Where Hope Has a Home

Ask any of the four dozen interior designers who participated in the 52,000-square-foot expansion of Ronald McDonald House at Stanford (RMHS) to impart their impression of the project and, chances are, the phrase “giving back” will populate their response. Indeed, the collaboration between RMHS, San Francisco Design Center and SFC&G was about more than selecting furnishings and finishes. It relied on a sense of community and compassion that manifested itself in the time and talents contributed by the designers, as well as the services and products donated to their spaces. The end result? A house that now feels like a home away from home for an additional 67 families every night.

Flexibility was at the forefront of Alden Miller’s room design, since its occupants vary in group size and family members. The queen bed includes a trundle, and an armchair tucked into a corner transforms into a twin bed. “Because many people are sharing one room,” she explains, “we sought to define small spaces within the larger space.” For example, a curtain delineates the twin sleeping quarters, while a rug establishes a play area. Miller worked closely with designer and craftsman Victor Campero on three bespoke pieces: a storage wall, a closet system and a desk. And, of course, details were carefully considered. “By adding pin-up boards, display shelves and customizable cubby bins,” says Miller, “arriving residents can make the room their room.”

Additional Resources:
Lamps, Pablo Design. Headboard fabric, Villa Nova, through De Sousa Hughes. Chair pillow fabric, de le Cuona, through De Sousa Hughes. Accent pillow fabric, Kravet. Lumbar pillow fabric, Rogers and Goffigon, through Kneedler Fauchère. Duvet, Bed Bath & Beyond. Desk, storage unit, hook display (in closet), hanging rod/shelf (in closet) and shoe bench (in closet), Campero’s. Chair and Hang-It-All, Herman Miller, through Design Within Reach. Recliner, Design Within Reach. Side table, Gordon Guillaumier, through Design Within Reach. Roman shade fabric and divider curtain fabric, Calvin Fabrics. Area rug, Angela Adams. Wall mural, John Kleber, through Artu4ia. Paint, Benjamin Moore. Additional artwork, Minted.

Among the furnishings are indoor/outdoor chairs from Janus et Cie, Verner Panton children’s chairs, tables and benches by Newell Design Studio—the latter upholstered in Clarence House textiles—and a 19-foot A. Rudin banquette covered in an aubergine vinyl by Nobilis.

“We started with the concept that mealtime brings people together, providing a wonderful sense of community and normalcy,” says Kristi Will, adding that she envisions the dining room will be used for many activities, like town hall meetings, music performances and weekly bingo games.

Will accessorized with lighting by Anna Kondolf and John Pomp Studios. Art includes a striking paper sculpture by Jeff Nishinaka and works by Natural Curiosities. Not one to overlook details, Will even incorporated a stroller parking area.

Additional Resources:
Artwork (butterflies), Jeff Nishinaka. Fabric behind artwork, Creations Metaphores, through Lee Jofa. Frames for artwork, The Painter’s Place. Drum pendants, John Pomp, through De Sousa Hughes. Dining tables and benches, Newell Design, through De Sousa Hughes. Fabric on benches, Clarence House, through Kneedler Fauchère. Dining chairs, Janus et Cie. Children’s dining chairs, Vitra, through Hive Modern. Paneling/vertical slats, Bob Myers Design. Banquette, A. Rudin. Fabric (banquette and booth seat), Nobilis, through Kneedler Fauchère. Additional fabric (banquette and booth back), Holly Hunt, through Kneedler Fauchère. Booths, table tops and bases, B&L Commercial Seating. Stroller railing, BOK Modern. Pendants (over booth), Allied Maker. Artwork (feathers), Natural Curiosities. Pillow fabric, Romo, through De Sousa Hughes. High chairs, Phil & Teds, through Kohl’s.

“Imagining families having some semblance of comfort on their journey of dealing with their ill children…well, it makes me tear up just thinking of it,” says Laura Martin Bovard. Her vendors were equally moved by the RMHS project and offered their assistance: Catherine Baldi of Arana Craftsman Painters, Robert Allen (fabrics), Berland Design (benches), Kay Chesterfield (pillows), Angelique Interiors (drapery), Renaissance Custom Upholstery (headboards), Panorama Framing and Closet Factory. Together, they executed Martin Bovard’s vision of a space that “makes families feel welcome, safe and special,” says the designer. “We chose a grounding, soothing color palette, a warm approach and a modern vibe to accomplish this.”

Additional Resources:
Bench, Berland Design. Mirror, Ikea. Wall knobs and dresser, EQ3. Lounge chair, Lee Industries, through Witford. Lounge chair fabric, drapery fabric and headboard fabric, Robert Allen. Floor lamp, Aerin. Mini desk, duvet, coverlet and scoop-back chair, West Elm. Pendant, David Trubridge. Wallcovering, Phillip Jeffries, through De Sousa Hughes. Headboard, Renaissance Custom Upholstery. Sconces, Currey & Company. Rug, Stark. Drapery, Angelique Interiors. Bed pillows, lounge chair pillow and lumbar pillow, Kay Chesterfield. Artwork, Minted.

Reba Jones, an associate principal at Butler Armsden, took indoor/outdoor living to a new level by designing a treehouse for the youth room. Fabricated by Clayton Trimbell & Company, it features a fort that allows for playing dress-up and hosting puppet shows; a picnic table that can function as a craft table; and outsized EIS Studio “river rocks” that help set the scene and serve as seating. Custom decals by Ashley Licht of UpInFlight depict animal creatures and enhance the woodland aesthetic, achieving Jones’ goal of reflecting “the rolling hills and oak trees native to the Palo Alto area.”

Additional Resources:
Tables, West Bay Plastics. Storage bins, Container Store. Chairs, Knoll. Apron hooks, Muuto, through Zinc Details. Bookshelves and supply cabinet, Urban Ore. Carpet tiles (hexagonal), Shaw Contract. Carpet tiles (square), FLOR. Lounge seats, EIS Studio. Wall decals and felt birds, Up In Flight.

“We know that families will be using this space to take a break from a challenging day,” says Jones. “So we did our best to design a space that would provide a bit of comfort and a fun diversion.”

She and her team created a retreat in which to “jump and crawl around, sing, get the wiggles out and have a comfy place to relax,” all with a seaside theme. The room features sea lion bean bag chairs by Woodnotes and a custom “sea wall” designed by Butler Armsden. The latter, made by Framecom, includes a crawl space for toddlers and seating for adults. Shaw hexagon-shaped carpet tiles and a wall mural by Lark Pien round out the decor.

