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!
myamogabi says
a beautiful room for a beautiful cause! It will bring so much comfort to families who have to use this waiting room during the holiday season and out. Great way to give back to the community!
katalina says
when I first glanced at the photo, I could not place it– a place in your house or a reader’s house? my eyes did not focus on the ceiling at all.
Love it– so cheery and warm. Love the paint color–brings together all the colors teals and oranges etc together.
not to give the reindeer any competition …but he might need a TIGER friend on the wall after seeing the kid’s video.
you guys are the best. only blog I read every day. this is the real meaning of the season.
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, it’s true! We need a tiger in there asap!
xo
s
Susan M. says
Beautiful – your time and talents, the room, the sentiments and the staff. I know someone who has a daughter who is fighting for her life and they spend many an hour, day, week, month in these rooms. Thank you for bringing a bit of joy to those families who endure such heartbreak.
And a big thank you to the hospital staff – there is a place for you up in heaven!
amanda says
Sitting here with my one year old baby girl on my lap, bawling my eyes out while watching the ROAR video with her.
Those of us with kids who didn’t have the easiest start at life can attest to the power of the love and kindness of amazing children’s docs and nurses. Go CHOR!!!!!!
And you guys. You have done more than you will ever know for the families who visit that room. Amazingly selfless. You are fantastic people (but we already knew that)!
Ashley S says
I love how that room turned out! What a wonderful gift to all the families who spend the holidays in the hospital.
Caitlin says
This looks lovely! One of my very dear friends is a nurse on this unit and said she stopped by to snap a picture with you! How did you get connected the the hospital? Is there someone I could contact if I knew of a project you might be interested in? ;)
YoungHouseLove says
We just got a direct email from Rachael Seda inviting us to help (she was the one who made the Katy Perry video happen as well). We don’t have PR people or anything, so it’s just grassroots over here (we get emails and try to keep up with them ourselves, haha!).
xo
s
melody says
WOW. Bawled my eyes out at my desk. Afraid to get up now! You two are an inspiration. Truly. No other words. JUST AMAZING! <3
Aurelie says
Great job guys! You continue to inspire! Technical question: does priming the chalk board pain by shading over it make it work better? we painted a wall with chalkboard pain but didn’t do that, and notice that it kind of never gets clean even when we wash the wall – you can sort of see the previous chalkings despite cleaning it. any helpful tips to avoid this?
YoungHouseLove says
Yes, we hear that “conditioning” the chalkboard paint by rubbing the side of a white piece of chalk all over it is recommended after adding the chalkboard paint, so we have tried to do that each time we use it! Maybe try doing that now with yours (cleaning it thoroughly and then covering every inch with chalk and then letting that sit a day or two and then wiping it down to be scribbled on).
xo
s
Katherine says
We were at Johns Hopkins just a week and a half ago for a surgery for my 3 year old. It was scary and hard and I am thankful to be on the other side of it now.
Personal touches- like what you all have done- are so helpful in what can be a scary time. It is a reminder that people really care and want to be helpful and loving, even to people they don’t know and will never meet.
YoungHouseLove says
That’s such a scary thing to go through Katherine! I’m so glad your son is doing well now!
xo
s
Celia says
Wow, the room looks great with such thoughtful touches.
I did almost tear up a bit!
Great job and thanks for sharing.
Happy holidays.
Carole says
I have been reading your blog for approximately 5 years and I have only left one other comment, but I watched the video and I was crying… and I don’t think it’s the postportum hormones. Thanks for sharing. It really reminds you of the important stuff in life. Happy Holidays!
Oh and by the way, I love the waiting room.
xx
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks Carole!
xo
s
MG says
It looks sophisticated and nice. I’m wondering if anyone was opposed to the color. Seems like it could come across as dreary in a place that is so sad for so many. I know that sounds like criticism but it’s a genuine question. I LOVE gray in so many places. I guess you’d have to be super intentional about adding pops if color and cheeriness year-round perhaps? I love the touches and the fact that you both and so many others volunteered their time and money for such a great cause. Thanks!
YoungHouseLove says
Good question! We actually chose the wall color with some of the staff members (they requested something enveloping and cozy since so many other rooms are super bright/clinical) and although it might read as gray, it’s actually a mocha/brown/taupe color in person. Maybe this link to the paint swatch shows the color more accurately (it’s the one on the right). So far we’ve thankfully gotten great feedback about it, including a few staff members who have said they’re going to use it at home now that they’ve seen what it did for the space. Whew!
xo
s
Kristin says
That is so warm and beautiful! I’m sure the kids and families are thrilled. Friends have been in the hospital since Nov 13, when their 18 year old had a very serious car accident, and I’m sure they would love to have access to a room like this. Great job!
Beth says
The room looks AWESOME!!! You guys did a fantastic job. Love the trees on the wall. I am sure it will make the families feel a little less stressed during this holiday season.
The video made me cry like a baby. Those kids are the biggest heros. Katy Perry should see that video.
