improved significantly. These small, manual adjustments complemented the professional design choices, further enhancing the overall comfort and privacy of the small space.
8Value of Professional Guidance
Hiring a designer for a 150-square-foot space might seem extravagant, but it provided essential clarity during a chaotic time. The professional input saved the author from buying unsuitable items, ultimately creating a peaceful, organized home. This experience demonstrates that professional design services can offer tangible value even in temporary, small-scale living situations.
Original article: Business Insider — Hiring an Interior Designer for a Tiny Temporary Home