Young House Love

Home Decorating & DIY Tutorials

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So Many Holiday Projects

Heads up: this post might be a bit of a smorgasbord. I think it’s because life has been feeling kinda smorgasbordy lately (in a good way) and sometimes it’s hard to organize life into tidy, tightly-themed blog posts when it’s really all over the place behind the scenes…

CHOR Smorgasboard

I say it’s “in a good way” because we feel like we’re really starting to gain momentum around a goal that we mentioned in this post of taking on more “off-campus” projects. In other words, projects that aren’t centered solely around improving our own spaces and, in more than one case, are for a good cause. The Homearama Showhouse that we’re doing for Habitat For Humanity, being the most obvious example of this so far (you can read more about that here and here).

But that’s not the only exciting thing on our plates. We’ve also been invited to help with a very special project: decorating a family waiting room at the Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU!

CHOR Sign

They contacted us in the hopes that we could volunteer our time to warm up the room so it’s more cozy and homey year-round, as well as to add some festive touches for the holiday season. Not only did it sound like a fun project, it had such a deserving purpose that we couldn’t wait to get started. For many of the children in the hospital’s care, this is the space where their family will spend the holiday season. So as part of a “Spread Cheer” campaign, they’ve handed this entire room over to us. It’s already turning out to be a really fun challenge (some things have to stay, some things can change, and of course there are safety/sanitary/maintenance concerns to take into account since it’s a children’s hospital).

CHOR Waiting Room Before

*One thing to note is that the kids have a playroom and an arts & crafts room along with other colorful spaces where they get to hang out, so this room really is for the entire family. The hospital staff asked for some playful touches that include children, but their overall vision is a soothing and homey room that makes everyone feel comfortable and calm.

Getting it done before the holidays is also part of the challenge, considering that we just had our first meeting last week – but we’re getting a fast and furious education in the sensitivities of decorating in a space where not only function, but cleanliness, is paramount. Cozy touches like plush pillows or a basket full of toys are big no-nos because they’re too tough to keep sanitized (things we don’t think twice about in our own house are critical details in a medical environment).

CHOR Waiting Room Before Alt

So here’s a mood board that Sherry tossed together to share a few of our initial ideas with you guys (all of which will evolve as we go, most likely in hyper-speed since we have such a tight turnaround).

CHORmood Board

1.  We somehow convinced our friends at U-fab to help us cozy up the room by donating an armchair from their showroom so we can create a little story time corner – or maybe even a place for Santa to sit, should he choose to visit. The extra heavy upholstery weight fabric is super durable for high use, so it’s great for a public space (although it looks white in this photo, it’s really wheat & blue, and has held up well in their showroom for a while).

2. After going through a bunch of swatches for the walls, we landed on Gargoyle, which works well with the existing wood paneling (for maintenance purposes that has to stay & can’t be painted).  The room’s so well lit that we don’t worry about going a little darker with the walls, in fact we’re excited about the cozy-factor that a slightly deeper and warmer color will bring.

3. To represent all of the families who might be using this room, we’ve been asked to include a menorah as well as a Christmas tree. This candle one is awesome but for fire code reasons we can’t go that route, so we’re on the lookout for something electric or battery operated. Update: although Hanukkah is earlier this year, the hospital is planning to bring this decor out annually, so it’s nice to have everything they’ll need for future years from this initiative.

4. We’d love a flurry of snowflakes hung en masse in a strategic won’t-be-in-the-way spot. They won’t necessarily be gold, we just saw this and thought it was a good representation of that general idea.

5. We’ll definitely be making some garlands. This one from paper source is great inspiration, but we’re thinking of involving the kids so they can color things that we can then string together to make something really meaningful for them.

6. Three words: twinkle lights. Everywhere.

7. U-Fab has also kindly offered to donate some fabric and their time to make two custom valances for the windows in the room – again just to warm things up and make it feel more homey. Our usual floor-length curtain idea isn’t allowed for a slew of safety/fire reasons, but after finding some cool roman-shade-looking-valance designs, we’re really excited. And this fabric was the big winner (here’s a link to the gray version).

8. This cute campfire is just here to represent the idea of a faux fire. There’s a recessed rectangle under the built-in around the TV, and we thought temporarily inserting a piece of wood with a cozy little fire painted on it would be fun for the kids and families. We’ll add some stockings on the mantel to complete the fireplace-like effect.

9. We want to adapt our leaning chalkboard project to create a large hanging one that will allow the kids and families to write holiday wishes and greetings. Can’t you just picture it all filled up with kid doodles and holiday scribble? The hospital staff thinks the children will love something interactive like that, and chalk is preferred because it’s easier to remove from upholstery than markers (and it’s cheaper & easier to switch out regularly for sanitary reasons).

