Embarking on a journey of purpose and passion, John and I recently had the profound privilege of undertaking one of our most rewarding projects yet: designing vibrant, comfortable new bedrooms for three truly remarkable local children bravely navigating cancer treatment. Over the past few weeks, we’ve shared glimpses of this heartfelt endeavor on our Instagram and podcast, sparking much curiosity and enthusiasm. As promised, we’re now thrilled to unveil the full story, complete with an abundance of inspiring photos and intricate details for each room. Our excitement to share these transformations with you is immeasurable.
A Project Fueled by Compassion: Designing for a Cause
Before diving into the individual room tours, it’s essential to provide some background on how this incredibly special project came to life. A few weeks ago, we were contacted by the esteemed team at Biringer Builders, a custom home builder with whom we previously collaborated in 2014. Together, we designed a charity showhouse for Richmond Homearama (you can see some photos from that impactful project below). Richmond Homearama is a highly anticipated annual event where the public can tour beautifully curated show homes, drawing inspiration for their own design ventures. Crucially, each year features a dedicated charity partner, and this year, the spotlight shines brightly on the ASK Childhood Cancer Foundation.
ASK is an extraordinary organization committed to providing vital support to children and families courageously battling cancer. It was this partnership that sparked an innovative idea between Biringer Builders and ASK. Instead of merely decorating the showhouse bedrooms for fictional occupants, they envisioned something far more impactful: designing these spaces specifically for real children undergoing cancer treatment. This unique approach not only creates beautifully personalized rooms for these deserving kids but also amplifies awareness and support for the ASK Childhood Cancer Foundation among Homearama visitors.
From Concept to Creation: Our Role in the Transformation
This is where we eagerly stepped in. When Biringer Builders initially inquired if we could assist with one or perhaps two rooms, our response was immediate and enthusiastic: “WE WANT TO DO ALL THREE!” Designing children’s rooms has always been a particular joy for us, and the opportunity to support families facing such profound challenges resonated deeply. We sprang into action, channeling our inner superheroes – albeit in more comfortable attire than Spider-Man’s suit! The process began with meticulously sourcing items for each room, guided by the children’s individual wish lists, favorite colors, hobbies, and personal interests.
The timeline was undeniably tight, presenting a race against the clock to bring these visions to life. Yet, the outpouring of generosity was truly heartwarming. We were incredibly fortunate to receive amazing decor-related donations from various partners and collaborators. Furthermore, we personally contributed funds to the budget, ensuring that no detail was overlooked and these rooms would be nothing short of spectacular for these sweet children and their families. Every decision, every chosen item, was made with their comfort, joy, and individual personalities at the forefront.
Navigating Challenges and Prioritizing Privacy
Speaking of the timeline, we received the detailed preferences and requests for each child just a few short weeks ago. This meant an intense period of hustling to gather everything and bring the designs together before the show’s grand opening last weekend. It was a whirlwind, a true test of our organizational skills and collaborative spirit. Our first opportunity to see the rooms in person was a mere five days before our final deadline, adding an extra layer of challenge. However, the incredible crew at Biringer Builders, with a special shout-out to Justin and Taylor, provided invaluable assistance, ensuring every element came together flawlessly and on schedule.
In this post, we are committed to upholding the privacy of these families. Therefore, you’ll notice us using only each child’s first initial and refraining from including an abundance of personal details. Please understand that while we’re respecting their privacy, many of the design choices made for each room were directly inspired by requests, cherished interests, or wish lists thoughtfully compiled by the children themselves for their own unique spaces. This personal touch is what truly makes each room a sanctuary designed just for them.
You might be wondering about the decision to first showcase these rooms in a showhouse rather than directly transforming the children’s homes. The strategy is twofold and profoundly impactful. By featuring these personalized rooms within the Homearama showhouse, it casts a significant spotlight on the ASK Childhood Cancer Foundation. Visitors touring the homes are exposed to the vital work ASK does, hopefully inspiring them to donate, volunteer, or simply learn more about supporting children battling cancer. Following the conclusion of the show in a couple of weeks, all the furniture and decor – from beds and curtains to lighting and cherished accessories – will be carefully moved and installed in the children’s actual homes, creating lasting, comforting havens for them.
