Nowadays, stunning images of beautifully designed spaces are of no shortage. We surf sites like Pinterest and Houzz then flip through a handful of design shelter magazines for awe and inspiration. And if you’re like most of us, you know the source of your muse at a glance. House Beautiful, Architectural Digest, Elle Décor… each outlet has their own look. That includes DFAD.
Yes. Just like your favorite publications, Design For A Difference makeovers have their own unique aesthetic. They are bright, cheerful, and carefully planned spaces that have multi-purpose uses and feature some of the most brilliant designers from across the U.S. and Canada.
But there is something that may surprise you… each DFAD makeover shares 7 behind-the-scenes elements that differentiate our work from what you see in your everyday browse.
-
We Design for Communities
For the most part, designers create environments for residential or commercial use for a particular family or group. DFAD designers broaden their scope by designing spaces that are utilized by entire communities. Non-profits reach out to people from all walks of life, so their spaces need to work for a wide ranch of end users.
-
We Design by Committee
Designers love to share their talent, so it’s not uncommon to have groups of 8-10 designers working together on a DFAD project at the same time. Our committee style logic makes it easy for everyone to contribute, create, and get to the job done. Rumor has it, life-long friendships happen in the process as well. -
Our Work is Pro Bono
This is not a paid position or a one-day volunteer kind of thing. Partnering with DFAD means being committed to a project for the greater good of humanity. Your work will impact those in need in a positive way, and it is yours to share as you grow your business as a designer, showroom owner, or affiliate.
-
In Kind Donations Make It Happen
A lot goes in to transforming a neglected area… new floors, wall color, furnishings, and décor. Everything you see in a DFAD space has been donated by generous people and companies. Local businesses, contractors, and national brands make ‘in kind’ donations every day to support our projects.
-
The Ticking Clock
One of the most exciting yet challenging aspects of a DFAD makeover is that demo and installation are performed within a very tight window of time as to not affect the services provided by the charity. In the world of design, it’s rare for everything to arrive or go according to plan. We make returns, reselect, or reschedule the work to be done on a different day. Not here.
DFAD is an ‘all hands, on deck’ experience. You will find that participants execute some of their fastest and finest problem solving to ensure a successful install. This is why DFAD is attracting people and partners who result-driven and want to know where their money and resources go.
-
We Celebrate Design
While the charity staff has to stay away while the design team works their magic, bringing them back to watch them “open their eyes” is absolutely the greatest moment. Tear-filled reactions of overwhelming joy are shared among all, and for the first time, there is an opportunity for everyone involved to share their personal stories and relish in the spectacular transformation of space. -
A Project of the Heart
Truth. You will never encounter a DFAD partner doing it for self-advancement; despite that fact that it advances people and the associate brands. You will never encounter a DFAD designer who is doing it because it’s all about creating pretty spaces. Despite the fact that we’ve beautified over 150 rooms across the U.S. and Canada.
The local businesses, designers and volunteers who have joined DFAD understand the value of being charitable. Integral to each participant is the desire to support a social cause with their talent. And the most rewarding part of our work? Our makeovers have an invaluable and long-lasting impact on the charity and those who participate in them.
If you want to make DFAD part of your brand, please join the movement >