Kids heading back to school means teachers and staff are returning too, so we were excited to brighten the welcome for one local public school’s teachers’ lounge after the school reached out for help with a volunteer makeover.
In June, after someone saw our prior room makeover, the principal and PTA asked if we’d help update the teachers’ lounge over the summer so staff would return to a surprise in September. The teachers and staff deserved a thoughtful, comfortable space, so we happily said yes.
While the PTA allocated part of their teacher appreciation budget for the project, everyone agreed to use those funds sparingly. The real transformation relied heavily on donated time, materials, and expertise, and the space looked like this when we first saw it:
Ryan of Ferguson General Contracting was the hero of the project, donating significant labor and materials. We led the design—selecting finishes and accessories—and completed smaller finishing touches like the lettering on the back wall, while Ryan’s team handled painting, cabinetry, flooring, and backsplash installation.
We made a short video to showcase the space and share the vibe.
The principal wanted a space that felt fun and energetic but more “grown up” than the classrooms—a kid-free retreat for staff. We chose a black-and-white palette and a cafe/bistro aesthetic to provide a calm, stylish counterpoint to the bright primary colors teachers see all day.
The new buffet-style cabinet under the bulletin boards replaced awkward folding tables and now houses two matching microwaves—donated by Ryan—while offering storage and counter space for PTA luncheons and everyday use. The bulletin boards are the originals with refreshed fabric.
The updated kitchen area became a quiet star of the room. All kitchen elements beyond the cabinets were generously donated, so the PTA’s teacher appreciation budget was preserved for other needs.
Cabinets and hardware were provided by a local supplier, countertops by a stone fabricator, backsplash tile from a tile company, and the faucet from a showroom. We selected affordable chairs from a big-box store to coordinate with the existing table legs.
The principal requested commercial vinyl flooring to match the building’s maintenance routine. Instead of standard speckled commercial options, we used solid black and white tiles installed in bold stripes for a fresh, crisp look that still meets practical needs.
For accessibility, the sink base needed to remain open. A parent donated a custom burlap-like curtain, velcroed in place, which conceals the area while coordinating with the warm woven accents used elsewhere. It’s removable for washing or future updates.
The honed, veiny black granite counters were a discounted slab but worked beautifully, softening the graphic floor stripes with a subtler, organic surface. A small burlap “Thank You” plaque recognizes contributors to the project.
Refrigeration needs were a major challenge. The staff needed more storage and ice-making capacity than the single existing fridge. We reconfigured the layout to accommodate two full-size refrigerators on the back wall, improving flow and balance while keeping the vending machines in place.
Securing two new fridges without exhausting the PTA budget required outreach to manufacturers. Frigidaire kindly donated two side-by-side refrigerators with ice makers, which doubled the staff’s storage and matched the room’s stainless accents while being smudge-resistant for a busy environment.
To introduce natural warmth, we used bamboo pendant shades and removed their electrical components, suspending the shades with clear fishing line so we didn’t need new wiring. Those woven shades echo other natural details in the room.
For a playful focal point, we designed a small cafe-style mural referencing the school mascot. Using a projector, we traced Steelworks-style letters onto acetate, transferred the layout onto the wall, and hand-painted the lettering in white for a handcrafted touch.
We finished the room with thoughtful accessories: planters on tables, a wood mirror, greenery, baskets on counters, small countertop pin boards, colorful art on bulletin boards, and a donated single-serve coffee machine. These touches help the room feel welcoming and useful for daily staff needs.
The makeover wrapped up one week before staff returned. The principal kept it a secret all summer—posting a “DO NOT ENTER! PLUMBING ISSUES!” sign on the door—then surprised the staff at an all-hands meeting. Watching their reactions, especially the principal’s emotional response, made all the work worth it.
Thanks to generous donations from Ferguson General Contracting, Frigidaire, parents, the PTA, Spruce Construction, and other local partners, the entire makeover was possible without draining classroom funds. Coming from a family of teachers, this was a meaningful project to give back to a hardworking group of educators.
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