Home Redo for a Family Transitioning out of Homelessness

A big thank you to Home Depot for providing all of the furnishings for Quanesha and her family.

Earlier this year, Pen & Napkin, a non-profit organization, reached out to us to tell us about the work they do connecting designers to families transitioning out of homelessness. I’ve always believed that good design has the power to increase the quality of life. Pen and Napkin shared that families who transition into a home that is furnished through their program, have a 100% success rate with ending homelessness in their lives. The fact is, an empty house does not make a home. After learning about the important work they were doing, we got excited about pulling our resources together to help a family in need.

A few weeks later, we met Quanesha Brown and her adorable daughters Kamaria and Zuri, and her sister, Roniquea (who had been in foster care) in their almost empty apartment. We talked colors, inspiration, and what they would love to see in their home. When we got back to the studio, we knew we needed a comprehensive design plan and a great partner – we were furnishing an entire home after all! So we reached out to our friends at Home Depot knowing that we could get everything from furniture to decorative accents and plants, not to mention any supplies or paint that we’d need all in one place. We were thrilled when they generously agreed to provide all the furnishings, art, decor accessories, plants – everything for Quanesha and her family!

Quanesha told us that she loved the Safari look. She also shared that she loved color, and that she wanted it to feel cozy, but not too busy. We picked a statement coffee table (with no sharp edges keeping in mind her littles) and paired it with a really chic sectional was big enough for the whole family to hang out on together. We chose side tables with built in storage (the tops come off!) so the family can store toys, blankets, or anything they don’t always want visible in them. Also really digging the art in the living room!  

Living Room: Sofa | Rug | Armchair | Art (Top) | Art (Bottom) | Coffee Table | Side Table | Entertainment Center | Curtain Rod | Curtains

Quanesha also wanted Kamaria and Zuri to have a place to do their homework, and there was a great space for just that adjacent to the living room. We chose these teal desk chairs to tie in the colors from the living room to the homework area. And how cute and retro are these table lamps?!

Children’s Homework Area: Desks | Table Lamps | Desk Chairs | Chalkboard

The family wanted a place where they could gather and enjoy meals together, so we knew we wanted to create a warm, inviting dining area.

Dining Room: Chandelier | Wall Art | Sculptural Art | Buffet Cabinet | Dining Table & Chairs | Rug

The deep jewel tones in the dining chairs add a little spice to the otherwise warm and neutral tones in the dining room. And we switched out the old light fixture with a beaded chandelier that brings in the boho Cali vibes (we couldn’t resist!).

Next, we’re heading into Quanesha’s bedroom. Quanesha’s favorite colors are pearl pink, gold and silver, so we wanted to give her a soft, romantic space with those soothing tones. Quanesha also LOVES flowers so we selected some floral decorative accessories to compliment the larger pieces in her bedroom.

Quanesha’s Bedroom: Mirror | Sculptural Art | Dresser | Hamper |Rug

Wall Art  | Table Lamp | Nightstand |Pillows

The two younger girls, Kamaria and Zuri, share a room with their aunt, Roniquea. The design challenge we had in the girls’ room was fitting three beds in there and creating space for storage. The solution? Beds with built-in drawers!

We also wanted to bring in as much vibrance as we could in the girls’ room so we went all in on color, pattern, and texture!

Girls’ Bedroom: Bunk Bed | Single (Twin XL) Bed

Kamaria and Zuri immediately decided that Kamaria (the older of the two) would get the top bunk!

Butterfly Art | Table Lamp | Nightstand

Bird Art | Rug

We are so happy we got the privilege of working with Quanesha and her family to make their house a home. We hope the Brown family enjoys their new home for years to come!
Here’s a video showing the process and the big reveal with Quanesha and her family!

A big thank you to Home Depot for partnering with us to help out Quanesha and her family, and thanks to Pen and Napkin for the wonderful work that they do helping families transition out of homelessness as well as the volunteers who helped us on the install day!