Giving Back with the Start Again Project

A few months ago I was tasked by the Start Again Project to transform a one-bedroom property into a more welcoming space for one of the many young adults they cater to, while they get back on their feet.

The apartment which came with just a double bed and a sofa is now a stylish home complete with a living and dining space.

The Start Again Project is a Birmingham-based non-profit social enterprise that focuses on supporting young people from disadvantaged backgrounds in search of a better life.

Working on a tight budget, I selected items and accessories that would boost positive feelings for the tenant. The best designs don’t just enhance the look of a space, but it also enhances its function and how it makes people feel. In this case, the well-being of the tenant was at the forefront of my mind.

I opted for a blue theme in the bedroom as not only did it work well with the silver wallpaper, but it is also a very calming colour, perfect for a sleeping space. Similarly, green is also very soothing. It is known as the colour of growth and renewal, ideal for the living space of a young adult who is striving for a better life.

Finally, sunlight is known to be a mood-lifter, so I made the most of the large windows by placing mirrors nearby to bounce the natural light around. By the time we'd completed installing the design, sunlight was flooding through the home beautifully.