Preschool Bus Makeover
When the pandemic hit, Jerilee, a dedicated preschool teacher in California, dreamed of bringing her students closer to nature. She found an old bus on Facebook Marketplace, envisioning it as a mobile classroom, but she needed help transforming it into a safe and inspiring space. That’s where we stepped in! My team and I completely renovated the bus, inside and out, giving it a vibrant 70s road trip vibe. We donated furniture, books, flooring, and everything needed to bring her vision to life, creating a one-of-a-kind learning environment for her students and giving back to a teacher making a difference.
Kelly Clarkson Show
One of our most memorable makeovers was for the Academy of Urban Scholars in Columbus, Ohio. The Kelly Clarkson Show invited us to reveal the transformed classroom live on air for a truly deserving teacher. We brought their vision to life with inclusive art, new furniture generously donated by Hertz, a class set of laptops from Lenovo, flexible seating, new books, and thoughtful touches—all designed with a greenery-inspired safe space theme. It was an incredible opportunity to give back to an educator and students who embody resilience and determination.
Unbreakable
One of our most impactful makeovers was for Brittany Sinitch, an English teacher at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida—a community deeply affected by a tragic school shooting that claimed the lives of several students. When I asked Brittany to describe her students in one word, she chose “unbreakable.” Inspired by their resilience, we designed a safe, community-focused environment centered around the theme of "Unbreakable." The space was thoughtfully created to provide a haven for healing, connection, and strength for Brittany and her students.
LGBTQ+ Youth Center
Another incredible makeover was for the Compass Center in Florida, an LGBTQ+ center that serves as a vital safe haven for LGBTQ+ youth. We transformed their youth classroom into a vibrant, rainbow-themed safe space filled with love and inclusivity. The redesign included interactive murals, inspiring art, a curated selection of books, comfortable furniture, new flooring, and more—all designed to foster creativity, connection, and a sense of belonging for the youth who call this space home.
Monument Valley, Utah
Our next makeover took us to Monument Valley High School on the Navajo reservation in Utah. To honor the community’s culture and heritage, we collaborated with local artists and designers to create an engaging, interactive space for high school students. The transformation included new flooring, fresh paint, modern furniture, a curated collection of books, and thoughtful design elements that celebrated the spirit of the Navajo community. This project was about more than a classroom—it was about creating a space that inspires learning while reflecting the beauty and strength of the students it serves.
Our First Makeover
This makeover holds an especially personal place in my heart—it was my very first classroom transformation, and one of my best friends, Alicia, was part of the team. Alicia played a role in almost all of my makeovers, and since her passing, her spirit continues to inspire everything I do. This nature-inspired design, with soothing greens and blues, felt like an embodiment of her warmth and creativity. We added brand-new furniture, flexible seating, fresh paint, books, and more to create a space that was not only functional but deeply meaningful. This classroom remains a tribute to her love for helping others and her lasting impact on this mission.
Tropical Oasis Flip
Our next transformation took us to an elementary school in Cleveland, where we brought a tropical rainforest theme to life! The design included vibrant flexible seating, cozy reading nooks, a brand-new classroom library, and interactive art featuring tropical animals. Each animal had a QR code that students could scan to learn more, turning the classroom into an engaging, educational adventure. This space became a lush, inspiring haven where young learners could explore, imagine, and grow.
Four Spaces in 72 Hours
One of our most ambitious makeovers was for a school that needed four distinct spaces transformed: a study area, the secretary’s office at the entrance, a classroom, and the director’s office. My team and I worked tirelessly to flip each space, adding new furniture, vibrant murals, and thoughtful design elements to create functional and welcoming environments. This project was one of our most challenging, but seeing these spaces come to life made every moment of hard work worthwhile.
Flexible Seating
This makeover in Tucson, Arizona, was truly one-of-a-kind! The upper elementary teacher had a vision to transform their classroom into a fully flexible seating space, creating an environment that was both comfortable and dynamic for students. We filled the room with cozy chairs, unique seating options, couches, and more, all designed to foster collaboration and engagement. The jewel-tone-inspired design featured rich colors, new flooring, fresh paint, and a library of inclusive books, making the space as welcoming as it was functional.
Audre Lorde Inspired
This makeover was for Layla, an African American history teacher in Philadelphia whose inspiration came from the powerful words of Audre Lorde. To honor her vision, we created a space that celebrated culture, learning, and inclusivity. We installed new flooring, added an interactive QR code-inclusive art gallery, and filled the room with tons of new books and modern furniture. The centerpiece of the room was a stunning mural featuring an inspiring quote from Audre Lorde, making this classroom a vibrant tribute to history and empowerment.
A Cafe for Teachers
For a school in Alabama, we transformed a tired teacher’s lounge into a chic, black-and-white-themed coffee shop! This cozy retreat was designed with teachers in mind, featuring a fully equipped drink station, a stylish donut holder, café-style tables, and thoughtful details to create a relaxing and inviting space. It was a joy to give these hardworking educators a place to recharge and connect in a space that felt truly special.