A Full Video Tour: Experience the Transformations
Before we delve into a detailed, room-by-room photographic breakdown, complete with all the sources you’ve been asking for, I wanted to share a quick video walk-through. I captured this tour right after we put the finishing touches on the rooms. John convinced me to step outside my usual iPhone comfort zone and utilize our professional camera, so here it is! In this video, you’ll get to virtually explore all three bedrooms as I guide you through them, offering insights into each design and explaining how the elements flow together. It provides a much better sense of scale and atmosphere than photos alone, and you might even catch some of my signature “jabs-finger-into-frame-to-point-things-out” moves!
You can watch the immersive video tour directly below or access it here on YouTube. Note: If you’re viewing this post through a reader, you may need to click through to the original post to view the embedded video.
A’s Bedroom: A Whimsical Haven for a Young Nature Lover
A, the youngest of the three children we designed for, is close in age to our own daughter. Her primary request was a loft bed with a desk tucked neatly underneath. This specific piece became the anchor for her entire room, a brilliant space-saving solution that any parent of a young child would appreciate. From this central point, our design focused on weaving in her favorite colors and her deep affection for nature and animals, particularly the soft, cuddly variety, throughout the entire space. We aimed to create a whimsical yet functional retreat that would inspire imagination and provide comfort.
loft bed / pillows / bedding / throw blanket / dreamcatcher / butterfly art print / wicker elephant basket
Given that A’s actual bedroom at home is more modestly sized than the expansive showhouse room, the integrated desk under the loft bed will serve as an excellent, clever space-saving solution for her. This practical consideration also guided our choice for the rug; while it might appear slightly undersized for the showhouse, it was intentionally selected to perfectly fit her real room, prioritizing functionality and comfort in her everyday space.
For the desk area, we discovered a delightful chair at HomeGoods that perfectly complemented the room’s aesthetic (it’s not available online, but a similar version can be found here). Our wonderful friends at Shades of Light generously donated the elegant swirly table lamp, a piece that adds a touch of sophistication, along with several other beautiful light fixtures featured across the children’s rooms. And yes, you might notice a “fake laptop” in the photos – a classic showhouse trick to make the space feel lived-in and complete!
loft bed / similar desk chair / table lamp / throw pillow
Among the many wonderful donations from Shades of Light, we were particularly thrilled to incorporate a tiered capiz chandelier that we designed for them last year. This piece is a true favorite of ours, featuring capiz circles as large as a palm, creating a stunning visual effect. It’s incredibly rewarding to know that Biringer Builders will arrange for their electrician to install this exquisite chandelier in A’s room after the show concludes, bringing a touch of lasting magic to her space.
The beautiful rug gracing A’s room was a special find from Green Front Furniture, a massive furniture warehouse located about an hour from us in Farmville, VA. As the furniture partner for Homearama, Green Front often loans items for the show that are then available for public purchase. However, this particular rug is not for sale; it’s all A’s! (For those not near Green Front, a similar style is available online). This selection further underscores our commitment to ensuring each child receives truly personalized and special items.
Similarly, a great deal of the art displayed throughout the Biringer showhouse comes from a local artist collective called Yellow Door Art. They generously allow their paintings to adorn the walls, and visitors to Homearama have the unique opportunity to purchase these pieces directly. We actually acquired a beautiful piece this way last year. For this project, Yellow Door Art has extended their generosity even further, offering to donate some of the captivating paintings in each of these three rooms to the children, adding meaningful and personal touches to their spaces.
