belle maison

Several of you have been asking me, "When are you going to post the AFTER pictures from the Good Shepherd project?!" Well, the wait is finally OVER and I'm so excited to be sharing with you the final results of the room I had the pleasure of re-designing back in June. Just to quickly re-cap on the project: Earlier this year, project manager and organizers, Vanessa De Vargas and Vanessa Kogevinas, recruited 30 designers in the LA area to design and furnish 30 rooms at the Good Shepherd Center in Los Angeles, a center for homeless woman and children. The units we worked on serve as temporary housing to help single women of all ages get back on their feet, after facing financial hardship, addiction, abuse, or any other unfortunate circumstance that contributed to them becoming homeless. The project was 100% pro-bono and we all volunteered our time and resources to make it happen. We had 30 days to completely transform our individual room, however we saw fit. This was hands-down, the most rewarding design project I have ever been a part of. It was a pleasure to work at a women's center staffed with the sweetest group of women and nuns. I also enjoyed meeting and becoming friends with several of the other designers who participated in this project. So, without further adieu, here are the BEFORE & AFTER photos of the room I designed...Enjoy!

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{BED BEFORE}

{BED AFTER}

I replaced the existing bed (which was more like a brick mattress on a piece of plywood) with a brand new frame, mattress, and box spring. One of my upholstery vendors donated the custom headboard, which I had upholstered in a bright white mircrosuede fabric (daring choice to go white white, but I think it was worth it!)

I purchased this Bungalow 5 chest (which was one of several donated at a very discounted price) and had it re-painted in a high gloss white (was originally off-white). I changed out the hardware to petite crystal knobs, which I purchased from Target. The acrylic lamp is also from Target.

I replaced the existing ceiling light fixture (which was awful) with this beautiful round glass beaded chandelier. We added the ceiling medallion to dress things up, which made a huge difference! (only $20 from Lowes).

I thought this art print added the perfect touch of inspiration to the space. "Life is Beauty Full" by Sugarboo Designs, donated from my online shop.

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{ROOM BEFORE}

{ROOM AFTER}

When I first started designing this project, I selected the drapery fabric first, and built the rest of the room around it. The fabric I chose was Woven Jacquard Ikat Fret Raspberry by Robert Allen. I LOVE the way the drapery panels turned out! They totally "made" the entire space.

I started off with a pink, white and gray color scheme, then decided it needed a pop of yellow. I found this amazing chair from HomeGoods at the very last minute (literally, 2 days before the project deadline)! It was like it was made just for this room!

I hung a pair of white lacquered shelves from IKEA above the chair, to give the woman living in the room a place to store books, display picture frames, etc. Shelves are a great way to add storage to a small space (especially if there isn't enough room for a bookcase).

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{BEFORE}

{AFTER}

I wanted to create a small work space that felt separate from the rest of the room, so I placed the desk (which was a total steal from Target.com) underneath a window that faced out to a nice view. I changed out the hardware with vintage style crystal knobs - they completely transformed the look. The (2) white cutout art prints were from HomeGoods.

The desk chair was donated by Bassman-Blaine and Associates one of my favorite sales agency/showrooms ever! (To-the-trade only).

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{VANITY AREA BEFORE}

{VANITY AREA AFTER}

To brighten up the vanity area, I painted the back wall a bold shade of pink called Couture by Valspar (available at Lowes). The existing light fixture was switched out for a sweet little crystal chandelier (also from Lowes). In lieu of a towel ring, I used adorable gold crown hooks, which can also be used to hang jewelry. The gorgeous mirror was donated by one of my FAVORITE vendors, Made Goods (the Sabine mirror, made of faux Shagreen).

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{MORE AFTER PHOTOS}

I wanted to create a small entryway upon walking into the room, so I added this magenta chest, which had a distressed finish that gave it a vintage look. I hung a bulletin board above the chest so the woman living in this room can easily keep track of her appointments, reminders, etc.

Me with my amazing husband Ryan, who I could NOT have done this project without. He was my handyman, painter, furniture assembler, and back-up designer when I needed another eye (he's the one who pushed me to do the bright white headboard). I love him more than words and am blessed to call him my husband and best friend :)

Posing with new friends (and the only other designers working on this project from "the OC", everyone else was from LA). On my left, Typhanie Peterson from Shoebox Decor & on my right, Jessica from Jessica Bennett Interiors.

That's a wrap! This was taken at the end of day 2 of the Open House weekend, just before I packed up and left room #110 for good. It's now being occupied by one blessed woman, who is fortunate to be a part of the Good Shepherd family. I wish her, and all of the women who stay in this room throughout the years, the very best in life and much success and happiness. xoxo - Julie

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A very special thanks to the following companies who contributed to my room design and made it possible for me to complete this project:

LOWES

KIYONNA WOMEN'S CLOTHING

MODEL HOME SOURCE

MADE GOODS

FLORES DESIGN

BUNGALOW 5

Also, a very special thanks to my family, friends and clients for their generous donations with time and/or money. I am forever grateful.