Design on a Dime

When students are accepted into the Hawza (Shia universities), the single guys and gals will be placed in dorm rooms provided by the Hawza. There are also separate dorms for families provided, but from what I've seen, those are not always guaranteed to be quick in coming or even "ready" in terms of utilities (as seen in this video made by an adorable young married couple studying in Qom). Other Hawza students coming from abroad can also rent or buy their own home or apartment. We were on a waiting list for a family dorm, but time was running out, so my husband was able to find this apartment for a low rent.

Some may wonder how a family of 5 can afford to uproot itself and go across the world to start over, both financially and mentally. I'll get to the mental aspect in another post, but as far as financially, I'll just say it's due to donations, sponsorship, and charity. Students are usually on a tight budget with some income here and there, but of course, money and security take a huge hit with this lifestyle. 

The apartments there are usually unfurnished, with no appliances such refrigerators or stoves, so people have to purchase all these items themselves. In the Qom area there is a website similar to our Craigslist that offers used furniture and household items.

These are a few of the items that my husband has been able to buy so far. Of course, as a woman who once wanted to be an interior designer and still pins cool rooms from Apartment Therapy, it has been a test of letting go as I haven't been part of choosing items. But my husband has done a great job, especially considering the time crunch, his lack of transportation and his beginner Farsi! I'm glad that when we arrive in Iran after traveling 24 plus hours, we'll have lovely, roomy couches and beds to rest our weary selves, inshaaAllah.

Here you can see the cozy couch set that sits atop the 2 large Persian rugs that were bought (there is no carpet in most apartments there). The room's dimensions are measured and taken to the rug store to purchase large rugs such as these. The same is true for curtains.

So lovely, so huge. What is that show my husband has on the TV? Probably an Iranian drama. 

Authentic Persian rug, cool huh?

These carpets are measured to fit into the two bedrooms.

Several items were purchased from a family who was moving to the USA from Iran.

This washing machine was purchased new and is located in the kitchen. There are no dryer hook-ups and all clothes will air dry. There are drying racks (as seen in the above 2nd living room photo). This is going to take some getting used too. 

Bought a fridge. Not a perfect fit, but nice and familiar American size.

Sharp cornered TV stand. Good thing I don't have any babies with me. Although I'm clumsy so...

Good storage. 

I've never seen a microwave with a mirrored front, but now I own one. 

Can't wait to settle into our new place with our family together, and look forward to sharing it.