Well, you can stick a candy cane in it, because one of our favorite seasonal projects ever is officially done!
To recap, we were invited to help with a very special project: decorating a family waiting room at the Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU. 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. Here’s what it looked like when we first visited.
We set our sights on giving the space a living-room-like feeling for all of the children, parents, and staff that are spending the holidays at the hospital. One major change was a new paint color (Gargoyle), which was inspired by staff members who requested something enveloping and cozy since so many other rooms there are super bright/clinical. Although it might read as gray, it’s actually a mocha/brown/taupe color in person (it’s the swatch on the right of this image). And adding touches like a cozy armchair next to a big bright tree, some soft window treatments, and a bunch of holiday additions (like a little parade of wooden trees around one side of the room) hopefully brought in more of that homey vibe.
The room will also be getting new hardwood floors, a white door in the place of that blonde wood one, and some updated furnishings in a few months – but they didn’t want to wait when it came to making the room feel festive for those families spending their time in the hospital this season, and we’re so glad they asked us to jump right in.
There’s so much that we want to tell you, but let’s kick things off with a recap video that the hospital put together. It pretty much sums things up (and they thankfully cut out the parts where we got all misty-eyed).
Heather, the Senior Child Life Specialist at the hospital, states it perfectly in the video when she says we want families to feel cared about when they come into the room. Decorating for the holidays is a tradition that lots of us treasure, but when you’ve got a child in the hospital it’s probably the last thing on your mind. So we wanted to incorporate a lot of handmade touches to hopefully make it feel more less corporate or cold and a lot more like home.
We already shared four projects in the room – including the faux fireplace and paper garland which, by the way, has gotten even prettier since we first left them thanks to some of the young artistes on the floor. So let’s dive a bit deeper into some of the things you haven’t seen yet, starting with the Christmas tree. We went with white to not only pop against the freshly painted walls, but also since there were lots of traditional green trees elsewhere in the building. We grabbed our pre-lit tree from Garden Ridge, but most of the ornaments came from Target and JoAnn Fabrics.
Presiding over the tree was Bucky, the big cardboard deer, er, reindeer that was sent over by Cardboard Safari. They’re based nearby in Charlottesville, VA so they were excited to help us holiday-up the space for the hospital. We’re told Bucky was quick to earn admirers as soon as we hung him, so we’re glad he’s making friends. Cardboard Safari also donated a few of their snowflake trees to help spruce up (ha! pun!) some of the tabletops. You’ll start to notice that trees are a theme in this room.
Speaking of trees, one element that was super fun was our metallic tree forest that lined two walls of the room. We knew very quickly that we wanted to line something up along the wall panels, but whatever it was had to be thin and lightweight. The idea of a “forest” popped to mind, but we couldn’t figure out a way to execute it.
Then we remembered a cool local shop called Big Secret who uses a laser cutting/engraving machine to make all sorts of stuff. They were super excited to help out and offered to donate their time and materials to cut us a bunch of trees in varying sizes (we just sent them some free clip art that we found online for them to use as their template). Then we coated them in a variety of metallic spray paints so they’d pop against the painted wall and secured them with 3M removable velcro strips (so they can slip right off the wall without damaging it after the holidays).
Another local company that jumped in to help us pull the room together for these awesome kids and families was U-Fab. They made two custom valances for the two big windows in the room out. We liked how the pattern looked kinda festive and seasonal, yet it can still work in the room year-round.
And since there wasn’t time to have a chair custom upholstered, they kindly offered one up from their showroom floor – and boy was it a hit! People didn’t want to get up once they sat in it, and Santa even paid a visit to the kids and had a nice big armchair waiting for him. There’s also talk of U-Fab recovering it with durable/wipeable vinyl if this fabric doesn’t hold up down the line, but all of the staff and kids seemed really excited to have a cozy place to sit by the tree in the meantime.
You also may have noticed the big chalkboard between the two windows. It was one that we built out a piece of plywood and some leftover chalkboard paint. For a fun twist we mixed up some white chalkboard paint too (by adding a couple teaspoons of light colored non-sanded grout to white paint) and painted a house on a hill along the bottom of the board. We thought it’d be a fun way to spice it up beyond your traditional black square, and that it might encourage people to draw a scene – like a wreath on the house or a kid sledding down the hill.
Once we hung it, Sherry wintered it up by dragging some white chalk down the surface on its side (so the natural wood grain came through). We figured until it got doodled on, it was a nice, almost snowy, texture to start with. And we hear it has already filled up with cute drawings and holiday wishes.