10. Last but not least, they’ve asked for a tree, and we really want to have fun with it. These guys are real (and it has to be faux for fire code reasons) but we’re leaning towards something full of color that mimics this look. We want this room to feel calming, but we also want to inject a nice heaping dose of holiday cheer.

**************************************

The mood board represents around 50% of the stuff on our to-do list, so there will also be centerpieces, holiday tablecloths, DIY art, and a whole bunch of other things in the mix. Our goal is to have the room ready within the next 2-ish weeks… which, thanks to having Thanksgiving in there, means it’s gonna be fast and furious around here. We’re really looking forward to sharing the process with you guys. And most of all, we can’t wait to see the faces of those deserving families who will be spending their holidays there. The hospital has planned to make a little video of the makeover and the kid and family reactions, so Sherry already has her tissues ready…

Comments

  1. Meagan says

    I LOVE that you two are giving back to the community, and I LOVE that you’re involved with VCU! My husband and I are HUGE VCU Basketball fans (almost to the point of obsession)and they recently volunteered with the kids at the VCU children’s hospital, which made me love them even more. Last week my husband told me were making the trip from Cinci to Richmond later this year to see a game! I was so excited and said we needed to stop by and see my “friends” Sherry and John, and he said I should find out if we could crash for the night. He was a little dissapointed when I explained we’re not really friends (just like Juvante Reddic is not actually my boyfriend), I just follow your blog almost as obsessively as we follow the Rams. However, I said you might consider it in exchange for some wallpaper peeling and trim painting (his 2 least favorite home improvement tasks)… and so hotel it is. :)

    Reply

  3. Elisabeth says

    You guys are amazing! I am soo happy that
    you are doing this! Such a lovely YHL-project!
    I know you’ll find ways to make that family space
    lovely.
    Sherry and John, you guys are
    awesome and such an inspiration!!

    Reply

  4. Laurie says

    What a lovely project!

    I have had friends with critically ill children and I know how much time they have spent at the hospital. They also faced enormous challenges making sure their child who wasn’t ill, was able to come to the hospital for visits and to have fun, childish experiences during that time. Both with her parents and with her ill sibling.

    This space will truly be important to a lot of people. I’m so glad it is in your hands!

    Reply

  5. Stephanie Bergman says

    Oooh! I hope we get to see the video! It’s like Extreme Makeover: Home Edition with Ty Pennington. Only it will be Extreme Makeover: Hospital Edition with the Petersiks! I’m certain there will be tears all around. So encouraged by your willingness to continually give back. God bless you!

    Reply

  6. Trisha D. says

    Gaahhh, y’all have huge hearts, all the more reason to continue coming right back here for more! Giving back is so meaningful.

    Just wondering, what happened to the Forum Foursome? That little link every Friday, was something I looked forward to.

    Y’all rock, thanks for always keeping things fresh and amazing!

    Reply

  7. Sarah says

    So cool that you guys are able to do this for those kids and families! They deserve everything they can have to help make those hospital days a tiny bit easier.

    Your faux fire place idea made me think of these lights from Modcloth: http://www.modcloth.com/shop/lighting/room-baya-night-light. Two or three of them in the space might make a fun and light up representation of a fireplace. I got one for my kids and they are small but adorable. They have a push turn on and a good amount of light. Kids might enjoy getting to turn the “fire” on and make pretending even more fun.

    Reply

  8. Tania says

    So awesome! I love that fake campfire…I think I need that for my childless home hahaha! Also loving the twinkle lights. You guys are so cool- way to use your skills to bless so many families!! :)

    Reply

  10. Dina says

    Yay! We are sooooo excited! I work on the Peds floor and may or may not have been a little overly excited running into you guys up here. Can’t wait to see what’s in store for our very deserving families!

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Thanks so much Jill, you’re so sweet! We have a few ideas to get people (near and far) involved so we’ll share those as we go (just have to get approval on some of those!).

      xo
      s

    • Jill says

      Awesome! Can’t wait to be part of something so considerate. Having three sons, we’ve ended up in a variety of hospital settings, mostly emergency rooms for broken/sprained bits. I can only imagine the impact a personalized, comforting waiting space would have made. I think it would have softened the reality of what we were facing and maybe given us subtle encouragement. Thanks for taking on this project. You all are the best!

