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? 
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.
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!
I love that you are doing this. I can’t wait to see the results. But those walls look really bad!! I hope paint is enough to cover all that damage!
What a rewarding way to decorate! Put those skills and talents to use for a wonderful cause. (Rhoda, now you know why God gave you those kitchen cabinets, the first time – for practice.) Let me know if they need one of my paintings – I will donate.
-Trish
HI, Trish, we would absolutely LOVE that!!! yes, please! I’m emailing you too.
This is so awesome, transforming a space with a beautiful function from grim to gorgeous! I know the 3 of you will do a magnificent job.
Cathy @ Room Rx
You always do the most fun things & the most charitable. I look up to you for that. Can’t wait to see the transformation.
What a way to use your gifts and talents for the Lord! I’m inspired by your giving heart and can’t wait to see the update!
Rhoda, I have been reading your blog for the last 2 years or so & I have seen your transformations… I know you will put your special touch on this project!! Vicki
I can’t wait to see what you do! I loved this last year – what a great gift to give these young people. :o)
Rhoda, I think it’s wonderful the three of you are doing this again. I would love to make a small donation towards your supplies, for bedding or area rugs, just anything you would pick out. Please let me know where to make the donation. Thanks, Mary
This is going to be a fun project. Can’t wait to see the result!
Woow, Rhoda — what a great project!! I wish I lived nearby –would love to lend a hand. You’ll have to settle for good wishes, warm thoughts and bated breath — can’t wait to see the transformation!!!
There you go again…creating another beautiful transformation…what a great cause!…Looking forward to seeing your transformations!
Praise the Lord for people like you. You are so good to share your gifts. I will look forward to seeing the finished suite.
What depressing spaces! But not for much longer now! Can’t wait to see what you do! I know it’s going to be beautiful and uplifting!
What a wonderful gift y’all are to that space!! Oh the happy hearts that will be filled with joy from a new and wonderful look you’re sure to bring!! How rewarding!! Can’t wait to see.
I am SO impressed and touched by what you are doing!! <3
Rhoda, this project makes me smile! Thank you to you, Lori, and Angela for reaching beyond yourselves. Because of my involvement with orphan care through Hope Unlimited for Children and my mother’s many years on the Board at South Texas Children’s Home, I know exactly how big a gift you are giving to this ministry. May your efforts be richly blessed. Have fun!
Oh how wonderful! What a blessing to them and I know you all too will be blessed by doing this makeover. Wish I could be there to help! I know it will be beautiful and bring lots of joy to the girls living there. Can’t wait to see the transformation!
Can’t wait to see what you do above that kitchen sink window. I have the same wood peice running across mine and would love to paint my cabinets and change that 1960 design element.
Wow! You certainly have your work cut out for you! I went back and looked at the amazing work done on the boys’ section, and I am so impressed. This is such a good idea for so many reasons. It makes me inspired to try harder on my own kids’ rooms. They are very “utilitarian” and I wonder if they send the right message to them.
Looking forward to following this project along.
Wow, what a wonderful cause! Looking at the pictures, you can see that there is such potential to work with, albeit hard work! I can’t wait to see the outcome! God Bless you all!
~Dawn