One of our favorite details of the room is something that you guys helped us with: the two cork boards that we filled with cards, letters, and crafts that you mailed to our PO Box full of warm holiday wishes for these awesome families. We were completely overwhelmed by how much care and love showed up, and the families are having so much fun looking through the stacks and stacks of other items that couldn’t even fit on the board (we left a basket full of the other sketches, cards, snowflakes that will be rotated in, but can be read from that basket in the meantime).
We originally planned to pin things up to these cork boards – but after learning that pushpins are a no-no in hospital-land AND realizing the room could use some white on that wall to balance the tree in the opposite corner, we painted them white. They could still be used to hold things up (the hospital is known to staple things in lieu of using pins), but we just taped things up with patterned washi tape to get things started, so they can easily be rotated out and enjoyed.
We got stuff from all over the country (Hawaii! Alaska!) and even the world (Canada! the UK! New Zealand! Australia! Switzerland!). Seriously, you guys blew us away. Even a couple of notes from Google showed up! So thanks to everyone who took a second to make these families’ days a little brighter. We saw them soaking up the love firsthand, and it really was the best part of the entire experience.
Those wood wall hangings between the two boards are a little art project that Sherry made using some wood plaques purchased at JoAnn. She just primed a nice wide oval on each one (to cut any wood bleed), painted those ovals white, and used paint pens to sketch some leafy vines on the top and bottom of each one.
Then she drew one little holiday-ish item or object on each one. As much I liked her mittens and her little house, my favorite was the stick-figure reindeer. I kinda want him on a t-shirt. She even took some step-by-step photos for anyone else who might want to make one at home:
Even though they’re not shaped like trees, they seemed to fit right within our cozy, lodge-like vibe – and it was fun to hear the families talk about which ones they liked best.
There’s also an adjacent kitchen right off of the living room area, so we added a little bit of cheer in there as well. This corner is pretty busy and with limited wall-space and heavily used counters, so we just hung some gold glitter wreaths (from Target) on the upper cabinets. They’re locked, which means they’re rarely opened, so the staff actually recommended that we hang something there since other areas of the kitchen are used so frequently (for example, anything on the counters would just get in the way).
An amazingly sweet reader from Australia named Belinda also sent us this canvas print from her shop Poppy Love to Groove, which has a Peter Pan quote on it. The staff wanted it in a place where they could see it all year round – and what better place than right above the caffeine station?
As pleased as we are with how the room looks, the best part has been witnessing the reaction to it. During the span of days that we worked on-site over the last few weeks, we got to meet lots of patients, parents, nurses, and administrators whose sincere appreciation was so heartwarming to witness. It was really rewarding to hear them echo words like warm, cozy, and soothing – which had guided us through this project.
I think we’re really the ones who are the most thankful in all of this, though. It was a fun assignment and an interesting challenge, but more importantly it just felt good to not be so wrapped up in our own home decor and holiday stress (which frankly seem silly by comparison anyways). And of course there are the kids. They really are The Best. Here’s a little proof, courtesy of a fun holiday video that they made. Really, I dare you to watch this and not have a smile plastered on your face:
So we’re sending out one last thanks to the Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU and all the people who helped this come together – especially the folks who donated items to the makeover and all of you who took the time to send a little cheer to Richmond for these sweet families. We certainly have lots of blessings to count this season.
P.S. – You can help the Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU spread cheer by texting HEALTH to 50555 to donate $10 to support the children. To learn more you can visit CHoR on Facebook.
Update: You can check out all of our favorite holiday decor finds here – many of which are under $15!
Lindsey says
*choking back sniffles*….LOVED IT. Especially the last video. Awesome job, guys. Hugs.
Britiney @ Consider the Lilies says
Wow! Fantastic!! I love love love the trees around the room and what a blessing that so many locals were willing to help out and pitch in. Really terrific job!
Amber says
Thank you for doing this! I don’t live in the area but my 5 month old son has a serious, chronic medical condition and we have spent A LOT of time in waiting rooms throughout our local Children’s Hospital. Most of them are nice but some could certainly use a cozy touch! It might seem like a small thing to freshen up a waiting room but small things don’t go unnoticed when you are stuck in a Children’s Hospital for days, weeks on end. Any and all comforts aren’t taken for granted when you have a sick child. While parents and kids might not always be able to express their gratitude for small touches, it still means a lot. So again, thank you for doing this!
