One of the rooms I was asked to recreate was the parent interview room. It had a very clinical feel and my focus became to create a casual, comfortable conversation area. The discussions that take place in this space are very difficult for parents so I wanted them to feel as though they were at home, having a coffee with a friend. The information brochures etc. had to stay so I came up with a better way to display them...
Parent interview room before.
After... a comfortable conversational area.
The second space was the kids play area. The problem with the space was that very often parents and professionals used it as a waiting room. I was asked to create a space that was friendly for all ages with the main focus still on the little ones. The biggest challenge for me was the fact that I was not allowed to purge any toys! I had to make sure every single toy, book, game and critter would find a new home within the space...
The space was fun for the little ones but not adults.
Much more inviting with loads of storage space!
The kids table was a must have...
An Ikea coffee table paired with little chairs now serves a dual purpose.
This area was a high traffic zone, somewhat wasted space.
Now it houses books, magazines, games and the media centre.
I spent alot of time decorating at the centre and often saw children arrive, so many of them with their heads down and a sadness surrounding them. The exceptional, caring staff and volunteers made such a difference in just one day that when many of the children left there was courage and hope surrounding them, sometimes even smiles!
Although I now live in Vancouver and no longer decorate, I couldn't resist the offer to come back to decorate once the new facility is built. I wouldn't miss the chance to touch more children's lives, creating spaces that make them feel safe, have courage and smile.
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