Kids returning to school means teachers and staff are back too, so we were excited to brighten the start of the year for a local public school’s teachers’ lounge after the school reached out for help with a volunteer makeover.
In June, someone who had seen our makeover of Hudson’s room contacted us about doing another volunteer transformation for a good cause. The principal and the PTA wanted the lounge updated over the summer to surprise staff in September. Teachers and school staff deserve appreciation, so we agreed to help.
Although the PTA allocated a portion of their teacher appreciation budget for the project, our aim was to minimize spending from that fund. Here’s the room when we first saw it:
The principal and PTA brought in a local contractor who ended up being the true hero: Ryan of Ferguson General Contracting donated significant time, labor, and materials. We guided the design—selecting finishes and accessories—and handled some finishing touches like the lettering on the back wall, while Ryan’s team managed the major work such as painting, cabinetry, flooring, and backsplash installation.
We made a short video overview of the project to show the transformation.
The principal wanted a space that felt fun and energetic but more grown-up than the classrooms. We chose a black-and-white palette to create contrast and energy without adding a lot of primary colors, aiming for a cafe or bistro vibe to give staff a calm, adult space to eat and recharge.
The new buffet under the bulletin boards replaced the folding tables and provides counter space, storage, and a place for two matching microwaves that Ryan donated. The bulletin boards themselves are original—just refreshed after someone had covered them with gray-green fabric a few years earlier.
The new kitchen area is a standout feature and was entirely donated by Ryan, so no PTA teacher fund dollars were required for that portion. The updated cabinets and appliances made a big functional and visual difference.
Cabinets and hardware were supplied by local vendors, counters were provided from a discounted veiny black granite slab that worked perfectly with the strong floor pattern, and we sourced simple, affordable chairs to tie in the metal tones of the room. The result is practical and cohesive.
The principal wanted commercial vinyl flooring so the room could follow the same cleaning routine as the rest of the building. Many commercial vinyl options are speckled, so we used classic solid black and white tiles installed in stripes for a crisp, modern twist on a checkerboard look.
Accessibility requirements meant the sink base needed to remain open underneath, so a parent donated a custom burlap-style curtain that velcros into place to conceal the area. The removable fabric ties in with other natural woven textures used throughout the room and can be washed or changed as needed.
The honed black granite slab softened the bold floor lines with its natural veining and was a budget-friendly choice. A small burlap “Thank You” plaque sits on the counter to acknowledge contributors.
Adding adequate refrigeration was one of the trickier needs. The staff required more storage than the single old fridge provided, and the layout placement felt awkward. We reworked the back wall—where vending machines already sat—to accommodate two large fridges so the wall appears balanced and functional. The old fridge was donated to another school.
Because purchasing two new refrigerators would have exhausted the PTA budget, we reached out to a manufacturer and were thrilled when they agreed to donate two Frigidaire Gallery side-by-side refrigerators. The additional capacity and ice makers greatly improved daily convenience for staff, and the stainless finish complemented other metal elements in the room.
To warm the space and echo the woven textures, we used pendant shades from Ikea hung with clear fishing line since adding new wiring wasn’t possible. The pendants add a natural element and soften the overall palette.
The custom wall lettering—a playful Bluebird Cafe-styled sign referencing the school mascot—was transferred using a projector and traced with paint pens before filling in the letters by hand. The result creates a cheerful focal point without feeling childish.
We finished the room with practical and pleasant touches: planters on the tables, baskets on counters, colorful art for the bulletin boards, small pin boards, and a donated Keurig. These details make the space welcoming and useful for daily meals, meetings, and PTA events.
The makeover wrapped up a week before staff returned from summer break. The principal kept the project a secret—posting a “DO NOT ENTER! PLUMBING ISSUES!” sign—and surprised everyone by leading them into the updated lounge. Their emotional, grateful reactions were priceless and made the effort incredibly rewarding.
Thanks to generous donations from Ferguson General Contracting, Frigidaire, PTA contributions, parents, and local companies, the whole makeover was possible without spending PTA funds beyond what was already committed. As people connected to education—my dad taught high school math for 43 years—we were honored to help create a renewed, comfortable space for the school’s staff.
*This post contains affiliate links