In a two-bedroom apartment, tell your designer who will use each room now and how that may change over the next few years.
1. Map the household’s needs
Decide whether the second bedroom is for a child, guests, work or a combination. Tell the designer what storage and privacy each use needs, then check how a desk or guest bed affects circulation. Ask where linen, suitcases and cleaning items will go, and price the bedrooms and shared areas separately so you can start with the rooms you use most.
2. Measure both bedrooms
Mark doors, windows, wardrobes and fixed sockets. Compare the real size of the bed, desk and storage against the routes people use. A sofa bed or foldaway desk can create flexibility, but check how it operates and what space it needs when open.
3. Make the living area do its job
Consider seating, dining, television and storage together. An open-plan room may benefit from clear furniture zones without blocking daylight or movement. Plan where everyday items will be kept before choosing decorative accessories.
4. Stage the budget
Separate essential repairs and furniture from items that can be added later. Obtain itemised prices for joinery, labour, delivery and design services. Confirm the building’s approval and work-hour requirements before scheduling any alterations.
5. Review the brief with a professional
An interior designer can help test the layout, but the services differ by agreement. Ask what a consultation or full design proposal includes. Search available profiles in the IDAK directory and read how to write a design brief.
Related guide: Apartment Interior Designers in Nairobi: What to Ask Before Hiring.