According to Jones, the reading room offers “the best little view of a beautiful oak tree.” She decided to apply an arboreal motif to the walls with a custom wallpaper that “honors the California hillside and connects the space to its surrounding outside environment.” The design and installation are the handiwork of Elan Evans. A fox or an owl—in the form of a wall decal—keeps visitors company and, says Jones, “makes the space friendlier to the youngest readers.” For the seating, she selected low-slung Mah Jong chairs by Roche Bobois upholstered in vibrant fabrics from the Missoni Home collection.

Additional Resources:
Sofa, Roche Bobois. Wall application, Elan Evans Decorative Finishes. Pillows and rug tiles (beige), Ikea. Wall mural, Lark Pien. Carpet tiles (hexagonal), Shaw Contract. Bean bag chairs, Wood Notes, through The Residents SF.

Jeffrey Neve had a very personal reason for participating in the project. “When I was 19,” he recalls, “my younger brother was treated for cancer and we stayed at RMH in Orange County. He later passed away, but I jumped at the chance to give back to a charity that had a direct impact on my family’s life.” A recent trip to Utah’s Amangiri resort served as visual inspiration for Neve and design partner Elaine Koch. “The red rocks and desert colors heavily influenced our room,” he says. “The Trove wallpaper is a watercolor of falling leaves, the headboard is made to look like cork, the colors on the Osborne & Little fabric are a perfect match to our vision—they look like a beautiful desert sunset.”

“It was my intention to design a space that would be both calming and inspirational,” says Kimberley Larzelere. “When I’m under stress, I find that exercise is a valuable tool that helps to relieve tension. The families that will use the exercise room are undergoing a tremendous amount of hardship. If I can provide them with a comfortable place to express themselves physically, work off some stress and even play a little, I’ve done my job.” The designer worked with Chris Fisher of Out-Fit to coordinate equipment donations from not only Out-Fit, but also Precor, Expresso Bikes and Interactive Fitness. The woodsy wallpaper adds graphic pop, and artist Katina Huston donated a stunning work to the room.

Additional Resources:
Elliptical, Precor, through Out-fit. Flooring, Mondo, through Club Resource Group. Bikes (adult and youth), Expresso Bikes, through Interactive Fitness. Artwork, Katina Huston, through Dolby Chadwick Gallery. Paint, Benjamin Moore, through Gray’s Paints. Cabinets, Segale Bros. Wood Products.

“The inspiration for the guest room came to me quite easily,” says Davidson Le. “Nature is all around us, and to many from all over the world, it represents life and serenity. Guests are already dealing with more stress than I can imagine.” Le’s design includes wallcovering that evokes birch and a palette highlighted by calming greens and blues. “It’s also inspiring,” Le says, “to know that there is so much support in the Bay Area for RMHS. We couldn’t have done it without the generosity of all of our supportive donors and friends,” who included Romo, Flor, HD Buttercup and Timothy Oulton.

Additional Resources:
Tile, FLOR. Seven Wonders artwork, Shari Margolin, through Minted. The Worldwide Web artwork, Joseph Manibusan, through Minted. Map, Minted. Cabinet, Organic Modernism, through HD Buttercup. Rocking chair and desk, Gus Modern, through HD Buttercup. Wallpaper, Phillip Jeffries, through De Sousa Hughes. Desk chair, Kartell. Sofa, Flexform, through Thema. Sofa fabric, Donghia. Duvet and pillow case, Society Limonta. Sheets and floating shelves, West Elm.

Beth Martin aimed to evoke the casual California lifestyle and a feeling of home, as well as to accommodate a range of activities, from board meetings to crafting sessions, with her design of the conference room. For Martin, “the selfless act of giving” was a meaningful part of working on RMHS. Her pro bono efforts included serving as the design co-chair of the project, and she was the beneficiary of myriad donations, including chairs from Lee Industries, Silestone for the tables and counters from Cosentino, wallpaper from Elizabeth Dow, and cabinetry from Poggenpohl. Martin also integrated custom touches: Along with interlocking, reconfigurable tables of her own design, she commissioned a work from artist Jenny Phillips for the room.

Additional Resources:
Carpet tiles, FLOR. Drapery fabric, Holly Hunt, through Kneedler Fauchère. Wallpaper, Elizabeth Dow, through Sloan Miyasato. Light pendants, Flos, through Dzine. Chairs, Lee Industries, through Witford. Sideboard cabinets, USM Modular Furniture. Artwork, Jenny Phillips. Sewing, Laurel Sprigg.

“I love the power that color has on our emotions, so I chose a neutral color scheme with bright accents of orange and green to bring energy to the room,” explains Robin Sussillo. “The art prints are titled Joy of Life and Rhythm, which I feel complement the spirit of the design.” To outfit the quarters, Sussillo worked closely with Design Mart Silicon Valley (furniture, lighting, rugs, accessories), as well as Paterson Floor Coverings (rugs), In Stitches Design Solution (fabrication of custom pillows and drapery, plus drapery hardware), Robert Allen (fabrics) and All Natural Stone (bathroom tile and stone). “Everyone was incredibly supportive and generous,” she says of her vendors.

Additional Resources:
Area rug (striped), Paterson Floor Coverings. Headboard, Made Goods, through Design Mart Silicon Valley. Dresser, side tables and desk, Bungalow 5, through Design Mart Silicon Valley. Desk chair, Saloom Furniture, through Design Mart Silicon Valley. Club chair, Parker Southern, through Design Mart Silicon Valley. Donut table lamp, Ore International, through Wayfair. Modern table lamp, Wayfair. Joy of Life and Rhythm artwork, icanvas, through Wayfair. Drapery and pillow fabric, DwellStudio, through Robert Allen. Bedspread, Design Mart Silicon Valley.

“We approached our design with the idea that the space needed to be comfortable and flexible enough for the families to make it their own,” says Pamela Pennington. “It’s important that they not have to worry about damaging anything.” One of the elements of her design that will put guests at ease is the art. She notes that nonprofit organization Paintbrush Diplomacy “showed us a wonderful group of art produced by children, culled from around the world.”