We were also incredibly touched when Jenny Komenda, renowned for Little Green Notebook and Jenny’s Print Shop, offered to donate three magnificent framed prints – one for each child. Below, you can see her exquisite butterfly print, beautifully framed. Her print shop is an invaluable resource for affordable and stunning art, offering digital downloads for just $15 that can be printed and framed to any size. A huge thank you to Jenny for her thoughtful contribution!
This charming little play nook is undoubtedly one of my favorite spots within A’s room. Her love for animals, both plush and real, inspired us to gather a delightful array of species throughout the room, presented in various forms (all inanimate, of course!). I even serendipitously stumbled upon this elusive elephant basket from Target’s Opalhouse line – a piece that is almost always sold out. I suspect it might have been a rare return, or perhaps, as I like to think, it was simply elephant destiny, meant to find its home here.
Adjacent to the wall of windows, we placed an accent table. While A might not have space for it in her actual room, it perfectly anchored this area in the larger showhouse, ensuring the space didn’t appear too sparse. One of our key challenges was balancing the needs of the children’s actual rooms with the desire for the showhouse spaces to feel fully furnished and inviting. This accent table beautifully achieved that balance.
Thankfully, the table is one of those loaned items from Green Front, providing a lovely anchor for the spot. A will, however, receive all the delightful accessories, including the charming storage suitcases in her favorite colors and, my personal favorite, the adorable kitty basket nestled underneath. Moreover, A adores riding bikes, so the sweet little bicycle painting from Yellow Door Art RVA is another thoughtful donation she will cherish. How incredibly heartwarming is that personalized touch?
But circling back to the kitty basket for a moment: would it be entirely inappropriate for a 36-year-old woman to possess such a charming basket in her own room? Asking for a very curious friend!
A will also be receiving this exquisite Jenny Lind dresser, a piece that is even more stunning in person and impeccably crafted. It perfectly anchors a cozy nook on the opposite side of her room. Above it, we hung our beloved circle mirror, its warm brass finish beautifully complementing all the wicker elements and the gold chandelier, creating a cohesive and elegant look. And of course, that charming little bike art piece undeniably screamed A’s name, making it an essential addition to her space.
And so concludes the tour of A’s fresh, delightful new bedroom. Every single detail, from the delicate yarn dreamcatcher to the carefully selected animal motifs, was a joy to bring together. Designing for A was an absolute pleasure, and we are eagerly holding our breath, hoping for the chance to meet her face-to-face soon to convey just how much happiness we found in crafting this special room specifically for her. It truly was a labor of love.
J’s Bedroom: A Sporty Retreat with a Calming Palette
J, the only boy among the children, proved to be a young man with clear, straightforward requests. His passions revolve around sports, particularly basketball, complemented by an enthusiasm for video games and a strong preference for the color red. While red can be an incredibly dynamic and energetic color, it also carries the potential to overwhelm a bedroom space. Our design challenge was to incorporate this beloved hue in a balanced, thoughtful manner, ensuring his bedroom would feel restful and calming – a true sanctuary for him and his family amidst his treatment journey.
A key tip for integrating stronger, more vibrant tones into a room without making it feel overly intense is to pair them with a generous amount of grounding, neutral colors. We opted for cool blues, sophisticated grays, and crisp whites to cut the intensity of the red, creating a harmonious and balanced aesthetic. J specifically wished for a new twin-sized bed, and we found these elegant gray upholstered beds. We were particularly delighted to be able to provide him with a full upholstered bed frame, offering a touch more luxury and comfort than just an upholstered headboard.
upholstered beds / nightstand / area rug / mirrors / wall sconces / duvet cover / throw blanket / navy accent pillow / patterned pillows
Just like A’s room, J’s actual bedroom at home is more compact, providing space and necessity for only one twin bed. However, Biringer Builders suggested, and generously purchased, a second bed to create a more complete and visually appealing presentation for the showhouse. While the symmetry of two matching beds is undeniably charming in a larger space, I can easily envision J’s room with this striking rug, a single twin bed, and the two elegant sconces flanking it, creating a perfectly balanced and intimate setting. As with A’s room, the rug, while appearing a tad small for the showhouse, is perfectly sized for his personal space.
