Heads up: this post covers a few different topics. Life has felt a bit like a smorgasbord lately—in a good way—and sometimes it’s hard to organize everything into neat, single-topic posts when so much is happening at once.
We say “in a good way” because we’re finally gaining momentum on a goal we mentioned previously: taking on more off-campus projects. These are projects that extend beyond improving our own home and, in several cases, serve a charitable purpose. The Homearama Showhouse we’re doing for Habitat for Humanity is the most obvious example so far, and it’s been a meaningful way for us to apply our skills to help others.
Another special project has just landed on our plate: we’ve been invited to help decorate a family waiting room at the Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU. The hospital reached out hoping we could volunteer time to make the space feel warmer and more home-like year-round, while also adding some festive touches for the holidays. The invitation felt like a perfect fit—this room will be where many families spend important and sometimes difficult moments, especially during the holiday season. As part of a “Spread Cheer” campaign, the hospital has entrusted the room to our care.
One important note: the children’s hospital already provides colorful playrooms and arts & crafts areas for kids to enjoy. This particular room is intended for the whole family, so the staff asked for playful elements that include children while maintaining a calming, homey atmosphere for everyone.
We met with the hospital team last week and immediately began learning the unique constraints of decorating within a medical environment. Function, cleanliness, and durability are paramount. Cozy items like plush pillows or baskets of soft toys, which we’d normally reach for at home, aren’t appropriate here because they’re difficult to sanitize and maintain. Those details are critical when designing for a hospital setting.
With a tight timeline to finish before the holidays, we moved quickly. Sherry put together an initial mood board to share our ideas—most elements will evolve as we move forward, but the board helped us align on a direction right away.
Some highlights from the mood board and our plan:
1. We arranged for an armchair donation from a local upholstery source to create a cozy story-time corner—maybe even a spot for Santa if he stops by. The fabric is an extra heavy weight, durable enough for a public space, and the neutral tones work well with the room’s palette.
2. After reviewing many wall samples, we selected a warm, deeper neutral that complements the existing wood paneling. The paneling must remain for maintenance reasons, and the room’s abundant natural light lets us go a bit darker without losing brightness. The result will feel snug and inviting.
3. To represent the diversity of families who use the room, the hospital requested holiday elements for different traditions, including a menorah and a Christmas tree. For safety and code reasons we’ll use electric or battery-operated options instead of open flames. The hospital plans to keep this decor for future years, which makes our choices long-lasting and thoughtful.
4. We’re planning a cluster of hanging snowflakes in a spot that won’t obstruct traffic. The look will be understated and playful rather than overly ornate.
5. We’ll make garlands and involve children in creating elements they can decorate or color, which we’ll then string together to form meaningful, personalized decor.
6. Twinkle lights will help create warmth and a gentle glow throughout the space—subtle and comforting rather than flashy.
7. The local upholstery partner will also donate fabric and labor to make two custom valances for the windows. Floor-length drapes aren’t allowed for safety reasons, but valances will add a homey touch while meeting hospital requirements.
8. To suggest a fireplace without an actual hearth, we’ll create a faux fire feature under the built-in TV—an inset panel painted with a cozy fire motif, finished with a few stockings to complete the mantel effect.
9. We plan to adapt a leaning chalkboard project into a large wall-mounted chalkboard where children and families can write holiday wishes and doodles. Chalk is a sanitary, easy-to-clean option that lets the space stay interactive without risking permanent marks on upholstery.
10. The hospital requested a tree, which must be artificial for fire code compliance. We’re leaning toward a colorful, cheerful design that brings holiday cheer while keeping the overall room calm and welcoming.
**************************************
The mood board covers about half of the tasks on our to-do list. Additional work will include centerpieces, holiday table linens, DIY art, and other finishing touches to make the room feel complete. Our target is to have everything installed within roughly two weeks, which means the next few days will be fast and focused—especially with Thanksgiving on the calendar.
We’re excited to share the process as it unfolds, and most of all we can’t wait to see the reactions of the families who will use the room. The hospital plans to record a short video of the makeover and the families’ responses, so be prepared: Sherry already has tissues on standby.