Additional Resources:
Children’s mural, Paintbrush Diplomacy. Artwork (printed on wallpaper), EXL Prints. Artwork (on headboard), Gold Leaf Design. Remaining artwork, Paintbrush Diplomacy. Wallpaper (on headboard wall), Tri-kes. Recliner, Lee Industries, through Witford. Cabinets (closet), Dynamic Designs. Cabinet hardware, DuVerre, through Belmont Hardware. Dresser, console, mirror and nightstand CB2. Desk, floor lamp and desk lamp, Crate & Barrel. Desk chair, Cherryman, through Skaar. Rug, Floor Design. Ceiling fixture, Tech Lighting, through City Lights. Roman shades, Best Line Shades. Cube ottoman and headboard, Cypress Furniture. Bed coverlet, bed shams, bed pillows and bed blanket, Maggie’s Slipcovers. Bed coverlet fabric, bed shams fabric, bed pillow fabric, recliner fabric, roman shade fabric and bed blanket fabric, Robert Allen. Paint, Benjamin Moore.

From one of those children’s paintings, her firm developed a wall covering—an enlarged version of the original artwork—that now lines one of her bedroom’s walls (Pennington worked on two suites). “We hope this wonderful, colorful image will inspire healing, care and community during the guests’ stay,” she adds.

For his suite, designer Courtney Lake went well beyond scouring stores and showrooms; he consulted with pediatric nurses and family therapists. “The key takeaway was that the families don’t come to the house because they want to be here—they have to be here,” he says. “So how do we create a space for a family who would rather be anywhere else?” Lake started with a soft and neutral palette, featuring shades of green, and was restrained in his design—letting the family inject personal touches for familiarity and comfort (for instance, adding photos on a special bulletin board). He worked with the Arc on a custom art installation, and Guildery modified its existing fabrics to create colors that worked best with Lake’s scheme.

“I am a new mom and can only imagine the difficulties these children and parents are facing,” says Kendra Nash. “Plus, I grew up about two miles from RMHS and have the best of memories of volunteering there as a teen. I was excited to be a part of the house again as an adult.” The tone for both of the rooms she designed was set by artist Anjale Perrault’s custom botanical oil paintings.

Additional Resources:
Rug, Loloi. Desk, Pottery Barn. Desk chair and armoire, Four Hands. Headboard fabric, RH. Reclining chair, Wayfair. Chair fabric, Pindler & Pindler. Paint, Benjamin Moore. Shelving, CB2. Mirror, Jamie Young. Elephant Art, Anjale Perrault.

Businesses both large and small lent a helping hand, with Loloi, Pottery Barn and Wayfair providing rugs and furniture, while local firm Knox Painting Co. and electrician Bob McFadden offered up their labor and materials.

While designing her room, Rise Krag and her team “kept visualizing how we would want to feel,” she says. Their criteria? “It should be calm, it should feel spacious, it should be inspired by the surrounding nature and it should be easy maintenance.” The space includes a solid wood Hoot Judkins dresser, embellished with hardware from Belmont Hardware, as well as a stylish bench from Loggia Showroom, lighting from Coast Lighting and art by Carmel-based Victor Krag. A clever closet solution by Rebarts Interiors—the company also responsible for the window coverings—lends softness and conceals the family’s personal items.

Additional Resources:
Dresser, Hoot Judkins. Dresser hardware, RK International Hardware. Ceiling light, Coast Lighting. Bench, Loggia Showroom. Window valance and closet panel, Rebarts Interiors. Side table, Pier 1 Imports. Coverlet, Macy’s. Lumbar pillow fabric, Kravet. Artwork, Victor Krag.

To achieve a home away from home for guests, Studio Nahemow “sought out a mixture of furnishings that we could repurpose to suit this need,” says interior designer Eugene Nahemow. “With the help of our vendors, we refinished and reupholstered furniture with a palette of colors that would inspire hope.” Among those who assisted the firm with its design goals were Luis Norori Antique Restoration, Jovinas Custom Upholstery, Welch Construction (interior finish installation), Dianne Kirchner (drapery and bedding fabrication), Savanna Hobbs (wallpaper installation), John O’Brien (window covering installation), Brentano Fabrics, Romo, Restoration Hardware and Serena & Lily.

Additional Resources:
Headboard fabric, Brentano. Pillow shams fabric, Villa Nova. Duvet, Serena & Lily. Bedskirt, Pottery Barn. Wallpaper, Romo, through De Sousa Hughes. Bedside table lamps, CB2. Ceiling pendant and bath accessories, RH. Roman shade fabric, armchair fabric, lumbar pillow fabric and desk chair fabric, Romo. Artwork, Z Gallerie. Closet shelving, The Container Store. Floor mirror, Ikea.

Ashlin Mahood of ASH Interiors and Jennifer Glynn of Heirloom Home Interiors joined forces to produce a room whose “color palette was inspired by nature, fabrics were selected to be soft and welcome, and art is colorful and whimsical,” says Glynn. The designers collaborated with Cecilia Lindo of San Souci Workroom on the custom drapery, pillows and bedding, as well as Colleen Smith of California Wood Studios on the custom walnut headboard. According to Mahood, she and Glynn take great satisfaction in “knowing that we’ve created a private and restful space for families in need so that they can focus on what is most important: the health and well-being of their child.”

Additional Resources:
Artwork, Minted. Dresser and nightstands, Brownstone Furniture. Floor lamp and table lamps, Currey & Company. Wallpaper, Zoffany, through Shears & Window. Drapery, recliner and pillow fabric, Robert Allen. Mirror, Waterworks. Owl hooks, Anthropologie. Headboard, California Wood Studios. Rug, J.D. Staron. Paint, Benjamin Moore.

Eugenia Jesberg describes her designs as “a true team effort, for a very meaningful cause. My goal was to create welcoming, comfortable rooms that evoke the feeling of being somewhere relaxing, rather than at a facility.” With the California coast as her inspiration, she went for a casual and beachy environment, with soft fabrics and “feel-good” hues, punched up with bold and whimsical accents. Serena & Lily donated much of the furniture, rugs and accessories; Elan Evans painted the walls; Susan Lind Chastain fabricated and installed the window coverings; and Catlin Weatherill sewed the bedding. For textiles, Jesberg turned to a designer favorite: Osborne & Little.

Additional Resources:
Headboard, Pottery Barn. Bedskirt, shade and decorative pillow, Catlin Weatherill Interiors. Wall sconces, rug, chandelier, lounger, pillow (red), armchair, border rug, bench, stool, duvet, shams, sheets, quilt, stool (white), dhurrie, basket and mosaic mirrors, Serena & Lily. Reclaimed wood, nightstand, wall art, desk, floor mirror and dresser, West Elm. Foggy Beach artwork, Stephanie Sherman, through Serena & Lily. Table lamp, PBteen. Wastebasket, Container Store. Coat rack, Vedere. Boat and tote bag, L.L. Bean.