The sleek wall sconces are the very same design we incorporated into the back bedroom of our own beach house, this time in a sophisticated brass and black finish. These are pieces we proudly designed for Shades of Light several years ago, and they were, once again, generously donated for this project. We frequently integrate them into our designs due to their incredible practicality: they are plug-in fixtures, eliminating the need for an electrician. You simply screw them into the wall wherever desired and plug them in – it’s that easy! This feature also means they can be effortlessly repositioned, which will be incredibly convenient when it’s time to rehang them in J’s real bedroom.
Much of the bedding, including the crisp white duvets and the cozy blue blankets draped at the foot of the beds, was conveniently sourced from Target. This proved to be an invaluable resource as our deadline loomed, allowing us to quickly gather essential items. Some online orders, like A’s white dresser, kept us on the edge of our seats, arriving mere hours before our final project completion – talk about cutting it close!
The truly special, handmade, and absolutely stunning blue shibori pillows are a generous donation from Danielle Oakey. She not only donated them but also rush-delivered them after catching an Instagram sneak peek of this heartwarming project. We’ve long admired and purchased her beautiful pillows for our own living room, so these were an exquisite addition, making J’s bed feel wonderfully layered and uniquely special. Even if they inevitably end up in a charming pile on the floor, as kids’ pillows often do, their presence adds undeniable warmth and character.
Also, I’m thrilled to announce the start of a new design trend: “Real Basketball As Pillow”! This vibrant red and blue basketball looked incredibly charming perched on the bed. What’s even better is that we later had it signed by members of his favorite team – an absolute dream come true for J! While I’m certain it will eventually find its place among the baskets we filled with toys and games for him, I simply adored having it displayed prominently for the show, showcasing his passion.
I also wanted to highlight the thoughtful treatment of the bay window in J’s room. The curtains are simply beautiful white ones that we rush-ordered for all three rooms; we truly believe you can never go wrong with a crisp white curtain. Initially, the installer had hung individual rods above the two side windows, creating a somewhat disjointed look. Please forgive this quick phone snapshot, but I wanted to visually demonstrate the remarkable difference a single, simple tweak can make for window treatments. This is the “before” view:
And here is the “after”:
All it took was adding another rod to seamlessly span the middle section, removing the finials, and gently inching the curtains into that angled area. This created the elegant appearance of a continuous rod gracefully extending across all three windows. The entire side of the room immediately felt more cohesive, integrated, and cozy once we connected those previously separate “curtain rod eyebrows,” transforming them into a unified “curtain rod unibrow” – hooray for visual harmony! To enable full closure, you would typically add a third set of curtains, but in this instance, the white wood blinds effectively handle light blocking, rendering the curtains purely decorative, yet immensely impactful. So, for anyone who has ever wondered how to stylishly address angled windows with curtains, there’s your simple, effective solution.
On the opposite side of the room, we placed this handsome dresser. Along with the warm tones of the rug, it introduces a beautiful warmth that perfectly balances the cooler colors present in the space, such as the gray beds and numerous blue accents. Again, while an even larger rug might be ideal for the expansive showhouse room, this 5 x 7-foot size is absolutely perfect for J’s actual bedroom back home, offering both comfort and style. And truly, you cannot beat its incredible price for such quality!
wooden dresser / basketball art print / table lamp / area rug / tabletop cornhole game
Here’s a fun little behind-the-scenes glimpse for you. While taking the photo above, John found himself battling glare that obscured the art print (another beautiful, framed donation from Jenny’s Print Shop). So, I heroically took one for the team, blocking the glare with the largest object I could quickly grab – which, comically, turned out to be a painting borrowed from another room! John expertly Photoshopped a few pictures together to achieve the seamless result you see above, conveniently omitting me standing rather creepily in the middle of the shot, much like a toddler convinced they’re invisible in a game of hide-and-seek. You can’t see me!