  13. Renee says

    This is awesome – it made me teary eyed just thinking of the video! May the force be with you as you tackle this project :)

    Reply

  14. Becky D. says

    Our son was put in the hospital through the Christmas season a few years ago. It was such a traumatic time for our family. Having a room like this to feel a little bit of normalcy for him at that time would have been wonderful. What you are doing is amazing. Bless you and thank you for sharing your talent to help others.

    Reply

  15. Amanda says

    We had to spend a day (thankfully just the one!) at a children’s hospital with our baby, and it’s amazing how much the pleasant surroundings helped alleviate some of the stress for us. I wouldn’t have anticipated it making a difference, but it really did. If we had been bringing an older kid rather than a baby, I’m sure it would have helped them even more. So thanks for doing this!

    Reply

  19. Erin Woods says

    This post brings me so much joy. I work as a nurse in the ICU at Seattle Children’s Hospital, but moved to Richmond for nursing school and spent time learning and working in the pediatric ICU at VCUHS (before it was Children’s Hospital of Richmond). I was introduced to your blog a few years ago and it was a fun connection back to my few years in Richmond. Now, with my love for the staff and mission of a children’s hospital I feel so grateful you’ve taken on this challenge.

    Thank you for serving the families and kiddos this way!
    Best,
    Erin Woods
    Seattle, WA

    Reply

  21. liz says

    the intersection of hands, head & heart – you guys constantly live right there, and we’re so grateful to be able to watch you use your time & talents. Thank you, this project is one of the best yet. Can’t wait to see the Habitat house.

    Reply

  22. HeatherM says

    What a great project. I’m a peds nurse and I’ve spent A LOT of time in peds hospitals and peds wards, so I have a few suggestions: 1) if possible include a dining-room style table (perhaps Ikea?) and chairs where families can gather and eat. Hospitals always remember to make family gathering rooms, but they usually forget to allow a table where the family can eat, so they always end up eating on their laps. It would also be a place where siblings can color/ do homework, etc.. 2) A flat screen TV can also be helpful to pass the time (perhaps along with a collection of holiday movies). 3) be sure to choose decorations that are quick and easy to set up and take down. While you guys are decorating this year, next year that will fall on the child life specialists, secretaries, and nurses. And the holidays are the busiest time of the year for most peds wards (because seeing family = sharing germs = sick kids = increased hospital admissions)- so those staff won’t have much time for the decorations. For example, a pre-lot tree is a lot faster than doing lights separately. If you can attach thread or ribbon to all of the ornaments so the staff don’t have to find and fight with ornament hooks each year, that is good too. 4) is there any way you can incorporate a way to honor the nurses and other staff on the ward too? Maybe ornaments with each person’s name on it, or little ornaments where family can write a quick “I am thankful for my nurse ____ because ____.” 5) Lockable storage might be helpful for books/ movies/ crayons/ etc. 6) incorporating couches is also nice if possible (parents can stay at the bedside, but when a kiddo is really sick, extended family- especially grandparents- will often catch a few winks on these couches as it is the only place for them most of the time. 7) A set of wall clips to display a revolving set of children’s art and patients’ colored pictures would be nice too. I hope this helps! I can’t wait to see how it all works out!

    Reply

  23. mp says

    As a spouse who spent a lot of time in hospital waiting rooms between 2007 – 2009, I say: bless y’all! I can’t think of a better project for the holidays.

    Reply

  24. Katie L. says

    Thank you for doing this! Several years ago, my neice spent over a year in and out of a hospital while battling cancer. We spent a lot of time in rooms like this while she was in surgery or having another procedure done. Anything to make the room feel less sterile is so appreciated. Just one thought for you… When we would bring meals to the hospital, we would often eat together in the common room. You mentioned a kitchen in this room. Is there a dining table where familes can gather to eat a “normal” meal?

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      I don’t think there’s a dining room, but there are some smaller meeting rooms and a big peninsula in this room where people could eat together I think! As for your niece, I hope she’s doing awesome. Such a hard thing to go through!

      xo
      s

  25. HeatherM says

    One more thing- if you do a rectangle table, it is pretty easy to get a piece of plexi cut to size to match the table top. You can put decorations under the plexi (which can be changed out regularly), and plexi is SUPER-easy to clean and disinfect. Also, then the tabletop is protected and it is much cheaper to replace a piece of plexi compared to an entire table.