“Laundry is a task that must be done,” says Kathy Best. “We might as well make the experience as cheerful as possible!” In a pair of laundry rooms on the second floor, window shades made by Susan Lind Chastain depict colorful birds roosting on a clothesline; the same fabric, Chivasso’s Birdsong, was used to wrap the acoustic panels above the sinks. Because kids might be keeping their parents company while they do laundry, Best incorporated a children’s area in the spaces complete with toy washers, dryers and ironing boards. “When hearing about RMHS,” she notes, “folks are very generous with their time and money.” Pottery Barn and Jab Anstoetz are among the vendors she worked with.

With a palette of soft grays, yellows and golden tones—along with furniture and accessories from Robert Allen, Romo, De Sousa Hughes, Benjamin Moore, Polyflor and La-Z-Boy—Florence Wu assembled a soothing retreat. “It’s a space where families can de-stress, heal and rest,” she says. “During the design process, I personally witnessed kids who have gone through a lifetime of health struggles. Yet their courage, strength and infectious attitude toward life is mind-blowing and unimaginable. To me, they are the unsung heroes…It is truly an inspiration to experience such strength.”

Additional Resources:
Headboard fabric, Robert Allen. Cornice board fabric, Romo, through De Sousa Hughes. Bedside console, Bernhardt. Bench and throw, Coup D’Etat. Table lamp (on console), floor lamp and coverlet, Shears & Window. Flooring, Polyflor, through De Sousa Hughes. Wall paint, Benjamin Moore. Artwork, Minted.

“The mission of RMHS hits a very personal note for me,” says Melinda Mandell. “As a child, I was hospitalized at Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital, with a life-changing diagnosis. The experience turned our lives upside down—mine and my family’s—and would have been so much more difficult if we hadn’t lived close to the hospital. Having a safe place to retreat and recoup is essential.” In the two bedrooms that she designed, she opted for soothing blues and bright greens, and referenced water, animals and nature. The furniture and fabrics include family-friendly selections from Robert Allen, colorful pillows in Lee Jofa textiles and bedding from Serena & Lily.

Additional Resources:
Wallpaper, Makelike. Paint, Dunn-Edwards. Light fixture, Sonneman. Closet, Valet Custom Cabinets and Closets. Stump (bedside table), Etsy. Bedside lamp, Visual Comfort. Headboard fabric, stool fabric, chair fabric (green) and bench fabric Robert Allen. Custom bedskirt, custom drapery and accent pillow (on bed), Riitta Herwitz Design Support. Bedding, Serena & Lily. Desk, The New Traditionalists, through Chairish. Table lamp, Circa Lighting. Wreath prints, Katie Vernon. Rug, J.D. Staron. Throw blanket (on bench), Katy Skelton. Green chair, Henry Showroom. Floor lamp, Visual Comfort. Side table (octagonal), Dylan Design Co. Ocean View painting, Vahe Yeremyan, through Ugallery. Dresser, ducduc, through Chairish. Floor mirror, Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams. Console table, Room & Board. Cork board, Pavona Interiors, through Etsy.

“The woods represent a natural sense of calm, refreshment and respite, and are juxtaposed with the wild woodland creatures,” says Julianne Quelle Design’s Jana Magginetti of the source of her inspiration. Her bedroom consists of restful grays and taupes, but the designer’s priorities extended beyond aesthetics: “The products need to last—and last and last. Every detail had to be extremely functional.” She collaborated with vendors such as Quintus, Flor, Global Views, Bernhardt, Cowtan & Tout, Romo, Bungalow 5, Daleno, Robert Allen, Arteriors, Restoration Hardware, Serena & Lily and Cyan Design. Magginetti also relied on the services of Marc Vallat (painting), R Upholstery and Dianne Kirchner (sewing).

Additional Resources:
Headboard and leather wrapped table, Bernhardt. Lounge chair, Quintus. Dresser, light fixture (sunburst), metallic wall décor and bench, Global Views. Bedside table and mirror, Bungalow 5. Wallpapers (twine and cream), draperies, bedskirt and shams, Romo, through De Sousa Hughes. Wallpaper (birches), Cowtan & Tout. Table lamp, Arteriors. Woven stool, Cyan Design. Area rug, FLOR. Bedding, Serena & Lily. Bed pillow and bed bolster, Robert Allen. Artwork, Daleno. Paint, Benjamin Moore.

Steven Miller conceived a “space for people to relax outside of their rooms, do homework at a table, have conversations with neighbors on a comfy sofa or rock in a chair while looking out the window at the natural wildlife,” he says. Through the Witford showroom, Miller was able to bring in numerous Lee Jeffries elements, noting that Dianne Kirchner, J.D. Staron and Kravet pitched in too. Showrooms such as AMA Surfaces (Polyflor products) and De Sousa Hughes (Romo and Pollack fabrics) were also invaluable.

In its four guest suites, KHI imprinted hallmarks of its designs: “There is color and movement on the walls but tailored and muted rugs to ground them,” explains Kelly Holha. The art was supplied by Dolby Chadwick Gallery; decorative painting was done by Willem Racké; and roman shades and pillows were fabricated and installed by Leong Interiors. J.F. Fitzgerald made the queen-sized trundle beds that KHI designed; Hohla and her team also devised the rugs, pillows and window treatments. “We hope that coming back to the rooms feels like a getaway,” she says, “not just a place to sleep, but a place to truly escape, relax and restore.”

Additional Resources:
Bed, J.F. Fitzgerlad Co. Bed fabric, Link Outdoor. Nightstands, Made Goods. Desk, pin board and dresser, RH. Lounge chair, Ironies, through Kneedler Fauchére. Desk chair, Holly Hunt, through Kneedler Fauchére. Side table, Made Goods. Lamps (on nightstands), Arteriors. Desk lamp, floor lamp and chandelier, Circa Lighting. Area rug, Mark Nelson Designs. Roman shades, back sham and front shams, Leong Interiors. Duvet, Matouk, through Sue Fisher King. Blankets, Serena & Lily. Lounge chair pillow, Michelle Hatch. Lounge chair pillow fabric, Romo. Paint, Benjamin Moore. Wall hooks, Room & Board. Floor mirror, West Elm. Artwork, Dolby Chadwick.

Inspired by the landscape, Penelope Jones introduced “softened natural colors such as sun-bleached coral, weathered woods, grey-beiges and faded foggy ocean blues,” she says. “All of the elements come together to create a pared-back, quietly embracing decor that is both familiar and fresh. It will be a space to feel cared for and be hopeful in.” While the daybed is one of her designs, she also selected pieces by Kathryn M. Ireland, Serena & Lily, Macfee Design, Stark, Romo and Sister Parish Design. “This project gave me the opportunity to pay it forward and use my abilities to help someone else,” says Jones.

