Once again this Spring, we are tackling another cottage renovation at the United Methodist Children’s Home in Decatur, GA. You probably remember the boy’s cottage we did in the Fall, where I partnered up with 2 other designing girlfriends of mine to do a 2 room makeover in a week. It was challenging, exhausting, yet very rewarding, leaving behind a pretty room for those boys coming out of foster care to live in.  Working with Room Service Atlanta, a wonderful organization that helps out with charity renovations here in the Atlanta area has been a pleasure. If you’d like to donate to a worthy cause, you can also do that.
If you missed that makeover, check it out here. It’s really amazing the transformation that was done to the boys’ cottage!
This time, we will tackle a girls’ suite and it’s going to be fun to see this space come alive with paint, furniture and accessories. We’ll do what we can to make over this space on a budget, finishing up by mid-May. These cottages were built in the 40’s and last renovated in the 60’s, so you can imagine how they look.
Come on in and I’ll show you!
We had a meeting and chose the space we wanted to tackle. I’m once again teaming up with my friends, Lori and Angela for this worthy project.
As you can see, we have our work cut out for us once again. This time, we don’t have to do anything to the floor, as the tiles are in pretty good condition and are neutral.
We will, however, tackle the ugly paneled walls. Lots of primer and paint in our future!
Looking out to the hallway, there are 2 little closets on either side of the door coming in the room. And there’s a ledge all the way across the top.
This is a suite space, with a tiny kitchen off the living area. We are going to paint all the cabinets too.
These look slightly familiar to me. Wonder why?Â
There is a cool brick wall in the kitchen, that we all immediately loved.
The bathroom is very sparse and utilitarian.
Not a bad shower curtain, but we’ll more than likely add some color in here.
They opened up their thriftstore to us and let us go in and get things for our room, so we had a fun treasure hunting experience, browsing through all the artwork and lamps. You KNOW how much I love digging for treasures! We found several pieces of original art, a mirror and lamp that will get us going in the room.
In fact, the Children’s Home thriftstore is having a special big spring flea market sale (it’s right on their campus in Decatur) this coming weekend, so check out it. Walter Reeves will be there and you can tour their kitchen garden too. It’s a pretty fun thriftstore, so I’d encourage you to go and support their cause.Â
Can’t wait to show you the afters, but you’ll have to wait until later in May for that. We are excited to do this room in the girls cottage of the United Methodist Children’s Home. It’s certainly a worthy project to be involved in and I’m glad I have the time to do it.
We’re continuing work on the screened porch this week and I’ve got some opportunities to finish off my laundry room, so we’ll be jumping in there this month too, adding a base cabinet, sink and countertop, so I can’t wait to show you all of that when it is finished. It’s going to be so nice to get that room really functional and organized and have a sink in there. I love my big space!
You definitely have your work cut out for you, but I am sure you talented ladies will make the girl’s room beautiful.
What a fabulous project and I know it will be gorgeous when you are done! I wondered where you got your cart from, so that’s great they had a thrift store you could shop in. Looking forward to seeing the finished project.
Hey Rhoda, what a great way to give back. I’m looking for something like this in my area to do. Do you know if your organization has anything like this in Southern California.
Good job!
Lisa Lee
HI, Lisa, this is an ATL organization doing this service, so that’s the only place they participate. But, I’m sure you probably have something in your area you could get involved with. It is very rewarding!
Rhoda, I so admire the 3 of you for giving your time and talents to such a good cause. Plus, it’s fun to see what you come up with to transform these spaces! May all your efforts be blessed!
Rhonda, I can’t wait to see the big transformation! You are blessing. Keep up the good work.
I love hearing how you and others are putting some loving sparkle in the lives of others! God bless you all! Can’t wait to see the afters!
Oh, I can’t wait to see it when it’s finished!