I’ve been obsessed with interior design since I was a kid (more specifically, since I learned the word “theme” and how it could be applied to my bedroom). But until recently I’ve only worked with my own space. Then an opportunity came along through Pen + Napkin, a non-profit organization that furnishes and decorates the homes of families transitioning out of homelessness (see a previous Feel Good Makeover on Emily Henderson’s blog). I’ve been following their work for years, and this fall I finally signed up to be a volunteer designer for a family in San Diego! Alongside Pen + Napkin and a crew of amazing volunteers, we raised nearly $4000, purchased furniture, home goods, and decor, and transformed the home of a mother and her teenage son.

We completed the install and reveal this past weekend, and it turned out goooooood. Suzanna and her family were so excited to see to their new space and greet the holidays with a place to call home. A huge thank you to our amazing volunteers: Ara Farnam, Moira and Michael Palhegyi (aka mom and dad), Susan S. and her husband, and my ServiceNow colleagues Alaina Rasheed, Yasaman Hashemian, and Theresa Daudier!

Read on for some before and after pictures, details on how and where I sourced the furniture, and a video of Suzanna and her family’s reaction to the reveal.

Living Room: AfteR

Living Room: Before

Living room details:

I tried to find as much secondhand furniture and decor as I could (this was especially important on a limited budget). I was able to find the media console on Facebook Marketplace, donate a fe items of my own, and secure a beautiful donated rug that informed the color palette of the entire room.

Media console: Thrifted via Facebook Marketplace (originally Studio McGee for Target) | Rug: Donated by Victoria at Kennedy Contemporary | Coffee table: Thrifted via Facebook Marketplace | Side table and lamp: Donated by me (and given to me by my aunt many years ago) | Artwork: Some thrifted/ vintage, some from Target | Pillows: Target | Sofa: Amazon

Dining Room: After

Dining Room: Before

Dining Room Details

Dining table and chairs: Secondhand via Facebook Marketplace | Peel and stick grasscloth wallpaper: Spoonflower | Mirror: Hearth and Hand by Magnolia for Target | Sconces: Target