Additional Resources:
Bed bolster pillows, Sister Parish. Bedding, Serena & Lily. Bench seat and cabinetry, Fremont Cabinet Imports. Desk, Arteriors. Desk chair and wall sconces (at niche), Kartell, through Arkitektura. Dresser and nightstand, Stanley Furniture. Headboard fabric, Pollack. Paint, C2 Paint. Peg rail, Peg and Rail. Rug, Stark. Throw pillows (on daybed), Kathryn M Ireland Textiles & Design. Upholstered chair, Lee Industries. Wall panels, Golden State Lumber. Wall sconces (at bed), Circa Lighting. Wallcovering and curtain, Romo.

The jumping-off point for Jaclyn Christensen’s design was the Voysey wallpaper. “I love the cool color palette and the arts and crafts feel,” she explains. “The soft greens and blues give the room a calm and peaceful vibe.” During the project, Christensen received an outpouring of support and contributions from associates, friends, family and even strangers. “It’s been an incredibly heartwarming experience,” she says. “Our superhero, Alfredo Lopez, fabricated the custom bathroom vanity, built the wall storage, painted, hung wallpaper—you name it, and he probably had a hand in it!” Design Support Co. fabricated the pillows and window treatments. And IDF has Anthropologie and Schoolhouse Electric to thank for the banana-leaf chandelier and hand-blown glass table lamp, respectively.

Additional Resources:
Headboard paint, Benjamin Moore. Wallpaper, Trustworth Wallpaper. Desk, recliner, throw pillow insert, dresser, baskets, wire shelving and hooks, West Elm. Desk chair, Dot & Bo. Bedside table, Jeremiah Collection. Bedside lamps, Schoolhouse Electric. Throw pillow (on recliner), Brooke Ryan Photography, through Etsy. Throw (on recliner), Coyuchi. Wall boxes, Alfredo Lopez-Nunez. Window treatments, drapery rod, euro shams and accent pillow, Design Support Co. Window treatment fabric, Designers Guild, through Osborne & Little. Rug, FLOR. Chandelier, Anthropologie. Photo grids, Drowsy Swords, through Etsy. Euro sham fabric and bedskirt, Kravet. Accent pillow fabric, Pindler & Pindler. Throw (on bed), Crate & Barrel. Duvet, Coyuchi. Duvet insert, Bed Bath & Beyond. Bedskirt trim, Robert Allen. Night light, Safety 1st, through All Modern. Artwork, Minted.

“The room is dark and cozy, with vibrant, cushy bean bags and loungers, so kids can disappear for a moment into an imaginary world,” says Allison Dehn Bloom of her video room. The comfy furnishings were provided by Pottery Barn (beanbag chairs), West Elm (sofa) and Serena & Lily (folding seat). “It provides both escapism and familiarity for kids and teens through video games and movies,” says Dehn Bloom.

Additional Resources:
Paint, Benjamin Moore. Beanbag chairs, PBteen. Beanbag covers, Lloom Textiles. Loungers, Serena & Lily. Baskets, The Lucky Clover Trading Co. Loveseat, Pottery Barn. Carpet tiles, FLOR.

It’s not easy being a teenager, and this was not lost on Allison Dehn Bloom when she designed a lounge specifically for this age group. “I wanted the room to connect with teens on an emotional level, to reflect the intensity of their inner lives, but also be a sort of haven for them,” she explains. Dehn Bloom brought in Zio Ziegler art, which she describes as “humanity writ large—it’s full of all kinds of emotions, and the gigantism and street art ethos add edginess.”

Additional Resources:
Paint, Benjamin Moore. Denim sectional, foosball table and beanbag chair, PBteen. Sofa, coffee table and buffet, West Elm. Billiard table, Amazon. Barrel chairs and peacock chairs Chairish. Barrel chair fabric (exterior), Little Journeys. Barrel chair fabric (interior), Duralee. Peacock chair cushion, Etsy. Surfboard table, Decosurf. Surfboard table legs, Tableslegs.com. Metal stools and wooden stools, Roost. Shelving units and wicker pendants, Ikea. Side tables, Pottery Barn. Stools, drapery and camp stools, Serena & Lily. Carpet tiles, FLOR. Bell lamp, Normann Copenhagen. Beanbag cover, Perennials, through Shears & Window. Wall mural, Zio Ziegler.

To achieve a retreat for RMHS guests, Brian Dittmar based his design “on the concept of water in nature—which many find very relaxing and therapeutic,” he says. “The color scheme is pale blue, soft taupe and gray, accented by punches of orange, yellow and turquoise.” A focal point is an archival pigment print of an abstract ocean donated by artist Thea Schrack. “It captures the mood perfectly and hangs above a Carrara marble-topped credenza with chevron-patterned woodgrain doors,” observes Dittmar.

He outfitted the rest of the room with pieces of his design (including the upholstered headboard fabricated by Cypress Furniture and the wood-and-metal floating nightstand constructed by Matthews Design) and case goods from CB2.

Additional Resources:
Lounge chair and desk chair, Lee Industries, through Witford. Fabrics (chairs, window treatment, coverlet, bedskirt, pillows), Romo. Headboard, Cypress Furniture. Nightstand, Matthews Designs. Credenza and desk, CB2. Lamps, Currey & Co. Carpet tiles, FLOR. Ceiling light fixture, Troy Lighting, through City Lights. Wallpaper, Phillip Jeffries, through De Sousa Hughes. Artwork, Thea Schrack, through ArtHaus. Framing, Underglass Custom Picture Framing. Closet drawer pulls, Bauerware. Tile (surrounding tub), Ceramic Tile Design. Smaller artwork, Minted. Floor mirror, Pottery Barn. Bronze owl statue, Artefact Design & Salvage.

Once he heard the stories of RMHS families, Geoffrey De Sousa was immediately on board—not just to design guest rooms but to co-chair the massive design endeavor with Beth Martin. According to De Sousa, the project made him “realize even more how unbelievably fortunate my family has been and how fulfilling it is to be involved in something that will hopefully help thousands of families in the future. I also saw the incredible generosity of our local design community—from interior designers, contractors, fabricators and suppliers. It was overwhelming to see how many people without question jumped in to say, ‘What can we do to help?’”

