Project Colonial: Crafting Comfort During Life’s Hardest Moments

Fair Lawn, NJ

THE STARTING POINT

Project Colonial was a unique and meaningful opportunity. This wasn’t a home—it was a local funeral home owned by friends whose children go to school with mine. They reached out knowing they needed help reimagining a downstairs space that had become an overflow room filled with old, mismatched sofas collected over the years. Their vision was simple but important: create a comfortable, functional area where children and families could step away during services when emotions run high and a moment of relief is needed.

With no clear layout or plan in mind, they were unsure how to make the space welcoming or useful. I immediately knew this project would require both creativity and heart. Designing a room meant to serve families during difficult moments felt like a special responsibility—and the perfect chance to create something supportive, thoughtful, and full of purpose.

Living room with a beige striped sofa and two pillows, a green armchair with a pillow, and a black bag on the sofa, with beige walls and wood floor.
Living room with yellow wall, beige and green couches, wooden coffee table, and hardwood flooring.

THE TRANSFORMATION

Because this space needed to serve families during emotional moments, durability and comfort were top priorities. I sourced performance fabrics and hardworking furniture that could withstand frequent use without exceeding the budget. A customizable sectional was the perfect solution for the long back wall, creating plenty of seating, and a washable polka-dot area rug added a playful touch while anchoring the room.

To make the space truly special, I partnered with a few talented friends. Chris from Bakery Woodworks built a solid wood coloring table with an incredibly durable surface—ideal for kids to draw, craft, and simply be kids while their families were upstairs. My good friend, Stephanie, of Stephanie Teichman Art, designed + painted a charming mural of hot air balloons and mountains, giving the room a joyful focal point that instantly softened the space.

I also carved out an intentional “baby zone” with room for diaper changes and infant needs—something I knew would make a real difference for young families. And near the entry, I added buffet tables and artwork to create a spot for snacks or small meals, giving kids and parents an easy place to grab a break and recharge during a long service.

Modern interior room with white bookshelf, decorative plants, wall-mounted TV, and a large black chalkboard with a wooden frame.
A cozy living room corner with a light gray sectional sofa adorned with decorative pillows, a small wooden side table, a polka dot rug, and a pastel mountain mural with hot air balloons painted on the wall behind.
Children's playroom with a round white table, four white chairs, a color dot marker set in the center, a chalkboard wall, a TV, and a white storage unit with wicker baskets.
Nursery room with white changing table, wicker baskets, a potted plant, wall art featuring animals and rainbows.
A white sideboard with gold knobs, decorated with a large blue and white lamp and a small vase with greenery. Above it is a landscape painting on the wall, and there is a potted plant to the left in a woven basket.
Living room with a beige couch and colorful pillows, wall mural of mountains and hot air balloons, wooden side table with a green fern plant.
Decorative children's playroom with a blackboard wall, a white storage unit with woven baskets and toys, a small ottoman with rainbow patterns, and a potted plant.
A cozy living room with a white round table and four white chairs. On the table, there is a white circular organizer filled with colored markers. Behind the table, a light gray sofa with several decorative pillows is positioned against a wall with a
A white changing table with woven baskets on a lower shelf, next to a potted plant, and framed animal and rainbow artwork on the wall.

THE REVEAL

Walking my friend Kris downstairs for the reveal was such a special moment. She hadn’t peeked at the progress, so every detail was brand new—the fresh new paint, the kid-inspired hot air balloon mural, the cozy sectional, the baby station, and the buffet area all shining together at once. Her reaction was pure joy and gratitude, and it was incredibly moving to see how much the space meant to her.

As someone who has experienced the loss of a loved one, I know how important it is to have calm, supportive spaces during difficult times. Creating a room that could serve families—especially children—while honoring the meaningful work this family does felt deeply personal. Project Colonial will always stand out as a project filled with heart, purpose, and the privilege of serving friends who care so deeply for others.

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