Ashley Newman of Bluestocking Interiors right here. Lengthy-time reader, someday commenter, and first-time contributor (squee!). The tip of 2021 was one thing of an ideal storm for me. First, I learn Emily’s submit searching for volunteers to take Pen + Serviette nationwide and knew I simply needed to be a part of it – there might by no means be a extra “me” volunteer alternative than giving individuals lovely properties. Then, I spotted the extent of hysteria I lived with wasn’t regular, and I lastly acquired on remedy. Between these two issues and switching careers to inside design – one thing I’d been fascinated with for most likely a decade (I imply, why design infinite imaginary rooms once I might design actual ones?) – all of the sudden all the pieces felt doable. On this profession swap, I took a leap and began Bluestocking Interiors with the aim of constructing it doable for everybody to get the assistance they should create a house they love.
However, regardless that I signed up with Pen + Serviette straight away in 2021, I couldn’t discover native organizations that needed to companion with us (uh, what?!?!). Lastly, one wonderful girl launched me to a different wonderful girl who launched me to a different… till I used to be linked with Oxford Home, a nonprofit that units up sober homes for individuals in restoration. They have been opening a brand new home in my city, known as Bellatrix Home, which might home eight girls… they usually didn’t even have mattresses for individuals who can be transferring in that weekend.
I tear up each time I learn what these girls should say in regards to the significance of Oxford Home of their restoration.
Sabrina says, “Oxford Home has saved my life in so some ways. With out Oxford Home, I might not have a secure and secure place to name residence.”
Lydia says, “It’s good for me to be round women that may hold me accountable. Oxford Home helps save lives.”
Laura says, “I’ve been homeless, jobless, and emotionally and spiritually bankrupt. Oxford has been life-changing – for the primary time in a few years I’ve a secure place to get well. Oxford is such a good looking factor. It has actually given me a lot hope.”
Once I first met these women and advised them what Pen + Serviette was going to do for them, they couldn’t imagine it – they stated, nobody had ever executed something like that for them, that folks normally choose them and assume they aren’t worthy due to their struggles with dependancy. I can’t watch for us to band collectively and alter that.
We even acquired on the native information, so you possibly can see them say a few of what this implies to them in their very own phrases.
Anyway, Pen + Serviette got here to the rescue with a right away order of mattresses, however now we have to make the remainder of the home comfy and practical. This contains turning an unfinished basement right into a livable area!
One of many enjoyable elements of this mission is the combination of single and double rooms. The double rooms are for people who find themselves new to sober dwelling – usually they’ve simply been launched from rehab or jail, and plenty of personal just one field of belongings once they transfer in. So the aim for these rooms is to create a impartial, cozy area that makes these girls really feel at residence straight away however offers them loads of freedom so as to add their very own character as they settle in.
For the basement, that appears like this:
Surrounding the room with velvet curtains will really feel tremendous luxe whereas really being a really inexpensive strategy to conceal the ugly, and the string lights will add numerous cozy ambient mild with out hogging too most of the restricted plugs.
Including some closet racks to allow them to hold their garments is one other factor that’s going to make an enormous distinction for them!
For the upstairs:
One factor they’ve requested is inspirational phrase artwork, so I made certain to incorporate that, particularly in these rooms.
Then for the one rooms, we will actually showcase their personalities.
One girl needed black and crimson, glam, crown motifs, and someplace to do her make-up.
However one other one needed bohemian, with calm blues:
Having an area that basically feels custom-made to every girl goes to make all of them really feel a lot extra at residence, settled, and like this difficult factor they’re doing is that rather more achievable.
So, right here’s the place you all are available in. Though the home is being designed on a tight funds… effectively, six bedrooms for eight individuals, plus a downstairs hangout room, it provides up quick. I assumed, “That’ll be like $4,000, proper?” Spoiler: hahahahahahaha oh how naïve I used to be. Regardless of the most important items are all beneath $200, by the point you do a mattress, mattress, bedding, curtains and curtain rods, a dresser or storage piece, a nightstand, a lamp, and simply one piece of décor, it comes out to just about $1,000 per individual.
We’ve some wishlists of particular gadgets on Amazon and Wayfair if you happen to desire to donate an precise bodily merchandise, however marketing campaign donations to cowl issues which have already been bought, gadgets for residents whose rooms haven’t been designed but, or issues sourced from different locations, are useful, too. Plus, if any further funds are raised, they are going to be used for future Pen + Serviette initiatives – possibly even some future Oxford Homes!
Amazon Wishlist Hyperlink | Wayfair Wishlist Hyperlink | Marketing campaign Hyperlink
After all, we’ll come again and present you the ultimate outcomes so you possibly can share of their pleasure!
On behalf of the Oxford Home women and myself, thanks, thanks, thanks!
Stay superbly <3
Ashley
Opening Picture Credit: Photograph by Sara Ligorria-Tramp | From: New Reveal: A Colourful, Joyful Residence Makeover For An Extremely Deserving Household