Additional Resources:
Settee fabric, pillow fabric, lumbar pillow fabric, sofa accent pillow fabric and side chair fabric, JAB, through De Sousa Hughes. Settee and Side chair, Bright chair, through De Sousa Hughes. Cocktail table, One Kings Lane. Accent chair (leather), HD Buttercup. End table, Room and Board. Accent lamp, Visual Comfort, through Witford. Area rug, Mark Nelson Designs. Desk, Altura, through De Sousa Hughes. Bed scarf fabric, Mark Alexander, through De Sousa Hughes. Bed scarf liner fabric, Kirkby Design, through De Sousa Hughes. Duvet, Serena & Lily. Bed skirts, Pottery Barn. Sofa accent pillow fabric (geometrical), Raoul Textiles, through De Sousa Hughes. Hanging pendant, Selamat Designs. Floor mirror, West Elm. Artwork, Minted. Wallcovering, Phillip Jeffries, through De Sousa Hughes. Desk lamp, Anthem. Paint, Benjamin Moore.

For SagreraBrazil, the RMHS project represented an opportunity to “give back to a larger community,” says George Brazil, who is clearly moved by the fact that he and Cecilia Sagrera-Hill created “sacred spaces for families in crisis.” To complete a trio of suites, the firm was the recipient of generous donations from a number of vendors: Walters provided the Mira Flora fabrics; Aesthete Painting & Wall Covering handled the painting and installed wallpaper; David Rosenberg of Closet Factory contributed and installed the closets; and San Francisco PaintSource provided the Benjamin Moore paint.

Additional Resources:
Headboard fabric, Romo. Bedding, Dwell Studio, through All Modern. Bedside table (large), Wayfair. Table lamps, Nova, through Made Goods. Bench fabric, Romo. Wallpaper, New Wall, through Donghia. Mirror, Ikea. Wall hooks, Target. Ceiling fixtures, Kichler, through Lumens. Closets, Closet Factory. Artwork, Julia Contacessi, through Minted. Roman shades, The Shade Store.

After her daughter had emergency heart surgery at Stanford’s Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital, Melisa Bleasdale was “eternally grateful for the wonderful staff and the comfort they offered during such a difficult time,” she recalls. “By doing this room, I hope to provide families with a sense of warmth and calm.” Bleasdale adds that she has been humbled by the support for the project, including from companies who donated to her effort: Coyuchi (luxury linens), Loloi (area rug), Land of Nod (children’s goods and storage), Crossville (porcelain tiles) and Kohler (bathroom fixtures and accessories). Timorous Beasties stunning wallpaper graces the office nook.

Additional Resources:
Wallpaper, Timorous Beasties. Area rug, Loloi Rugs. Nightstands and dresser, Mod Loft. Copper mirrors (at bedside), Rejuvenation. Artwork, Nicole Cohen, through Sketch 42. Bedding, pillows, comforter, throw and blankets, Coyuchi. Bedside lighting, ceiling lighting and floor lamp, Build.com. Small art, footstool, child’s bookcase and storage baskets, Land of Nod.

“When I think of strength and comfort, humor and resiliency, the image that comes to mind is of a man’s tailored suit,” says Jana Magginetti, explaining the moniker for her sitting room (“Tailored to Suit You”). “I have visions of a little girl running up to her dad to get a hug and to feel wrapped up in his strong arms. And I can see the father with a grin on his face and wink in his eye.” The retreat that she summoned into existence—with the help of companies such as Lee Industries, Phillip Jeffries, McGuire and Made Goods—includes comfortable seating, a whimsical rug and baskets to store toys and books.

Additional Resources:
Sofa, Lee Industries, through Witford. Pillow fabrics and roman shades, Romo, through De Sousa Hughes. Side table and floor lamp, Arteriors. Cocktail table, Bernhardt. Lounge chair, McGuire. Desk, Made Goods. Desk chair and media cabinet, Global Views. Desk lamp and table lamp, Cyan Design. Artwork, Daleno. Wallpaper, Phillip Jeffries. Area rug, FLOR. Paint, C2 Paint.

“Outside, through a large expanse of glass, is a gorgeous view of California oak trees, while inside, the walls are covered in a custom teal watercolor mural, making you feel like you are in a painting,” Melinda Mandell enthuses of the Black Crow Studios work. “Rust pillows add a colorful counterpoint to the blue walls, picking up the hues in the large, moody floral photographs” by artist Kari Herer. Mandell further appointed the sitting room with pierced sheer drapery and a Serena & Lily raffia.

Additional Resources:
Wallpaper, Black Crow Studios. Custom drapery and accent pillows, Riitta Herwitz Design Support. Rug, J.D. Staron. Console table, children’s play table and stools, Serena & Lily. Chrome chair, chrome chair fabric, pillow fabric (teal pattern), curved sofa fabric, coffee table and hexagon side table, Kravet. Pillow fabric (russet velvet), Stroheim. Pillow fabric (neutral pattern), Fabricut. Desk, B&B Italia, through Chairish. Desk chair, Midj, through HD Buttercup. Botanical photograph, Kari Herer.

“My mom has been involved with the house for more than 30 years,” says Nicole Sarraille, who composed a room that includes products from Serena & Lily, Flor and Robert Allen. When the interior designer imagined sharing a room every night with her own three sons, she knew that durability was key and, hence, chose a coated wallpaper and Sunbrella fabrics. She continues: “The whole organization inspires me. The parents inspire me. But the most inspiring thing about visiting the house is seeing the children in action—laughing, running and playing—sometimes with masks on their faces or tubes in their arms, but as if they don’t have a care in the world. That’s how childhood should be.”

Additional Resources:
Carpet tiles, FLOR. Wallpaper, Cole & Son, through Lee Jofa. Double headboards, lamp, desk chair and artwork, West Elm. Duvet and shams, Pottery Barn. Decorative bed pillow, nightstand, desk, bins, dresser and bookshelf, Serena & Lily. Valance, Robert Allen. Valance trim, Samuel and Sons.

BluGloss’ chief designer, Matt O’Dorisio, led the design of the firm’s space, which he wanted to “look thoughtful and warm, without feeling too stuffy or decorated,” he says. “My goal was to create a comfortable guest bedroom in a home, rather than a sterile hotel room.” Among the donated elements that helped him accomplish this was a white chest with blue tassels donated by Oomph; Peter Dunham fabric used for the window treatment and headboard, which were fabricated by Valley Drapery (“The fabric makes the room!”); desk, lounge chairs and ottoman from Design Within Reach; lamps from Circa Lighting; mirror and towels in the en suite bathroom from Waterworks; and artwork from Minted.

