About

We are a busy family of four (two boys, aged 5 and 3) in Melbourne, Australia, seeking an experienced Interior Designer to help us revitalise our 5-year-old, 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom townhouse with a single garage. Our primary goals are to declutter, optimise space through smart storage solutions, and enhance the overall aesthetics and functionality of our home. We are looking for practical, real-world design ideas, not overly fancy or high-maintenance concepts. Our preferred style is modern, cozy, functional, and inviting, incorporating natural textures. We aim to have renovations completed by January/February. Important Note: We are specifically looking for a human designer and professional service. We can utilise AI tools ourselves and prefer a creative, personal touch for this project. Budget: Our estimated budget for new furniture, custom cabinetry, and installation for this project is between $10,000 - $15,000 AUD (this excludes design fees). Specific Design Requirements: 1. Kids' Bedroom (Boys aged 5 & 3) Current: Single kids bed to be removed. Requirement: Design for a single-size bunk bed (to accommodate a single mattress). This bed needs to be suitable for use over the next few years until we move to a larger home. Key Feature: Must include trundle storage or other integrated storage solutions to maximise space efficiency. We are open to innovative ideas for utilising the room's footprint effectively. 2. Main Bedroom Current: Cot and tallboy set to be removed. Requirement: Propose an optimised layout for the room. Source or suggest a new Queen bed frame with integrated storage (preferably soft plush/fabric material, not timber). Design custom cabinetry or built-in storage solutions to replace the tallboy and maximise clothes storage. Considerations for West-facing windows (e.g., light control, window treatments). 3. Living Room & Integrated Study Nook Existing Furniture to Retain: Custom-built TV cabinet (Acacia timber, Japan Black stained, wall-fixed). 3-piece couch set (currently with protective covers). Custom study table and bookshelf (Walnut timber). Design Needs: Wall Design: Ideas for shelving, cabinets, and appropriate art/pictures for the walls. Kids' Play Area: Solutions to better organise and visually improve the kids' toy area (currently messy, located next to the window and behind the couch). We have a separate storage room currently full of toys and other items that could be integrated into a larger organisation strategy. Study Nook Enhancement: Suggestions to enhance the existing study/work area (e.g., rug, additional shelving, art, lighting) to make it more functional and aesthetically pleasing. Entry/Storage Cabinet: Ideas for the dark cabinet located between the study and living room, currently used for school bags. Open to new functionality or aesthetic improvements. 4. General & Other Considerations Kids' Study Desk: Ideas for a suitable study desk and chair for our older child (5 years old). Location suggestions are welcome (e.g., in his bedroom or a designated corner elsewhere). Furniture Layout: We are fully open to modifying the layout/positioning of existing furniture if it improves the overall flow and practicality of the home. What We Will Provide to the Designer: A detailed floor plan with accurate measurements of all relevant rooms. Comprehensive photos and videos of the current spaces. Clear and open communication regarding our preferences and feedback. Deliverables Expected from the Designer: Initial concept mood boards for each key space. 2D floor plans showing proposed furniture layouts. 3D visualisations/renderings for the Main Bedroom and Living Room. A curated shopping list with direct links to recommended furniture, decor, and material suggestions. Detailed concept drawings/plans (with measurements) for any custom cabinetry proposed, suitable for quoting by a local cabinet maker. We look forward to collaborating with a talented designer who can help us create a truly functional and beautiful home!