Hello! I’m looking to hire an interior designer/decorator to help style my 1 bed/1 bath 600 sq ft. apartment. I’ve never worked with a designer before and don’t totally know how to find one! I would love any advice or recommendations.
I’m a black queer woman in my early 30s and want to create a style that reflects that and mixes in some cozy bohemian and modern elements. I have a few ideas for pieces and flow but really need some help pulling it all together. I’m based in Brooklyn and would love to work with someone who could come and see the space in person but also open to virtual!
If you have advice on how to find a designer or have recommendations for someone to work with, I would love your help. Thank you!
Hi Jo! You’ve come to the right place Ideally, you would want to work with someone who has done similar work or is interested in the vibe you’re going for in your budget of course. That being said, I am not in Brooklyn but I would love to help you design your boho-modern space virtually.
DMing you more details, cheers!
Hi Jo! Welcome to our community forum We actually have a job fair for our members to apply to things like this. Check out this link for more info on how to post your listing. Like the page mentions, we aren’t an e-design company so we don’t manage the actual project, but we hope to connect designers with folks who are looking for help!
Do you have an Instagram page or folder with photos of your space? I know of a few designers in Brooklyn and can tag them in here if it’s a good fit!
Oh amazing, thank you so much Daniela! This is so helpful – I will for sure post in the job fair. Here is a Google folder with photos of the space as it is, as well as a doc with more info on the space and some inspiration for how I want to design. Let me know if you have any trouble with that link, or if you need any more info! Thanks for your help!
Since you’re in Brooklyn, you have lots of great options. The easiest way to start is by browsing Instagram using tags like “Brooklyn interior designer” or “NYC small spaces” to find someone whose style matches your vibe. Platforms like Havenly and Decorilla also have designers who work virtually but many are local and can visit in person.
Local Brooklyn community groups are another good place to get recommendations from people who’ve hired designers before. And if you end up wanting custom pieces later, DreamSofa offers custom-made sofas that work really well for small apartments.
Book a quick consultation once you find someone you like. It’s the best way to see if you click and if they understand the modern, cozy, identity-driven style you’re going for.
Hi Jo, creating a space that reflects your identity while mixing bohemian and modern styles sounds amazing! One approach that often works is looking for designers who offer both in-person consultations and virtual services. Molecule Designs, for instance, has a strong portfolio across the UK and offers bespoke interior solutions tailored to clients’ tastes and lifestyles. You can click here to explore their projects and get a sense of how they blend personal style with functional design.
It also helps to gather images of your favourite pieces, colour schemes, and layouts before reaching out, this gives a designer a clear starting point. Even if they’re not based in Brooklyn, many designers can guide you virtually and help pull everything together into a cohesive, cozy-modern look.
Hiring an interior designer for the first time can feel overwhelming, but your project sounds very doable—and fun.
Here’s how I’d suggest approaching it:
Start with platforms made for small spaces & first-time clients
Check sites like Thumbtack, Houzz, Havenly, or Decorilla. Many designers there specialize in apartments, offer virtual options, and work within clear budgets.
Look locally in Brooklyn/NYC
Search Instagram or Google for “Brooklyn interior designer” or “NYC interior stylist.” Designers often showcase real apartments, and you’ll get a feel for who works with cozy, bohemian-modern styles. Local designers are also more open to in-person visits.
Ask about flexible services
Since you already have some ideas, you might not need full-service design. Many designers offer:
Styling + space planning
Concept boards & shopping lists
Hourly or flat-fee consultations
Be upfront about identity & vibe
It’s completely okay (and helpful) to say you want a space that reflects you—your culture, identity, and lifestyle. A good designer will listen and translate that into color, texture, and layout.
Trust your comfort level
Before hiring, do a short call. Ask:
Hi Jo, this sounds like a wonderful project, and a 600 sq ft apartment can genuinely feel stylish and spacious when the design is approached thoughtfully. When looking to hire an interior designer, it helps to focus on someone who understands not only your preferred bohemian-modern aesthetic but also the personal story you want your home to reflect. A good designer should be able to translate identity, lifestyle and comfort into practical design choices rather than simply following trends.
Since smaller apartments rely heavily on smart planning, pay attention to designers who talk about layout, lighting and functionality early in the conversation. The right professional will consider how the space flows day to day, from relaxing and hosting to storage and visual balance before selecting décor pieces. Asking for a consultation or mood concept beforehand can also help you see whether your visions align.
Even though you’re based in Brooklyn, exploring virtual designers can broaden your options. Studios such as Molecule Designs, based in the UK, showcase a thoughtful blend of modern structure with warm, personality-driven interiors that work particularly well in compact homes. You can click here to explore their projects and gather inspiration.
Reviewing different design styles first often makes choosing the right local designer much easier and more confident.
Exciting project, your vision sounds amazing already! I’d start by browsing Instagram, Pinterest, and platforms like Houzz or Thumbtack to find designers whose style aligns with yours. Look specifically for designers experienced with small spaces and personalized aesthetics. Don’t hesitate to ask about consultations and budgets upfront. Also, consider reaching out to local Brooklyn creatives or design collectives, they often bring a more authentic, culturally reflective touch. A short trial project can help you see if it’s the right fit!
That sounds interesting. I am a interior designer, focussed on helping people to create a more cozy feeling at home, so that the flat, is not only a flat, but a real home.
A Mix out of cozy bohemian and modern elements sounds very nice. Depending on what you exactly want and how much you d’like to invest I can make you an offer.
For a smaller budget I could offer you a moodboard, with articles of furniture stores in your area. Where you can just see how it would look like, what the articles name is, how much it costs and where you can order it. If you need further help I can make out of it a visual (virtual room) on where to place what, so that it all fits together and to your personality.
It is always helpful to get some reference pictures, on what you exactly are wishing for or impressions from printerest. Would you like to send me that?
Ideally, you would want to work with someone who has done similar work or is interested in the vibe you’re going for in your budget of course. That being said, I am not in Brooklyn but I would love to help you design your boho-modern space virtually.
We actually have a job fair for our members to apply to things like this. Check out this