Beyond the furniture and decor, we had an absolute blast gathering a treasure trove of toys, games, and other thoughtful gifts for all the children. We understand that while new furniture brings joy, a child’s happiness truly blossoms with engaging activities. For J, this included some exciting new sporting equipment, such as various balls and a basket overflowing with Nerf gear. We were particularly charmed by this tabletop version of cornhole, which John may or may not have spent a surprisingly competitive few minutes playing against himself. It got me thinking – perhaps a perfect Father’s Day gift idea?
I mean, he even took a special, focused photo of it – a true testament to its captivating power!
So there you have J’s room – a thoughtful, versatile space. While it doesn’t scream “sporty” in every single nook and cranny, our design philosophy for children’s rooms is often to create a simple, adaptable backdrop. This allows new items, interests, and passions to be easily layered into the space as the child grows and their tastes evolve. For instance, if tomorrow J decides he prefers baseball over basketball, we haven’t committed to a rug covered in basketball hoops or a dresser painted like a scoreboard. The core design remains flexible.
It would be remarkably simple to switch the framed print next to his bed from the vibrant red basketball art to whatever new interest captures his imagination, ensuring his room grows with him.
S’s Bedroom: A Relaxed California-Inspired Retreat
S, the oldest of the children we had the pleasure of designing for, is a young lady who beautifully described herself as “laid back and chill.” This perfectly informed our design approach, leading us to create a serene, casual California-inspired vibe for her room. The absolute perfect starting point for this aesthetic were these exquisite rattan headboards, which I miraculously discovered on eBay (yes, eBay!). While they are also available on Wayfair, they appear to be more costly there at the moment. These headboards arrived with only a day or two to spare, prompting us to have backup options on hand, but I am SO incredibly relieved and happy they made it! They genuinely define the entire room and set its tranquil, inviting tone.
rattan headboards / nightstand / table lamp / bedding / navy accent pillow / pink pillows / wall art
Similar to J’s situation, S requested a single twin bed for her actual room. However, the builder once again purchased an additional bed to ensure the showhouse felt adequately furnished and complete. I truly appreciate the inherent flexibility of all the items we selected for these rooms. They are adaptable enough to work beautifully in an expansive space with the addition of a few extra pieces, yet will also seamlessly transition into a cozier room, perfectly fitting the scale of their actual homes. This flexibility is a huge advantage, especially when designing for children whose needs and spaces may evolve over time.
The rattan headboards beautifully complement the boho jute light fixture we carefully selected for the room. This stunning piece, another generous donation from Shades of Light, even had its delivery expedited to ensure it arrived just in time – phew! When illuminated, it casts the most exquisite light patterns, adding a warm, inviting glow and an undeniable touch of bohemian elegance to the space.
Our initial design plan for the wall above the beds involved hanging round mirrors over each headboard. However, the moment the headboards finally arrived and we saw them in place, we had an amusing realization: placing large round items directly over rounded headboards inadvertently created an accidental “snowman” effect! Whoops! This sent us scrambling to Plan B, which, happily, turned out to be even more beautiful. We opted for this striking large painting by Yellow Door Art artist Stacey Reece. It was the perfect solution, elegantly pulling in and harmonizing with the existing colors we had already established in the room. Those navy pillows are actually two more of the same ones we chose for J’s room, demonstrating their versatile appeal. Their substantial scale, combined with the charming pink pillows generously donated by Danielle Oakey, creates a wonderfully layered and inviting bedding ensemble.
The adorable little blue nightstand was a truly last-minute discovery, found after a desperate search across about 10 local stores for the perfect side table (the one we originally ordered was canceled and never shipped – a genuine “AHH!” moment!). Can you believe we struck out at two HomeGoods locations but then stumbled upon this perfect find with less than 24 hours remaining before our deadline? We have never been more grateful to see a nightstand in our lives – it felt like a true design miracle!
