I’ve had a lot of questions about how our church is coming along in its new building, so I thought it would be a good time to share an updated look at my creative home away from home.
I love using creativity to bless other people. Decorating my own home is fun, but transforming a shared space for a community feels even more meaningful. Our goal was to create a real church home—a warm, inviting place—not a cold, sterile room.
My daughters and I spent countless hours on this “extreme budget church makeover,” and we enjoyed every minute. We are very grateful to the volunteers who tackled the painting and other tasks we couldn’t do ourselves. Here’s what the space looked like five months ago.
Before
Voyage doesn’t look like a traditional church — we aimed for a modern concert-house / coffee-shop atmosphere. The building is leased and we had essentially no budget, so creative solutions were essential.
What started as a boring white box became a warm, inviting, creative space. Much of what we did mirrors the way people make homes more personal: creative reuse, careful shopping, and thoughtful styling. The difference here is the scale and the desire to make the space feel communal and welcoming.
We didn’t like the fluorescent ceiling lights, so we added layers of light in the café area. Inspired by looks I love from Anthropologie, we turned work lights into pendant fixtures using chains and metal bars. The result is industrial, funky, budget-friendly, and much more inviting than the original lighting.
We added a large chalkboard wall in the café for messages, artwork, and community notes. It’s a practical focal point that invites participation and gives the space character.
This gallery wall is especially meaningful. My friend Dee from Red Letter Words generously gifted us custom subway-art canvases centered on four key words for our community: explore, discover, thrive, and impact. The pieces anchor the space and communicate our values visually.
I selected several pieces that fit the feel we wanted and Dee created four canvases specifically for us. Photos don’t fully capture the impact—seeing the subway art in person is spectacular.
We added local touches on that wall—a clipboard with vintage ship photos (we’re in a navy town on Puget Sound) and an antique copper temperature gauge. Small metal lamps on the tables came from IKEA and provide cozy task lighting.
Here’s a wider view of the café area, showing seating and the relaxed atmosphere we worked to create.
We repurposed items whenever possible. For example, an upside-down metal garbage can became an end table. It’s quirky and fits the eclectic, resourceful vibe of the space.
Pallet art
Pallets became inexpensive art and display surfaces—another nod to creative reuse. We hung small glass votives sourced from thrift stores, wired them to the pallet, and used battery-operated candles for ambiance. Adding a few vases with fresh flowers completes the vignette.
Pallet art adds rustic charm—even a few splinters are part of the character since it’s not handled frequently. We also used a pallet with hooks to hang mugs in the café, blending function and style.
More pallet art and additional artwork help personalize the space.
Perrier bottles repurposed as vases.
We’re adding playful, handmade touches in the restrooms as well; I’ll share more photos when they’re ready.
We use cardboard for many signs—simple, inexpensive, and effective.
We love weaving homey details into the building—things that make people feel comfortable, welcomed, and inspired to linger.
It is a big undertaking, but a risk worth taking.
This is how I spend most of my time: creating art and atmosphere using pallets, repurposed items, chalkboards, and simple, affordable materials.