Kids returning to school means teachers and staff are returning too, and we were thrilled to make that transition a little brighter for one local public school that asked for help updating their teachers’ lounge.
In June, someone who had seen our makeover of Hudson’s room reached out about another volunteer project for a great cause. The principal and the PTA wanted the teachers’ lounge refreshed over the summer so staff would be surprised and delighted when they returned in September. Teachers and school staff give so much that saying yes felt easy.
The PTA set aside part of their teacher appreciation budget for the project, and our shared goal was to keep spending from that fund as low as possible. When we first walked into the room, it looked dated and underutilized, so we partnered with local supporters to make the most impact for minimal cost.
The real hero of this makeover was Ryan from Ferguson General Contracting, who donated extensive time, skilled labor, and many of the materials. We led the design choices and completed some finishing touches—like the painted lettering on the back wall—but the major work (painting, cabinetry, flooring, and backsplash installation) was handled by his crew.
The principal wanted a space that felt energetic yet more grown-up, since the lounge is one of the few kid-free zones in the building. We settled on a simple black-and-white palette to add contrast and energy without overwhelming color, leaning into a café- or bistro-inspired look to give staff a relaxing, mature place to eat and recharge.
The previous folding tables were replaced with a practical buffet-style counter under the bulletin boards. It now houses two matching microwaves donated by Ryan and provides generous storage and counter space for PTA luncheons and daily needs. We kept the original bulletin boards but removed the old gray-green fabric that had been tacked over them.
The new kitchen area is quietly transformative. Because Ryan donated much of the cabinetry and installation labor, the PTA didn’t need to spend their teacher appreciation funds on that portion of the project. Updated counters, new hardware, and a clean backsplash make the space feel intentionally designed and useful.
The cabinets and hardware were sourced from a local kitchen supplier, counters came from a local stone fabricator, and the backsplash tile was chosen for durability and style. We purchased practical chairs for the main tables that tied visually to the existing table legs and kept the room cohesive and affordable.
For the floor we followed the principal’s request to use commercial vinyl so cleaning and maintenance would remain consistent with the rest of the building. Instead of a generic commercial look, we installed solid black and white tiles in a striped pattern for a crisp, modern feel that still meets the building’s maintenance needs.
Accessibility requirements meant the sink base needed to remain open underneath, so a parent donated a custom burlap-like curtain that attaches with velcro to conceal the plumbing. The curtain ties into other woven and natural textures in the room and can be removed for washing or replaced later if desired.
The countertop is a honed, veined black granite that was both budget-friendly and visually complementary to the bold floor. Its irregular pattern softens the graphic flooring and brings warmth to the kitchen area. A small plaque on the counter thanks everyone who contributed to the makeover.
One of the biggest challenges was providing enough refrigeration. The staff needed more storage for lunches and PTA events, so we worked to incorporate two full-size refrigerators into the layout. Moving them to the back wall—near the vending machines—created a balanced, functional wall that improved circulation.
To avoid using the PTA budget for expensive appliances, we reached out to a major manufacturer and were overjoyed when two refrigerators were generously donated. The new stainless steel units offer double the storage and ice-making capacity, and their finish ties into the room’s metal accents while resisting smudges and fingerprints.
The lighting choices helped add warmth and natural texture. We repurposed pendant shades and suspended them from clear wire, avoiding any new electrical work while still softening the space with woven tones that echo the tables and accents.
For a playful focal point, we created a small café-style sign above the back wall that references the school mascot. We transferred the lettering with a projector and carefully painted the sign by hand, resulting in a charming, handmade detail that gives the room personality without being over the top.
Finishing touches included planters on the tables, woven baskets on the counters, colorful art on the bulletin boards, small countertop pin boards, and a donated Keurig. These simple accessories helped the space feel welcoming and useful from day one.
The project wrapped up just a week before staff returned. The principal had kept the makeover a secret all summer, even posting a “DO NOT ENTER! PLUMBING ISSUES!” sign on the door. She gathered the staff for a surprise reveal, and their reactions—smiles, tears, and genuine gratitude—made every donated hour and item worth it.
Thanks to generous donations from contractors, parents, local companies, and the PTA’s modest contribution, this teachers’ lounge now feels like a thoughtful, functional space that honors the people who give so much to students every day. It was a rewarding community effort and a joyful way to start the school year.
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