The other side of S’s room features a beautiful, substantial dresser, creating a grounded focal point. It’s complemented by a wonderfully casual spot to relax, courtesy of this incredibly cozy beanbag chair – a feature that John, ever the diligent tester, thoroughly “tested out” before we left. I genuinely wish, wish, WISH I had a link for you all to this amazing dresser, but it was a unique, one-of-a-kind sample piece discovered at Green Front Furniture (this one is somewhat similar in tone and front panel dimension). How incredibly cool is it that S will receive this truly unique, one-of-a-kind furniture piece for her bedroom, making her space even more special?
bean bag chair / area rug / table lamp / small framed art / large heart art
This rug is another fantastic find – its price is outstanding, it’s remarkably durable, the subtle pattern cleverly conceals potential stains, and it ties in beautifully with the navy pillows and the art on the opposite side of the room. S adores navy (and blue in general), making this a truly lucky and cohesive addition to her personal space.
S shared with us that she deeply appreciates words of encouragement and empowerment; she specifically wanted her space to exude a feeling of confidence. How incredibly inspiring is that request from a young lady? In response, I found this “Who Run The World” printable on Etsy, which paired perfectly with the colors in the large heart print – another thoughtfully framed donation from Jenny’s Print Shop. And I simply couldn’t resist grabbing that little desktop “Like A Boss” sign for her too, a perfect daily affirmation (discovered at Target, but unfortunately unavailable online).
The gradient lamp thoughtfully adds more of her favorite blue hue while simultaneously providing excellent ambient light for reading or simply lounging in the beanbag. As a general tip for designing kids’ rooms, it’s always beneficial to include both a ceiling fixture for overall illumination and at least one table lamp or floor lamp. This combination offers functional task lighting for activities like reading and adds a desirable, inviting glow beyond just overhead lighting, creating a layered and cozy atmosphere.
And now that I reflect on it, perhaps every room could benefit from a little bit of Beyoncé-inspired empowerment too…
Join Us at Richmond Homearama & Support ASK Childhood Cancer Foundation
I believe that just about concludes our comprehensive tour of these three inspiring bedrooms. If you happened to skip the video earlier to dive straight into the post, I highly encourage you to scroll back up and watch it now. The video offers a significantly enhanced perspective, providing a much better understanding of how all the elements in each room seamlessly flow together and bring the designs to life.
And for those seeking an even more immersive experience beyond the video walk-through, we warmly invite you to **come see these incredible rooms in person!** You can tour all three of these thoughtfully designed spaces, along with the seven other magnificent designer show homes, by attending The Richmond Homearama. The event runs Wednesdays through Sundays, from 11 am to 6 pm, for this week and next, concluding on May 20th. Please visit the link above for more detailed information and to purchase your tickets.
Our deepest gratitude goes out once again to Homearama, Biringer Builders, and especially the ASK Childhood Cancer Foundation for extending us the immense privilege of contributing to this profoundly special and meaningful project. Every single person we collaborated with on this endeavor was absolutely amazing, and we were incredibly moved by the numerous stories we heard from other parents whose families have personally received vital assistance from ASK during their most challenging times. ASK Childhood Cancer Foundation is truly comprised of wonderful people doing extraordinary things, offering hope and practical support when it’s needed most.
If you feel inspired to learn more, consider making a donation, or wish to get involved as a volunteer with ASK, please check out their website for comprehensive information. Your support can make a tangible difference in the lives of children and families bravely facing cancer.
***P.S. For exclusive bonus photos, invaluable design tips, fresh project ideas, and fascinating behind-the-scenes insights delivered directly to your inbox, click here to subscribe to our free newsletter. Last week, our newsletter delved into creating large, budget-friendly framed art for our beach house, and this week, we’re excited to reveal a brilliant design idea we discovered at the showhouse that we’re absolutely “stealing” for our own beach house!***
*This post contains affiliate links. Please note that all proceeds generated from these affiliate links will be proudly donated directly to the ASK Childhood Cancer Foundation, further supporting their invaluable work.*