Over the past few years, the Design for a Difference team has been changing the lives of people and organizations across the country by designing, renovating, and completing functional spaces. While we are always looking forward to what’s next, we also know that it’s just as important to remind ourselves of the differences we have made in the past. For that reason, we’re revisiting some of the spaces we have designed over the years and giving you a glimpse at just how unique and transformational each and every makeover can be.
The Rainbow Project is a child and family counseling and resource clinic that helps provide restorative healing and hope for those who have experienced trauma in Madison, Wisconsin. In this project, the DFAD team created a beautiful, welcoming front desk space, a nicely lit hallway with people and nature silhouettes, and areas for both adults and kids to sit at tables that are clean and well-kept, with storage to match.
Based in Raleigh, North Carolina, the Raleigh Rescue Mission is an organization that transforms the lives of those who are experiencing homelessness by helping them with their physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. The organization assists through loving care, job training and placement, transportation, financial coaching, and permanent housing.
In this renovation, the DFAD team stepped in to help create inviting new spaces with large couches, modern flooring and finishes, and areas that feel welcoming and safe. Some of the updates include a full wall decked out in bright yellow wallpaper in a room featuring desktop computers, a bright kitchen area with seating, and a new living space that is comfortable as can be.
Finger Lakes Independence Center (FLIC)
Finger Lakes Independence Center, located in Ithaca, New York, is an organization dedicated to empowering individuals with disabilities and creating an inclusive society by removing social and architectural barriers. In this makeover sponsored by IDG showroom owner Bruce Baker of B&B Floor Coverings and design team members Omer Faizi, Diana Katzmann, and InShik Lee, what used to be an undefined entrance is now a celebration of color and nature. The space was also updated with new flooring, paint, and wall coverings, there was a kitchen and a bathroom renovation, and a new conference room and director’s office were added. One of the highlights of the project was a 3-panel mosaic wall mural adorning the reception area.
Located in Morristown, New Jersey, the Morristown Neighborhood House is dedicated to giving people of any age the chance at a happy, healthy life. Partnering with J&S Designer Flooring, Eastern Design Group, and Design for a Difference, the space was renovated to make it safe, usable, and functional. The rooms were inspected for repair and renovated. Some of the new improvements included new cabinets, paint, flooring, and installations to keep curious kids safe from large objects and furniture.
East Madison Community Center (EMCC)
The East Madison Community Center in Madison, Wisconsin, is a place that offers a variety of services, including summer camps, book clubs, GED classes, and more. In need of a few updates, IDG store, FLOOR360 took on this project to help bring the space to life.
Forty-four volunteer interior designers transformed the inside of the center to make it look like a neighborhood. There are painted doors, trees on the walls, kites hanging from the ceiling, picket fences, and a variety of other unique subjects throughout the center. 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 brainchild 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.
