This past winter, I did something bold, risky, and out of my comfort zone.
As a creative, it’s difficult for me to focus on “one thing.” I always had a few projects going on at the same time. Somehow that keeps me sane.
While I’ve spent time as an art teacher and working on this small art blog, I feel like there’s more I want to explore.
For the past several years, I’ve led a small Facebook group called “Design Family.” It started with a group of my friends who wanted to share design dilemmas in their homes. Yet, over the years, it has grown into something more. It’s an inspiring space where we all help each other. I like to call it Pinterest in real life!
Earlier this year, I decided to take a risk, be bold, do something out of my comfort zone.
I launched a beta version or first run of Refresh Online Design Class. It was an amazing first-time experience and now, I’m launching it again!
Refresh is a six-week online design class to help you restyle one room in your home, and ultimately connect everyone in the family.
One thing that surprised me about teaching Refresh, was not only seeing a space transform, but I loved how my students transformed their mindsets about design.
Here are a few before and after photos of some of my students’ spaces.
before + after 1
Dining Room Makeover
Problem:
This student’s biggest challenge was they had just moved into a new home and felt the dining room was wasted space. She wanted to repurpose this space with a clear intention to have a sewing room, and creative space for her daughter to make artwork, yet be able to have holiday dinners and entertain.
Solution:
We worked together to find a way to have pretty storage. My student found vintage pieces that she had professionally painted. She also found an inexpensive light fixture to anchor her space and have a visually beautiful centerpiece.
before + after 2
Family Room Study Space
Problem:
The biggest issue for this family was not enough common desk space for their four children. This mom also wanted a space where she could monitor her children when doing homework on the computer. She also wanted to declutter the workspace.
Solution:
She donated her father’s old desk, decluttered, and started fresh in this space. She replaced the old desk with a custom counter sitting on three small cabinets. These pieces were all from IKEA. In the meantime, she paired the desk with two clear chairs. Now the whole family can be in one space and mom can monitor her children on the computers.
before + after 3
Laundry Room + Kids’ Art Space
Problem:
This my own space that I restyled along with my students. My laundry room felt cluttered! The biggest two problems were the kids couldn’t access the baskets on the shelves, and there wasn’t a place for their wet work. I also couldn’t stand the yellow paint color anymore.
Solution:
I picked a super pale gray by Benjamin Moore called China White. This color toned down the room and allowed the kids’ bright artwork to shine. Moreover, I removed the big white industrial shelves and moved over this painted sideboard from the other side of the room. Now, I have a nice counter space to fold and sort laundry. I stored all of my towels and soaps in the sideboard and installed open shelving for odds and ends. The best feature of this space is the kids’ new drying rack installed at their level. Now they have an easy place to store wet artwork.
The most wonderful aspect of Refresh was analyzing and learning about your own design style. Many in the class were surprised to learn their design style fit into a different mold. This gave them the confidence to move forward with their own design ideas. Moreover, the structure of this class helped alleviate frustration because every design decision had a specific intention.
If you are someone who doesn’t know where to start or is feeling overwhelmed with styling their space, you can learn more about Refresh, here.
The next class session begins soon! Will you join us?