Well, you can stick a candy cane in it—one of our favorite seasonal projects is officially complete!
We were invited to refresh and decorate a family waiting room at the Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU. The goal was to make the space feel warmer and more like home year-round, and to add some holiday cheer for families spending the season at the hospital. The purpose made the project especially meaningful, so we were eager to begin. Here’s how the room looked on our first visit.
We aimed to create a living-room atmosphere for children, parents, and staff. One big change was a new paint color called Gargoyle, chosen after staff requested something enveloping and cozy to contrast the building’s typically bright, clinical rooms. Though it can read as gray in photos, in person it reads more like a mocha-taupe. Adding a soft armchair beside a bright tree, tasteful window treatments, and handmade holiday accents—like a little parade of wooden trees along one side—helped the room feel more inviting and homey.
The room will eventually receive new hardwood floors, a white door to replace a blonde wood one, and updated furnishings, but the team didn’t want to wait to make the space festive for families this season. We were happy to jump in right away.
To give a quick overview, the hospital produced a short recap video that captures the transformation and the spirit behind it.
Heather, the senior child life specialist, put it best: the aim was for families to feel cared about when they enter the room. Holiday decorating is a cherished tradition for many, but when a child is in the hospital it may be the last thing on a parent’s mind. So we focused on handmade touches and soft, non-clinical details to make the space feel less corporate and more comforting.
We previously shared four projects from the room, including a faux fireplace and paper garland. The garland has become even more beautiful since our initial visit, thanks to artwork added by children on the floor. Below are some details you might not have seen yet—starting with the Christmas tree. We chose a white tree so it would stand out against the painted walls and offer variety from the traditional green trees elsewhere in the building. The pre-lit tree was practical, and most ornaments were sourced locally and from familiar retailers.
Overseeing the tree is Bucky, a large cardboard deer that quickly became a favorite. Several tabletop snowflake trees in the room echo the woodland theme, which became a recurring motif throughout the space.
A highlight was a metallic tree forest that we arranged along two walls. We needed elements that were thin, lightweight, and easy to mount. A local maker used laser cutting to produce trees in various sizes from a simple template, and we finished them in metallic spray paints so they would stand out against the painted walls. We mounted them with removable velcro strips so they could be taken down easily after the holidays without damaging the surface.
Window valances were custom-made by a local fabric company in a pattern that reads festive but remains suitable year-round. When a custom reupholstery wasn’t possible in the timeline, they generously donated a comfortable armchair from their showroom. It proved to be a huge hit—families and staff loved the cozy seating by the tree.
A large chalkboard between the windows was built from plywood and painted with chalkboard paint. For a playful twist, we mixed a pale chalkboard paint by adding a touch of grout to white paint, then painted a simple house-and-hill scene along the bottom. To create a soft, snowy starting texture, we dragged white chalk across the board’s surface so the wood grain peeked through. Since installation it has quickly filled with drawings and holiday messages.
One of the most touching parts of the makeover was contributed by readers: two cork boards filled with cards, letters, and crafts mailed to our PO Box. The outpouring of support was overwhelming and greatly appreciated by families who have enjoyed sorting through the thoughtful messages and handmade items. Because pushpins are restricted in hospital settings, we painted the cork boards white for balance and used patterned washi tape to display items initially, making it easy to rotate pieces in and out.
Contributions arrived from across the country and around the world, and the kindness shown was the most meaningful part of the project. Seeing families read those notes and look through the crafts was deeply moving for everyone involved.
Additional handmade touches include small wooden plaques decorated with painted ovals and simple seasonal illustrations. Each plaque features a tiny, cheerful motif—mittens, houses, or little reindeer—crafted to complement the room’s lodge-like aesthetic.
We also added a bit of cheer to the adjacent kitchen area with gold glitter wreaths on upper cabinet doors that are rarely opened. A thoughtful canvas print sent by a reader now hangs above the coffee station so staff can enjoy it year-round.
The most rewarding part of the project was seeing how the space affected people. During the time we worked on-site we met patients, parents, nurses, and administrators who expressed genuine gratitude. Hearing words like warm, cozy, and soothing confirmed that the design choices hit the right notes.
We left feeling grateful ourselves. The project was fun and meaningful, and it reminded us how small gestures of care can make a big difference. The kids were the true highlight—watching their smiles was priceless. Here’s a short video the hospital made that captures that joy:
Our thanks go out to the Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU and everyone who helped make this room more welcoming—donors, volunteers, local makers, and everyone who sent notes and crafts. Your kindness brightened the season for many families, and we have much to be thankful for.
P.S. – You can support the Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU by texting HEALTH to 50555 to donate $10 to help the children.
Update: You can also check out our curated holiday decor recommendations for affordable seasonal finds to help bring cheer to your own home.