Additional Resources:
Nightstand, Oomph. Rug, Stark. Headboard, Valley Drapery. Table lamp, Aerin, through Circa Lighting. Flush mount, Alexa Hampton, through Circa Lighting. Wallpaper, Phillip Jeffries. Desk, industrial table lamp and nightstand (white), West Elm. Armchair, Knoll, through Design Within Reach. “Wing” chair, Design Within Reach. Artwork, Minted. Duvet, sham, sheets, quilt and lumber pillow cover, Serena & Lily. Accent pillows (bed and chair), Loom Décor. Closet customization, Container Store.

“We gave our rooms the code name ‘Oasis,’” says Sagrera-Hill, who together with Brazil, undertook a sitting room and three guest suites. “We envisioned our rooms as a place where families of critically ill children could find interludes of tranquility, comfort and energy amid life-changing experiences.” It was important for the pair to make sure the families “aren’t surrounded by institutional settings,” she continues. To that end, they incorporated their own custom furniture; the pieces were designed by SagreraBrazil and fabricated by Arturo Fabian, with upholstery by Eduardo Ledesma.

Additional Resources:
Sofa, Patricia Edwards, through Partridge & Associates. Sofa fabric, side chair fabric and ottoman fabric, Maria Flora. Game table, Fine Mod Imports, through Wayfair. Table lamp, Aerin, through Circa Lighting. Wallpaper, NewWall. Rings artwork, 2Birdstone, through Minted. Poster, Ikea.

Not a day goes by that Carissa Duncan doesn’t reflect on how fortunate she has been to pursue her passion: interior design. “There is nothing more satisfying or meaningful than being able to share your passion to help those who will truly benefit from it and support a cause that you truly believe in,” she says of her participation in the RMHS expansion. In her bedroom, the bedding and linens were provided by Matteo Home. And custom touches came in the form of Ian Trevor James Fine Woodworking furnishings, as well as Duncan’s own hardware designs.

Additional Resources:
Headboard and bed frame, RH Teen. Duvet, pillow (on lounge chair), shams and sheets, Matteo. Table lamp, drapery panels, ceiling light fixture, area rug and rug pad, West Elm. Lamp shade and drapery hardware, RH. Lounge chair, World Market. Closet storage system, Home Depot. Stool, Serena & Lily.

“A project like this keeps us grounded and grateful,” says Green Couch’s principal designer Jeff Schlarb. “We realize when we peel back the day-to-day fun times, that others are hurting. We realize that the suffering for some can be softened.” And others apparently felt the same way, as Robert Allen (fabrics), Osborne & Little (wallpaper), Blu Dot (furniture), Pacific Views (window treatments), Richard Andronico (upholstery) and Conor McClorey (wallpaper installation and painting) contributed to Schlarb’s room.

“We were focused on creating a healing, happy place with a tempered palette and bursts of playful color,” he says.

Additional Resources:
Twin beds, Blu Dot. Rug, Safavieh, through Wayfair. Wallpaper, Designer’s Guild, through Osborne & Little. Window treatments, Pacific View Window Coverings. Window treatment fabric, window treatment trim and accent pillow fabric, Robert Allen. Drop desk, Elvin Barahona Antique. Ceiling fixture, Jonathan Adler. Sconces, Barn Light Electric. Ottoman and floor mirror, Crate & Barrel. Artwork, Minted. Clip string lights, Urban Outfitters. Butterfly wall decals, Amazon.

Sharing a bathroom space can get messy—ask anyone with siblings—but Jeff Schlarb seemed to have a combatant for this issue in mind. “Our Jack & Jill bathroom was designed to evoke a bit of humor and happiness,” says Jeff. “We loved the playful contrast of colorful robots on the walls layered with elephants and sunshine in the artwork and thought this could be the perfect jewel box of a space to prompt a few smiles.” And with artwork such as Sunny Rain by Guacho Works and These Friends by Kinga Subject, it’s easy to see this shared space becoming a place of friendship rather than argumentation. Conor McClorey installed the robot-themed wallpaper by WallCandy; the mirror is from HD Buttercup; and the shower curtain from Pottery Barn.

“Often times, utilitarian spaces, like laundry rooms or garages, are given minimal attention during the design process and material selection,” says Alden Miller. “Yet we live a lot of our lives in these mundane spaces, so why not make them a little more inviting and a little more fun?” With the laundry room, she “saw an opportunity to bring enjoyment to a chore-filled location.” While one wall is lined with stacked washers and dryers, ample counter space and even a drying line, she infused the space with energy using bold hues such as red, orange and citron. There’s also a magnet wall to keep kids entertained, as well as a seating area that encourages conversation.

Additional Resources:
Armchair, Fermob, through Dunkirk. Ironing board, Household Essentials, through Amazon. Custom base and upper cabinet, Kenwood Cabinetry. Countertop, Silestone, through Francisco Tile. Wall stencil, Bonnie Christine, through Royal Design Studio. Magnet board, NuStar Heating & Metal Supply. Paint, Benjamin Moore.

“When I have visited the facility and attended events, I have seen and heard from patients firsthand what they have been through at such a young age,” says Jaimie Belew. “And it inspires me that they can go through such life-threatening situations and still remain full of life—thankful and positive.” With the help of vendors such as WCD (wallpaper installation), DK Designs (drapery fabrication), R Upholstery (headboard, chair), CB2, Visual Comfort & Co., Room & Board and West Elm, Belew drummed up two bedrooms as places “for the families to rest their head at night, so that they are ready to take on the next day.”

Additional Resources:
Nightshade mural, Area Environments, through Coup D’Etat. Drapery and bedskirt, DK Designs. Drapery panels, Fabric.com. Bedskirt fabric, Romo, through De Sousa Hughes. Artwork, Minted. Table lamps and chandelier, West Elm. Bed and end table, Room and Board. Desk and desk lamp, Ikea.

In Sindhu Peruri’s bedroom, art takes center stage, including an abstract landscape mural by San Francisco’s Willem Racké; New York City artist Pam Smilow also donated giclee prints of whimsical animals. The animal theme appears again in the roman shade fabric, with its charming elephant pattern. In the adjacent bathroom, the tiles were courtesy of Da Vinci Marble, while the closet system was installed by California Closets in San Jose. Peruri is also grateful for the discounted rates she received from Bend Goods and Organic Modernism, both of which supplied the midcentury modern furniture. Additionally, Robert Allen and Osborne & Little reduced their pricing on fabrics, and there are pieces in the room from Bungalow 5, Arteriors, Serena & Lily and Stark Carpet.