Sheila F says
It is truly beautiful. I am in tears right now. 22 years ago I was with my beautiful daughter who was 2 weeks old and battling sepsis. The doctors and nurses were wonderful but it was sterile and lonely. I missed my boys at home they were 2 and 4 years old. I would have loved to have spent my time in a beautiful, cozy room such as this. My miracle happened and Amanda recovered. You guys are amazing and my prayers go out for each patient and family that their miracle happens. God Bless you for being so giving.
YoungHouseLove says
I’m so glad Amanda recovered! I can’t even imagine what that must have been like for you, Sheila.
xo
s
Mary Sterck says
Great job on the room, it looked nice and inviting for the Holidays. Special thanks to all those wonderful people who work at the hospital. That was a really special video they made.
Melanie says
I totally teared up reading this post. You guys did an amazing job! It’s no easy feat turning a sterile place like a hospital waiting room into a cozy retreat, but you definitely nailed it! What a wonderful gift you gave these families. I’m sure they are incredibly touched by your hard work and attention to detail.
Jessie G. says
This is amazing! you guys did a great job. And kudos to all those who helped in making this possible!
Jill Herrington says
Ya’ll did a fabulous job on that room……it’s lovely! So many things to look at and having interactive pieces……just so thoughtful! And by the way, Katy Perry seriously needs to see that video….I’m sure she would love it!
Isabel says
Totally blown away, you guys did an amazing job! The tree wall, the little hand painted wood plaques, the chair, the fake fireplace… so many details that just make it that much more special to the children, the families and the staff. And then I watched the videos and I had to bust out the Kleenex box. So proud of you guys, congrats!
Joy T says
As someone who has spent a lot of time in hospital waiting rooms (I’m a pastor’s wife, and my husband has had some health issues over the past two years), this is the nicest, homiest waiting room I have ever seen. What a wonderful gift to those families!
Mary | Lemon Grove Blog says
This turned out SO great!! I absolutely love every detail (the metallic trees, especially!).
Jennifer says
This is just the best. You two are so generous with your time and we readers truly appreciate what you do for both your internet community and your local community. Just wanted to say thank you! (also: the room looks incredible!)
YoungHouseLove says
Aw, thanks Jennifer! It really was our pleasure. We never could have imagined how rewarding this project would be. Just meeting such strong families and amazing staff members and volunteers made our holiday season this year.
xo
s
April says
You guys are the BEST!!!
Sarah S says
You two did a wonderful job – looks great! I hope we get to see more photos once the hospital replaces the floors and furniture :-)
YoungHouseLove says
We’d love to stop back in and snap some updated shots when that happens! The staff is so excited about those changes, so we can’t wait to see how it turns out!
xo
s
Gabby {Cookie Cutter Unique} says
Looks amazing! I am pretty sure being in the waiting room at a children’s hospital is every parents nightmare so I think it’s great that VCU recruited you to bring some cheer into the room. I’m a proud VCU alumni!
Lisa says
Yep, no words here either…just <3
Sayward says
Oh my gosh! The Katy Perry video has totally melted my heart. I’m probably not the only one sobbing hysterically at her desk during her prep period at work right now. The room is beautiful, and I’m sure I’ll love the rest of these videos once I can watch them in the privacy of my home with a giant box of tissues :)
What an opportunity!!! This is seriously the best Christmas project ever. My mom’s bathroom was in REALLY bad shape (hole in the floor, leaking plumbing, rotting wood), and for Christmas, contractor boyfriend and I have remodeled it while she was away for a long weekend. She was so shocked and touched to have something clean and safe and pretty and functioning. I wish we could all have careers where we just make things over to lift people’s spirits.
Andrea A says
I am absolutely in LOVE with this whole project. The color choices, the wooden trees, the gorgeous Christmas tree, the sweet notes from around the world, the chalkboard, & most especially the thought of all the sweet smiles that will be brought to the children, families, & staff of the hospital. As much as I love reading about your house projects, this one seems especially perfect to remind us of just how very blessed we all are. Thank you for putting your amazing talents and resources towards such a great cause and for sharing it with us!
Kara says
I’m a blubbering mess over here. Everything you’ve done is so beautiful – visually and emotionally. It’s so heart-warming and that Roar video = icing on the cake. Happy Holidays!
Pam/Digging says
Simply beautiful, in spirit as well as the physical stuff. I watched both videos and got all teary-eyed. Merry Xmas, y’all!
Susan M. says
The room looks incredible! I’m sure you have put smiles on the faces of many and made their holidays a little brighter!
Such a selfless thing to do for a group of people who could nnot be more deserving. Beautiful job, as always keep up your awesome work :)
Susan M.
