Design for a Difference has been helping to make a huge impact on local non-profit organizations over the past several years. We have designed, renovated, and changed the lives of countless people and organizations across the country. This movement has proven that even the smallest gesture can make all the difference to those who are in need. Let’s revisit some of the spaces we have designed over the past several years!
Finger Lakes Independence Center (FLIC)
Sponsored by IDG showroom owner Bruce Baker (B&B Floor Coverings) and design team members Omer Faizi, Diana Katzmann, and InShik Lee, the employees and clients of FLIC have been enjoying their new space. It was updated with new flooring, paint and wall coverings, a kitchen and bath renovation, new conference room, and director’s office. Like all Design for a Difference makeovers, this space features a focal point that brings that special wow factor. And in this case, it is “Open Doors,” a 3-panel mosaic wall mural proudly adorning the reception area.
What used to be a rather drab and undefined entrance is now a celebration of color and nature. The new FLIC logo signifying their open door policy to “empower all people with disabilities” is front and center of the mural. It is surrounded by an array of splendid mosaic tiles which creates an eclectic landscape that mimics the beauty of Ithaca and the helping hands of the community. Updating a community space like this not only makes a difference to those who work there, but also those who depend on such an organization to gain their independence.
Morristown Neighborhood House
Two rooms at Morristown Neighborhood House got a much-needed makeover by J&S Designer Flooring as part of Design for a Difference. The rooms were inspected for repair, and J&S Designer Flooring, along with Eastern Design Group, and a host of individual and group volunteers and supporters helped make the renovation possible. Improvements included new cabinetry, a fresh coat of paint, flooring, and special installations to keep their curious toddlers safe.
East Madison Community Center (EMCC)
IDG store, FLOOR360, took on this project with the East Madison Community Center with excitement. The EMCC offers many services like a summer day camp, book club, GED classes, basketball camp, Alzheimer’s screenings and college prep workshops. In 2017, a family resource center opened on the site with an aim to build stronger families and improve birth outcomes. EMCC’s food pantry served over 1,300 people in 2017 and its space was in need of an upgrade.
Forty-four volunteer interior designers transformed the inside of the neighborhood center to look like a neighborhood. There are painted doors and trees on the walls, kites hanging from the ceiling, mailboxes, picket fences and much more. Mural artist Chad Caso painted graffiti-style art in the halls and bathrooms. FLOOR360 said that the goal of the redo wasn’t just to improve the space, but to “show off the power of design” and highlight the charity.
Bridging MN, FOUND IT! Estate Store
Interior designer Lucy Penfield teamed up with other local designers, Bridging, and the team from Design for a Difference to make over Bridging’s FOUND IT! Estate Store in Bloomington, MN. The project, the brain child of Lucy Interior Design and INTERSOURCE, inc., brought together businesses and interior designers to transform the store. The transformation was announced with a Reveal Party to show off the amazing results of the collaboration. They transformed a warehouse space into a showroom featuring room vignettes to inspire those in need.