    Reply

  26. Dana@chocolateandsunshine says

    You two always seem to know the right things to do. I sit in many hospital/dr. waiting rooms due to my job as a pharma rep. but it’s not about me but what I notice the patients and their families are experiencing. Whenever I see a big basket of toys, books or magazines, I cringe because of all of the “sick germs” going back and forth. As much as you love to decorate, as it’s also my passion, it’s hard not to incorporate some extra coziness in the cute things but you are doing right by these families. I love the leaning chalkboard being included. How about photos of local fun places that kids visit enlarged as posters (less expensive, too) — The park/zoo/fishing/amusement rides/swimming pool? Look fw to following on your progress. Great job!

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      That’s a really fun idea! They actually have zoo murals around the whole wing (they’re done by an amazing local artist) and their playroom and arts and craft rooms have some other animal/attraction themes. Love them!

      xo
      s

  27. Brooke says

    Just had to say that I love this project and I’m so glad you guys are taking it on. No one wants to be in the hospital over the holidays, and just softening that experience in some way can really be a gift.

    Reply

  28. Anne says

    I’m a nurse in the PICU there and I had no idea you guys were doing this. Thank you so much–families spend a lot of time in this room and I’m sure they would love for it to feel a little less “hospital-ish” especially during the holidays. Good luck! Can’t wait to see the finished product! Thanks again!

    Reply

  29. Lindsay says

    http://www.ctvnews.ca/canada/edmonton-boy-hopes-his-monster-drawings-will-help-fight-friends-cancer-monster-1.1548126

    Hi John and Sherry! I just wanted to say this particular project has me smiling. I’m sure you will do such a great job making a homey space for families that that need some comfort. I know the reason this is so touching is that my neice was diagnosed with leukemia at the beginning of this month. She has a long battle ahead of her with many more hospital stints. I know we would totally appreciate a nice comfy place without beeping, buttons and lights that surround a hospital bed.

    Also, in the theme of some art, maybe you could check this out (the website linked above). A four year old friend of my neice is drawing and selling monsters to fight the monster that is cancer. It is a fundraiser with 1/2 the benefits going to my neices family and 1/2 going towards the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Canada. I am so inspired by Max (thought you might be too) as well as for my neice, Kyla, who is fighting so bravely.

    Reply

  31. Kate says

    Love you are doing this for the children’s hospital. Such a wonderful place.
    Can’t wait to see the update on the trim/paneling painting! We have the same paneling and are getting ready to paint ours.:)

    Reply

  32. Liz says

    What a wonderful project!!

    This post reminded me that you said sometime in the last year that you have a huge surprise/secret. I wish I could remember what post that was from. I know you’ve made quite a few announcements since then (show house, baby, etc)…have you already shared what that surprise was or is there more to come?

    Reply

  34. Kathleen says

    I’m so excited to see what you guys do. As a parent who spent two weeks in the pediatric ICU with my son last fall, I can’t express how much these parents and kids will appreciate the homey touch. It makes me a little teary just thinking about the joy you’ll bring to those families (I’m still pretty emotional when I think of my son’s touch-and-go situation, so forgive me).

    Reply

  35. Linda says

    This is a wonderful thing you and the hospital are doing? And, bet you’re on this already, but would it be useful to check with a local mosque and see if there are any decorations/motifs that would be of comfort to Islamic families during this holiday season as well?

    Reply

    • Linda says

      umm, no question mark in that first sentence…it’s a totally wonderful thing you and the hospital are doing. My local hospital recently moved into a whole new facility – it’s amazing how the new textures and colors seem to make both patients and staff more at ease, and no doubt in my minds aids the healing process.

  36. Tirsa says

    As a mom who spent 10 weeks visiting a nicu and had MANY follow up appointments at a children’s hospital, Thank you! This is a very special project. I can’t wait to see how you transform the place.

    Reply

  37. Heather says

    Oh! I love this project so much! As someone who’s spent a LOT of time either in or visiting hospitals, this is going to be amazing. Anything that breaks off from the whole “I’m stuck in a hospital and someone I love is sick” standard vibe that you get with any/all waiting areas is genius! CANNOT WAIT to see the end result :)

    Reply

  38. Amanda says

    Such a great thing yall are doing! Are you able to replace all of the chairs? I guess that’d be expensive but it’d help a lot. Also what about a cozy rug or carpet tiles? Good luck!

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      They do have furniture replacement going on down the line as well as hardwoods going in, but that’s a later thing, so we’ll just be working with the chairs and the floor for now.

      xo
      s

  39. Lindsey says

    In September, my family and I spent almost 5 days in the PICU at the Children’s Hospital with my 4-month-old son. We are very familiar with that waiting room, and it was an important gathering/waiting/praying area for us when Andrew was in critical care. My husband and I also have a 2-year-old, and this room provided us the space we needed to see him while the baby was recovering.