Kelly says
This is probably my favorite post ever from you guys – so touching and really shows what Christmas spirit is all about. You guys are awesome.
Robyn S says
Wow, just WOW! It’s stunning and so cozy. And then I just sobbed watching both videos. What a privilege to be a part of such an incredible project! This is why we all love YHL :)
Diane Taylor says
OMG I am now a tear streaked mess here at work. This is truly amazing, you guys. Like a Christmas miracle. I did manage to send something last week to your PO box, I hope it made it ok. It was just a fun photoshopped picture of my dog Indy wearing a Santa hat :):) We took him on a visit to a rehab center a couple of weeks ago (we were visiting a neighbor’s husband) and we were there over 2 hours while Indy made people smile and laugh. I know what you mean: seeing sad faces turn to happy ones with just a simple gesture means so much. Fills up your soul, much more than presents.
Congrats to you guys….GREAT JOB :):):)
xo
Diane
YoungHouseLove says
Aw, we got it! So cute! Thanks so much for sending it along Diane! Indy is adorable, and so festive looking!
xo
s
April says
That’s Awesome!!! What a great warm & fuzzy!!
Jordan@the2seasons says
I love that you took time out of your busy lives to do this. It looks great and I know the children will love it. I hope this also encourages others to go out there and do some good in the world. Merry Christmas!
Jess says
Fantastic job, you guys! That’s pretty much the coziest waiting room I’ve ever seen. I love that the patients and their parents are going to be able to enjoy a touch of home during the holidays.
As soon as I watched the “Roar” video, I was completely overcome with emotion and tears started streaming down my face. It brought back many sweet memories of when I used to volunteer on the oncology ward at Arkansas Children’s Hospital. Those kids are fighters! They inspired me every single day with their tenacity and resilience, and their persistent joy in the face of pain and sickness.
verucaamish says
Wow! Thank you for giving back and thank all of the businesses for rallying around this REALLY beautiful gift to the hospital. Love the tree theme. I will be contrarian and say I did not smile during the Roar video because I was bawling my eyes out from watching such strength, bravery, and joy.
Kim says
Love it!! Great job guys! :)
Lindsey says
The room is beautiful! The video of the kids was amazing! the Children’s Hospital at Dartmouth in Lebanon, NH (near where we live in Vermont) also did a Katy Perry Roar video! Incredible!
YoungHouseLove says
That’s so sweet! I hope Katy Perry has seen them!
xo
s
Kathy says
What a beautiful gift you have given to the patients, families, caregivers and staff at the hospital. What a blessing. The room is fabulous and the Katy Perry Roar video just took this post to a whole new level. I posted the video on my fb page. Such a wonderful time of year for us all to be grateful and to give.
Thanks for sharing and thanks for giving.
Connie says
Wonderful room for a very deserving place :)
Evelina says
I so love what you guys did to this room! It is definitely cozy and fun! My favourites are the trees that line the walls and Sherry’s hand-painted wood plaques.
I’d love to see how the room evolves after the holiday decorations are taken down. Can you maybe do an update post in January/February/when ever you have time? Thanks!
YoungHouseLove says
Yes, we’d love to stop in when the new floors and furniture are in!
xo
s
rachael says
Amazing. Just. Amazing.
Liz says
Oh this, this is just too amazing. You two have such big hearts & I have loved following along this journey of yours. You dared us to watch that video without smiling & though my smile was ear to ear, the tears were just pouring too. I spent 5 weeks in the NICU during May & June with my little one & I’m not sure you guys could every truly understand the gift you just gave to the families of that hospital. I can’t imagine spending our time in the NICU during the Christmas season. It’s heartbreaking & frustrating & emotional draining to sit in a hospital, next to your helpless baby & wonder what’s next… But knowing that there are people who have such giant & giving hearts, just makes me smile (& sob with such happy tears)! As I sit here & listen to my girl laugh & babble, I am taken back to those dark days in the hospital. I’m taken back to the pain & fear I felt. But I’m also taken back to the nurses & their tender hearts, the volunteers that rocked my baby when I wasn’t there, the young girls that made blankets & donated them to each baby, the supportive parents group that delivered gift bags full of “hospital essentials”. Basically, taken back to the kindness of strangers to me & my family. You both have that memory now. You have given something so priceless to weary parents & children. Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU! xoxo, wishing you, Clara, Burger, & that sweet little babe in your belly a Merry Christmas :)
YoungHouseLove says
Oh Liz, now you have me sobbing. What an amazing comment. I am so sorry you had to go through that, but you’re so right about those tender hearts that help out in such dark times for people. We have a completely new appreciation for the staff and volunteers who help these amazing families everyday.
xo
s
Natalie Royall says
The room looks GREAT!!! My husband had a tree fall on him when he was 14 years old and spent several months at Children’s during his rehabilitation into his wheelchair. He is classified as a paraplegic now. He still talks about how the nurses there turned an awful accident into a time where he actually has good and fun memories. We met in the 2nd grade before his accident and just celebrated our 7 year wedding anniversay… know how you guys love the # 7 :) :) Thanks again for everything you guys do on the daily!! Merry Christmas!!!