Additional Resources:
Wall mural, Willem Racke Studio. Desk, Bunaglow5. Desk chair, Bendgoods. Table lamp, desk lamp and floor lamp, Schoolhouse Electric. TV buffet, Organic Modernism. Chandelier, Phase Design, through Twentieth. Lounge chair fabric, Pindler & Pindler. Mirror, Arteriors. Bedding, Serena & Lily. Artwork, Pam Smilow.

Emma Feeney’s inspiration for her sitting room stemmed directly from the RMHS philosophy. “We were inspired to provide hospitality to families from all backgrounds who are faced with perilous events,” says Feeney. In that spirit, she decorated the wall with a world-map mural from Murals Your Way, the colors of which also helped determine the palette for the room. “We hope our design inspires conversation between families and new friends.” A number of design companies helped her carry out her vision, including custom furniture manufacturer Coast to Coast and FLOR.

Additional Resources:
Bed, Coast to Coast. Area rug, FLOR. Sconce, Circa Lighting. Table lamp, Aerin, through Circa Lighting.

David Hansen notes that “California makes me think of natural and man-made beauty, prosperity—and where dreams are achieved. In other words, the ultimate ‘happy place.’ I felt like this was a perfect jumping-off point to inspire the families staying in the space.” The salon-style art display above the desk, for example, is an homage to Northern California, with a variety of local artists represented. The greatest challenge for Hansen was accounting for an entire family’s needs in the room. He was able to maximize functionality in part because of the custom cabinetry from Segale Bros. Wood Products, who provided closet systems, casework and support for other pieces—all designed by Hansen.

Additional Resources:
Closets and casework, Segale Bros. Wood Products. Drapery fabric, Romo, through De Sousa Hughes. Drapery and decorative pillow fabric, Ewing & Ball. Decorative pillow fabric (striped), Link Outdoor, through De Sousa Hughes. Chinatown artwork, Yang “Buurin” Yu-Zhen, through Creativity Explored. Standing Stones III artwork, Rob Delamater, through Lost Art Salon. Lake View artwork, Peter Taber. 49 Mile Scenic Drive artwork, Annie Galvin, through Zinc Details. Palm artwork, Margot Hartford, through Collage Gallery.

In devising the laundry room, Lisa Staprans recognized that more than just clothes-washing happens in the space. So she carved out a kids’ corner, complete with cubbies and bright C2 paint colors, where a child could play, read or do homework. Baskets from Artisan Connect and Serena & Lily offer additional storage, while a David Trubridge drop pendant injects a hint of whimsy. Staprans’ overall aesthetic vision includes “subtle and calming materials and warm and light colors.” For example, a Phillip Jeffries grass cloth in shades of green and gray washed oak cabinets with a white Dekton countertop. Staprans also hung photographs by Steven Goldband and Ellen Konar, both of whom are based in nearby Portola Valley.

Additional Resources:
Cabinetry laminate, Formica. Cabinet pulls, Schaub & Company, through Belmont Hardware. Countertop slab, Cosentino. Wallpaper, Phillip Jeffries, through De Sousa Hughes. Drop pendant, David Trubridge, through Coast Lighting. Wash This artwork, Steve Goldband & Ellen Konar. Toy baskets (in cubbies), Mitra Bali, through Artisan Connect. Desk chair, West Elm. Beaded Animals, Monkey Biz, through Artisan Connect. Flooring laminate, Polyflor. Faucet, Symmons.

The design for Carissa Duncan’s sitting room takes its cues from the game “Rock, paper, scissors.” Rocks served as the inspiration for the colors and textures and “hopefully reminds guests just how strong they are,” she says. Paper also influenced her palette and materials. “The burden that these children and families bear is heavy, so the goal is to provide an environment that feels calm, soothing and as weightless as a sheet of paper.” And the scissors? “Scissors are something we use to cut through a material, and are used when working in most crafts. Not only are they a metaphor for getting through something tough, they are referenced as an object used in the crafting of things that have been handmade for this space.”

Additional Resources:
Sofa, RH. Throw pillows, Matteo. Floor pillows, Ronel Jordaan, through Viva Terra. Side tables, cocktail table, area rug and rug pad, West Elm. Magnetic wall (behind sofa), Rust-oleum, through Home Depot. Artwork frame, Elliott Frame Design.

“This is the fun room in the house—where movie night happens, birthday parties are thrown or maybe a dance class takes place,” says Beth Martin. “We wanted it to have a wonderful energy.” Flor was responsible for the carpet tiles, which are arranged in a “colorful pixelated design that tips its hat to Silicon Valley and technology.” Arana Craftsman Painters took care of the paint as well as the painting, while the textiles for the custom block-printed Stargazer drapery came courtesy of Michelle Pereira. (Their fabrication by Nancy Bramwell was also donated.) Martin swathed the walls in drapery panels to create softness in essentially a giant box. “We love the idea of including stars in the fabric design,” she adds, noting the association between stars and dreams, good luck and hope.

Additional Resources:
Carpet tiles, FLOR. Drapery fabric, Michelle Pereira Studio, through Sloan Miyasato. Bean bag chairs, Jaxx, through Wayfair.

Over the past couple of years, designer Nancy Evars has been working with local fifth-graders to make blankets and blessing bags for RMHS families, so she is no stranger to the organization. Still, she and Dimitra Anderson were even more inspired to become involved with the expansion project after learning that the addition would help eliminate the nightly waiting list at the house. The pair enlisted artist Andrea Fono to work with the fifth-graders on the large collage that hangs in the room. “It was so meaningful to see the children work so hard on something they hoped would make the families’ stay a little more special,” says Evars.

Additional Resources:
Rug, HD Buttercup. Drape fabric, Kravet. Bed and desk, West Elm. Duvet and shams, Serena & Lily.

Like many of her fellow interior designers, Anastasia Faiella took inspiration from the Northern California landscape. She brought “elements of the outdoors inside with a blend of lively colors and relaxing textures,” she says. “I wanted to create a tranquil retreat that would be an antithesis to the typical institutional family spaces in hospitals.” In her bedroom, Faiella deftly mixed items from budget-friendly retailers like West Elm and Crate and Barrel with custom pieces: casegoods by Jason Lees Design, window treatments by Doreen Leong, lighting by Jim Misner and upholstery by Kroll Furniture, plus the handiwork of decorative painter James Derieg. For an extra personal touch, Faiella placed a few of her own fine-art paintings in the room.