Karen says
Fab work guys. The videos are great too – your dare should also include ‘not shedding a tear or two’ – I grinned and sniffled in equal measure! Amazing, amazing, amazing xx
Lisa says
Congrats, you guys. What a wonderful job you did creating a cozy and relaxing atmosphere for the children and their families. You are such kind and generous folks. You truly inspire your readers beyond just DIY and home improvement.
Katie Z says
As a parent who had a child unexpectedly end up in the hospital for five days after a scary freak accident this summer, I know what it is like to spend hours in the family waiting room just… waiting. What a wonderful place you’ve created at the Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU for those families who need a cozy space and need to feel surrounded by love from people near and far. I hope other hospitals mimic this delightful example! (my son fully recovered and is a-okay.)
You two are angels on this earth. Wishing you both, Clara and Burger a very Merry Christmas.
YoungHouseLove says
Oh Katie, I can’t imagine what that was like. Lots of love to you and your family!
xo
s
Julianne says
This is absolutely the best thing. I’ve spent lots of time in the hospital recently for some cancer treatment, and to get to my appointments I have to pass by the Children’s unit every time. I can hardly do so without crying the rest of my way to my appointment. This is hand-down the best Christmas present…thank you for the inspiring, beautiful post and the time you have put into this project.
YoungHouseLove says
Oh Julianne, you’re so sweet! Lots of love to you and I hope you’re feeling awesome.
xo
s
Julianne says
What beautiful work & stunning videos! I couldn’t keep a dry eye for tryin’….
Bless you guys for creating such a warm and cheery space for those kids & their families. :0)
Maddie says
Looks so wonderful! So cheerful and meaningful beyond words/pictures. You guys rock – well done!
Kim@NewlyWoodwards says
This looks amazing and it truly shows your hearts are truly in the right place. This season is about helping others and I know you’ll be inspiring lots of other people to get involved with local organizations. Kudos to you both.
I’m also moderately obsessed with those trees. I need them in my life!!!
YoungHouseLove says
Aw, thanks so much Kim!
xo
s
Steph Nelson says
What a wonderful makeover! Great job John and Sherry!
Lisa E says
You guys rock. So heart warming in so many ways. This came out fabulous! I’m at work and can’t view either video which sounds like that is a good thing because I definitely am a crier! Will have to view later at home. Everything is beautiful and like so many others, the laser-cut trees are my fav. Just wondered, is there anyway they could be made available from that company for purchase to your readers?
YoungHouseLove says
I LOVE THAT IDEA! We’ll have to ask them if they would ever do that (he usually does bulk jobs with minimum orders, so I’m not sure he’s set up to do that, but it would be so awesome! We’ll definitely add an update to a future post if he can put them into production for you guys!
xo
s
Lisa E says
Yep, glad I am at home viewing these videos. Wow, definitely moving. Honestly you two, awesome job and what an inspiration from you and whomever had the genius idea initially. Deep breath. Very moved. Thank you that you will check into the die cut trees being available. :)
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks Lisa! Fingers crossed that they can somehow sell those to the masses! Will let you know if they can for sure!
xo
s
Lauren says
Watching both of those videos with pregnancy hormones raging makes for a whole lot of tears…especially having a 16 year old brother in the hospital right now. Thankfully, he should be out in time for the big day, but for families that have faced a lot and are looking at Christmas away from the comfort of home, I can only imagine how special this is. Thank you so much for sharing – I’ve been looking forward to this post since you shared your involvement in the project.
YoungHouseLove says
Oh Lauren, I’m so sorry your brother is in the hospital right now. Wishing your family lots of peace and love, and I hope he’s home with time to spare.
xo
s
Ashley M says
what a beautiful thing you guys got to do! I got all misty eyed reading and watching your video thinking of all the kids and families that will enjoy it!
Sarah says
Wonderful transformation and an amazing gift to the family and friends who will be there during this holiday season. You did an awesome job :)
And that last video made me cry. Those kids are amazing.
amyks says
Gorgeous! I love those laser cut trees and the snowflake trees and the wood cut art and oh, just everything! Such a magical place. Kudos to you guys! Merry, Merry!
Emily says
Once again – you guys are AWESOME!!!
ChroniclesofNardia says
Stunning guys! Well done… you’ve done a fabulous job and those kids will be able to feel the love that was put into it. That little video at the end was inspiring (and yes I welled up a bit!).
When my mum was going through chemo for breast cancer many years ago, she always said to me that when she was feeling sad or like she wanted to give up, she’d take a walk through the children’s ward and it would always change her perspective… they take it on the chin, and often without complaint… Adults could learn a lot from their outlook on life! And didn’t their video demonstrate that!!!
Have a fabulous Christmas holiday guys – I’ll be thinking of your nice cool temperatures as we gear up for a 40+ degree (104+F) Christmas here is Australia this year!!
YoungHouseLove says
Your mom sounds amazing! I love that quote of hers.
xo
s
Susan says
Absolutely amazing… The Children’s Hospital video made me cry – bless their tiny hearts! The endless work the nurses, doctors, techs, etc. leaves me speechless too!
