Makeover in a crisis centre: how to create a cozy temporary home

Home should be a safe place where to feel content and at ease, yet it is not the case for many that suffer from domestic abuse. Crisis centres offer a safe shelter and support hub to those that need it.

We believe that supportive environment helps families to recover. Therefore we work hand in hand with local crisis centres to create a cozier and more welcoming athosphere. See what changes we implemented at Tallinna Naiste Tugikeskus where we gave a makeover to the kitchen, hallway and three living rooms.

Before:

Before the makeover, the rooms were fully furnished and had all the basics, but lacked coziness. The tables, desks, chairs and beds were mismatched and in some cases slightly outdated. Overall, the space was functional, but didn´t feel too welcoming. Luckily, our interior designers knew that painted in calm colors, filled with matching furniture and decorated with art and cheerful accents, the space would get a perfect restart.

Kitchen / dining after:

After the makeover, the kitchen has become a comfortable and coherent space where everybody is welcome to spend time and enjoy cooking and eating common meals. Matching furnishings, their thoughtful placement and improved functionality create an inviting atmosphere. The room feels bright and modern. All kitchen cabinets have doors, which makes it easier to keep it tidy.

Rooms after:

When planning the rooms, IKEA interior designers thought of their functionality, ergonomics, and convenience. “To create a comforting environment we chose calm colours and added nature-themed artworks and cheerful accents for children – from toys to playful animal print bed textiles. As well, as each family room can accommodate up to 4 people at a time and family size differ, solutions have to be adjustable for the ever-changing needs and number of crisis centre women and children,” says interior designer Charlotte-Miralda Feršel.

Her colleague, designer Anastassia Karamnova adds: “To ensure multifunctionality and use space to full potential, we chose full height wardrobes, expandable beds and storage solutions that can double as either a coffee table or an additional seating area. Such solutions allow to increase space and helps to keep it organised.”

Hallway after:

The walls of the hallway are painted a light grey-purple, which makes it more cheerful and visually more spacious. There are hooks and shelves on the wall for storing clothes. To make the most of the space, there is a floor-to-ceiling wardrobe in the hallway with mirrored doors. Gloves, scarves and other smaller things can be stored in the chest of drawers. And on the wall, IKEA interior designers hung a cute picture, where all the volunteers who participated in the makeover wrote their names.

Our most loyal volunteers

Meet the team of IKEA co-workers who volunteered in bringing this meaningful project to life. Together, we assembled furniture, ironed curtains, decorated rooms and did everything we could to turn the crisis centre into a cosy home.