Today we’re sharing the mood board for the transformation of the ‘Wellness Retreat’ at Above & Beyond, a Chicago non-profit addiction + recovery center.
When we laid out our goals for 2023, one of the things we knew we wanted to focus on was tackling more give-back makeovers. Last year, we helped our friend LaTanya with a feel-good makeover of her new apartment and knew we wanted take on similar projects this year! So when our dear friend Nithin was named the Chief Wellness Officer of Above & Beyond, a Chicago non-profit addiction and recovery center, we knew we wanted to lend the organization a hand any way we could.
Nithin came to us with a project that he thought would be a good fit for our skillset – the transformation of his current office space into a multifunction office/wellness retreat for the entire Above & Beyond staff!
Once made over, the room will serve as a collaborative lounge for therapists to debrief, breathe and have a moment of mindfulness. It will be a place for colleagues to gather for a coffee break, lean on each other through difficult situations and lift each other up. We couldn’t have said ‘yes’ fast enough and went to tour the space soon after our initial conversations. Here is how things looked back then.
Before
Structurally, the space is large with a huge wall of windows that keeps things open and lively. It had served many purposes through the years, including a shared office space and a makeshift filing room, so it was filled with lots of unnecessary items that could be donated or relocated. The room was vibrant, albeit a bit crowded, so we spent an afternoon taking measurements, creating a ‘want’ list and sharing ideas. We were immediately inspired by the space, the people, and the helpful work that Nithin and the A&B staff take on every day!
The wall of closets at the back of the room was packed with tchotchkes, wardrobe items, files and other items that we were given free reign to remove. After chatting through the additional needs for the space, we determined that we’d be able to remove the wall of closets completely, which will manufacture almost 20 square feet of floor space! After we left, the A&B team got straight to work de-cluttering the space and prepping for paint. Then our favorite painting contractor took over and got things ready for our portion of the work, which – surprise! – kicks off today!
Get the Look
We were given a lot of creative freedom for the project and through our discussions, we settled on a calming yet playful vibe that doubles both as Nithin’s office and as a staff retreat/gathering space. There will be a large TV for video calls, a huge, comfy leather sectional, a convertible stand/sit desk and lots of color, texture and pattern.
1. benjamin moore providence blue | 2. checkered blanket, $60 | 3. rattan lamp, $130 | 4. faux plant, $60 | 5. curtain rod, $40 | 6. velvet curtains, $35 | 7. drafting chair, $350 | 8. sit stand desk, $290 | 9. frame tv, $2200 | 10. wall mirror, $510 | 11. black lamp, $160 | 12. layla rug, $360 | 13. floating table, $35 | 14. leather sofa, $3900 | 15. ottoman, $200 | 16. ren pillow, $60 | 17. lucca pillows, $100 | 18. weave basket, $30 | 19. console table, $400 | 20. faux tree (similar), $150
Follow along on IG Stories today and tomorrow as we turn this formerly cluttered office into an oasis for a team of folks that dedicate their lives to helping others. We’re honored to be a small part of helping this incredible organization to do the wonderful work that they do!