Leah McPeak says
Hi guys! You did an awesome job. When I started reading today’s entry, I was thinking “Oh I wonder if my daughter’s picture that she colored will be on there…” And it is! I’m so excited. She is too. My husband’s at work and we called to tell him. Later he said he watched the video and got choked up a bit. So then I watched the video and I was tearing up too. I’m so glad that you were able to decorate and make that room so friendly and comfortable and festive for the families who are there. Thank you also for including your readers and giving us an opportunity to participate. Reading your blog is always a joy! Merry Christmas!
YoungHouseLove says
That’s so sweet Leah! A GIANT thank you to you and your daughter for sending along so much love for these families!
xo
s
angela says
This is so amazing. You guys. It is just perfection.
Kim Hall says
This looks fantastic!! It’s the best looking waiting room I’ve ever seen. Honestly, the paint color alone made it look 10 times better. You guys have outdone yourselves. This is such a wonderful thing you have done for a worthy cause, very inspiring!
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks so much Kim! You’re so sweet!
xo
s
Danielle says
So awesome. Thanks for sharing both videos – it really made my (otherwise crappy) day!
mp says
As a family member who’s spent WAY too much time in sterile waiting rooms, I thank you for this wonderful work. And is that the VCU basketball team in the video?!? So proud of my alma mater!
YoungHouseLove says
Yes, aren’t they awesome?! Love those guys.
xo
s
Jenifer says
The pictures don’t do the room justice! Seeing it in person and how much the patients and team members love it makes all the difference.
THANK YOU!
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks so much Jenifer! We are so glad you guys are enjoying it!
xo
s
Kirsten says
Wow! Great job…thank you for reminding all of us for our own blessings and how we can all help in small ways for those who are less fortunate.
Happy Holidays!
Laura says
Wonderful job with this space. I am sure the new look will be much appreciated by all. I am a commercial designer that does a lot of healthcare spaces. I wanted to be sure and note that when you use fabrics in a commercial space like this, you need to be sure they are commercial grade (flame retardant and meet local codes for flame spread). You probably already knew this, but wanted to throw it out there to be sure.
YoungHouseLove says
Yes, thanks so much Laura! For now since it was a model chair from a public showroom, I believe that the fabric had already met certain requirements, and there’s also talk about recovering it in new commercial grade fabric that might be more wipeable/durable down the line (like a faux leather).
xo
s
Julie Jacobsen says
Looks great and Sherry, you are looking great!
gemma@thesweetestdigs says
I’m pretty much bawling over here. That whole post and the two videos are just lovely.
What a special thing to be a part of.
Laurie says
The video of the patients and staff had me smiling and crying at the same time. Well done, John & Sherry. What a difference you made!
Brandi G says
It is so wonderful that y’all give so much to others. People like you truly are an inspiration. As a pediatric occupational therapist, I have seen the heartache families must deal with and any sense of comfort is so welcome. The room was wonderful and the video brought tears. Hope y’all have a wonderful Christmas!
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks so much Brandi! You too! Thanks for all that you do!
xo
s
Lori Swearingen says
John & Sherry, you two are truly amazing! What an amazing transformation. I love all the sweet little touches you sprinkled throughout. Such a special gift for the children and their families. Keep on being awesome…
Lori Swearingen
Sarah Murphy says
You guys did such a nice job. What a great experience and so kind of you to share your talent with those in need. Just another reason I love to read your posts everyday!
Destiny says
God bless you.
I can’t think of a better way to “invest” $10.00.
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks so much Destiny! Those donations mean so much!
xo
s
Victoria Ross says
What a great cause and an absolutely FANTASTIC outcome. I loved the cardboard reindeer. Thanks for sharing and providing a link, I’m definitely going to check them out!
Keep up the amazing work,
Victoria
AmyEmBee says
Oh, gosh. Totally misty-eyed over here. Seriously. I was already such a fan, but I am SO Team YHL right now. You guys rock.
Ashley says
Thanks for sharing the “Roar” video. Best thing I’ve seen in a while.
Maria says
Looks amazing!!! And there’s my elephant painting :) I didn’t even watch the video but its already made my holidays sweeter. You guys did a beautiful job *thats just a little dust in my eye lol
YoungHouseLove says
Aw, love the painting Maria! You’re so sweet.
xo
s
Belinda says
Wow! I’ve been so looking forward to seeing this makeover & I’m blown away!
You are such wonderful people to fit such projects into your crazy busy schedules & so lucky that your hard work has enabled you to get opportunities to chagne people’s lives in this way.
What a wonderful Christmas present for the Children’s Hospital.
xoxo
YoungHouseLove says
Amen! We are so thankful to get to do things like this. It has been our favorite project ever, and it’s such an awesome experience to share with you guys! And thanks again for sending the art our way! So many staffers chose that quote as their favorite thing in the room, along with the sweet letters from people at home. It truly made all the difference :)
xo
s