    While my baby is at home and doing quite well, I witnessed many families who spend weeks, if not months, using that waiting room as essentially their living/dining room. I think what you’re doing is a great idea, and I cannot wait to see the finished project.

    Thank you guys for sharing!

    Reply

  40. Ashley Satterfield says

    So excited for your new ventures!
    As an interior designer, just a reminder to follow fire codes. I am not sure how they apply to these fixtures since they aren’t permanent, but something to look into especially with any fabric, wallpaper, etc. brought into the space.!

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      It’s for the secret project we’ve been working on for years (just shared a little sneak peek on instagram since I’m about to burst). We officially get to tell you guys the details in three more months and MAN, I CAN’T WAIT!

      xo
      s

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Haha! You mean what are they doing to us?! It was supposed to be revealed this November, so now that it’s almost December we’re DYYYING to tell someone… anyone! Soon soon soon!

      xo
      s

  43. Britt says

    I don’t even know what to say about this reveal. I had to walk away from my computer a few times to stop myself from crying while reading all the comments. Lets face it, Desk Crying on a Friday is NOT a good look.

    This post officially takes my YHL adoration up to a level I’m not sure I’m comfortable with!(LOL) I’m embracing this overwhelming(and unfamiliar)love and respect for people I’ve never “met”.

    Thank you both for being SO informative and inspirational on a DIY platform, but also for being so genuine and selfless in life. Wishing the P family the happiest of holidays, you deserve it!!

    Reply

  44. JennP says

    What an awesome cause! It’s not the kind of thing most people would ever think about, but as a mom who spent Christmas (and the 2 weeks prior) in the hospital with a very sick 2 year old last year, I thank you very much!!

    Reply

  45. Victoria says

    OK. Your kindness and humanity actually made me cry. I can’t wait to see how the family room turns out – I know it will be comfortable, stylish, welcoming, and warm and will enrich the lives of all who encounter it.
    How in the world do you find the time to do all you do? Do you guys sleep? I have got to get my slacker behind in gear. I am gratefully humbled.

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Oh Victoria, quit it or you’re going to make me cry! I promise we sleep! It’s just so awesome to be given an opportunity like this! We can’t wait to see how it all turns out.

      xo
      s

  46. Marissa says

    Oh man! I need some tissues just reading this post. God bless all the families caring for sick babies.

    I worked in the kids department at Nordstrom through college, and when they remodeled, they included floor tiles decorated by children of families affected by cancer (I can’t quite remember all the details, but it’s the store in Tysons Corner, VA if anyone is interested). In any case, it was so very lovely to see their artwork everyday. I think they were just cheap, white square subway tiles. Perhaps you could do something similar for your “fireplace” surround. Sometimes, the kids who did the tiles would come in the store and they’d get so excited to see their masterpieces… ok I need another tissue. Damn pregnancy hormones.

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      That’s so sweet! I love that! We definitely want to get the kids involved in decorating parts of the room (the garlands for example) and we also thought of a new idea involving you guys and your kids (mailing drawings and notes that we can display for those kids from everyone else out there wishing them well). Will keep you posted!

      xo
      s

  47. Nicole says

    I’m sure you’ve heard of the company L.L.Bean…here in Maine at their store, they have a giant chalkboard in the children’s department. It is so fun to go see what is written on it…its certainly not just for kids! I’ve definitely left my mark on it before! Hope you can duplicate this in your space! So excited to see what the room evolves into!

    Reply

  48. Sammy says

    Wow, this sounds like a really interesting project. I guess it’s a little different from what you’re used to but I’m sure you guys will nail it!

    Reply

  49. Jen says

    I really have nothing to add, but to say you rock. The concept board rocks, and the fact you are giving back in this way… wow.

    I love that it’s a theme that with removal of the tree and menorah, that it could make a cozy winter wonder land decor that can stay up till February. (And the snowflakes could be changes out for hearts!)

    Reply

  50. Ashley M. says

    Is this a surgical waiting room? I can’t tell you one thing about the decor of the family room we waited in for over 5 hours last month while our daughter had brain surgery . . . but I do remember the phone.

    It was that line that connected us to the surgical nurse and, therefore, the progress of our daughter’s surgery. Do something with the phone area to make it special.

    Reply

    • Ashley M. says

      Oh, and the phone was Mickey Mouse. So strange. hahah Forgot to mention that. So, we’re hearing that they cut open our daughter’s head from a Disney character.

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Hope your daughter is doing well! This is the Kiwanis Family Care Center. Will have to check if there’s a phone we can do something special to. Thanks for the tip!

      xo
      s

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