YoungHouseLove says
Aw, I love that story. He sounds like an amazing man, and I love that the staff was so awesome! It really takes a special heart to work in a Chilren’s Hospital, and we are so grateful to the men and women who make such profound differences in so many people’s lives through their work there!
xo
s
Ang. D says
Now that I’m done wiping the tears after watching the Roar video, I can write to tell you how lovely and welcoming the room turned out! I know they must love it. Thanks for your beautiful hearts and willingness to give back, always.
Do you happen to have details on the chair from UFab? Have been looking for new armchairs forever and this is THE OnE! Thanks! And happy holidays!
YoungHouseLove says
I would give them a call and just ask them what make/model it was that they donated to the hospital. They should be able to help you out (they’re such great folks). And here’s their number: (804) 888-8322
xo
s
Jordan says
Oh. My. Goodness you guys!! This hit so close to home and I just want to say you guys are so awesome! My little sister was diagnosed with leukemia on December 11, 2002 when she was 8 years old. Needless to say, we spent so much time in Children’s Hospital in Denver that Christmas season (and for the next two years to come). I know how absolutely amazing this must feel for those families there. I seriously can just picture hanging out in that super cozy room how you just might forget why you’re there. Thank you SO much for doing this. You have no idea the way you have improved the lives of people this season. Just another reason to love you guys even more! XOXO Happy Holidays and the very best to your adorable, growing family.
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks so much Jordan! And lots of love to your sister and family!
xo
s
Bailey says
I’m so happy that you were able to not only do this project but share the results with us. This was such a beautiful way for me to start the day – I really loved the video at the end :) Happy holidays to you!
Bailey
Ashley says
Sobbed like a baby throughout the whole “Roar” video. SO, SO, PRECIOUS. And so inspiring. Puts a lot of things into perspective.
Laura says
This turned out so beautifully! I’m a Child Life Specialist, so I’ve especially loved reading about this project. :) The children and families at VCU are going to enjoy this space so much. You guys are making a big difference!
Helene says
This got me choked up. I was a sick kid and spent a lot of time in hospitals and waiting rooms and I even at a young age, I knew the good from the bad, especially around the holidays. I remember one birthday the staff of the hospital I was in buying me a cake (I couldn’t actually eat) and a Fourth of July when all the parents wheeled us up to the roof to watch fireworks. It makes such a difference.
YoungHouseLove says
That’s so sweet!
xo
s
Anna says
I like the die-cut trees so much I think they should be up all year. Thank you for doing this for them.
YoungHouseLove says
We were joking we should get palm trees made for spring/summer and use the pine trees for fall/winter! Haha!
xo
s
heather says
I totally agree with this. I think they add a nice non-holiday touch as well. It gives the kids something tactile too.
Lela says
The room turned out beautifully. I really admire you both for taking on such a big project during the holidays. It really helps me remember what this time of year is supposed to be about. So thank you for that. Happy Holidays to all 5 of you!
stephanie @ Housewife Mama says
Looks amazing, as always, guys! A project is not a project without some Rust-Oleum spray paint too, right!?
YoungHouseLove says
Haha! It’s true! And some paint pens and primer help too ;)
xo
s
Mary Catherine says
Love your make-over for the Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU! They are so blessed to have ya’ll do that for them. What a sweet video…I made me smile and cry at the same time!
Merry Christmas to you and your family!
Lesley says
You guys are the best !! That just made my day xxx
heather says
This room is beautiful, but I need to just say that the video at the ends of the kids…*deep breath*. It took everything in me not to sob through smiles while at my desk. It’s so sweet to do something like this, but it also breaks my heart that the kids are even in there.
If you ever needed a reminder to stop ruminating on stupid stuff, shift your perspective and count your blessings…
*exhale*
Tania @ Run To Radiance says
You all did amazing, what a beautiful, cozy place for these families to rest.
lauren says
Love this! It totally brought tears to my eyes. You guys are wonderful.