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“Home idea with IKEA”: makeovers at the Vilnius City Crisis Centre

This week, interior designer Anastasija is visiting the Vilnius City Crisis Centre with an important mission: to refresh the premises so that families affected by violence can safely begin a new chapter in their lives. Everything starts with the first impression a space leaves on its future residents. That’s why our goal is to create a warm and supportive interior, not only in the family rooms but also in the reception area, where sensitive conversations take place and newcomers are introduced to the centre’s rules and procedures.

IKEA interior designer, wearing a blue uniform, stands next to the head of the Vilnius City Crisis Centre.

Interior designer‘s task:

• Design a multifunctional reception area that serves both as a meeting room for the newly arrived crisis centre residents and as a workspace for staff.

• Use colours and textiles to create a neutral, calming environment that conveys a sense of safety and security.

• Liven up the space and soften the strict lines of the office with plants, including both floor-standing and hanging varieties.

• Set up a versatile room for mothers and children, designed to meet everyday family needs and suitable for use throughout the day – for work, rest, play, meals, sleep, and more.

Crisis centre reception before the changes: office desks and chairs stand by the window, a noticeboard hangs on the wall, and a round wooden table is visible nearby — but the furniture does not match or work well together.

Family room before the changes: three single beds, a small table and one chair.

Spot the transformation!

The office space is clearly divided into two areas: a functional work zone and a separate meeting area. The layout of the room and the furniture have been arranged so that visiting families can enter comfortably, leaving enough space even for a baby stroller. The meeting table is positioned in the centre of the room, creating a neutral focal point for conversations, helping to reduce tension and foster a more personal, relaxed atmosphere. For the workstations, we chose ergonomic desks, which are height-adjustable, allowing staff to work comfortably either sitting or standing.

More storage space. Compact cabinets were added for two key reasons: they make documents and office supplies easily accessible, and they keep the room visually uncluttered and tidy. Open shelving also plays an important role, adding life to the space through plants or decorative items.

Lighting. Stylish, modern lamps emphasise the professional yet cosy character of the interior. Their adjustable direction makes them suitable for both general and task lighting, whether staff are working or speaking with visitors.

Crisis centre reception after the renovation: a warmly lit space featuring a sofa, light wood and white furniture, a mirror and indoor plants.

Clearly defined zones in the reception area: a round table for meetings with visitors in the centre of the room and workstations for staff by the window.

The modular sofa provides a perfect spot for short breaks, quiet conversations, or waiting guests. Its shape and soft seating help ease tension and give the space a cosy, homely feel—something especially important during first meetings.

Mother and children’s room

Interior designer Anastasija planned the 24 m² room so that a mother, her children, and even a baby can live safely and comfortably. The space is divided into four main zones to maintain order and support daily routines around the clock: a sleeping area for the children, a sofa-bed for the mother’s rest, a dining and social area, and a compact entrance area with storage solutions.

• At the heart of the room is the round table, suitable for eating, working, doing homework or engaging in creative activities.

• The wardrobe is designed to hold both personal belongings and essential household appliances. A small fridge and microwave are integrated inside, allowing meals to be prepared privately without leaving the room.

• For the children, we chose the bunk bed, which takes up less floor space than two standard beds, leaving more room for play.

• A brightly coloured baby corner with the cot has been created, alongside separate drawing, play and reading areas for older children.

• The sofa-bed is perfect for sleeping at night and doubles as an additional seating area during the day.

Scandinavian-style family room features a sofa bed, a round table with chairs and a green baby cot. The room is decorated with cushions, rugs, soft toys and wall art.

Family room from another angle: in addition to the other furniture mentioned, a wooden bunk bed for children is visible.

“In a small room, create zones not with walls, but with rugs and lighting. It’s the easiest and fastest way to clearly define different areas within the space.”

Anastasija RogačevskaIKEA interior designer

Calm, safe and easy to maintain

These are the guiding principles behind every design choice in the rooms. Neutral colours are complemented by brighter, life-giving accents, textiles help soften acoustics, and rounded furniture edges reduce the risk of injury. All fabrics and surfaces are easy to clean, while the furniture is sturdy and securely fixed to the walls. Open storage is provided for children’s belongings, allowing them to access and tidy up their things independently. In short, the crisis centre’s interior is designed for heavy use and real family life.

A small, neutral-toned family room with a single bed, an extendable children’s bed and colourful accents.

A small, neutral-toned family room with a single bed and a green baby cot.

Turning shelter into home

We believe that home, even the temporary one, has to be a safe and comfortable place. To improve the living conditions of the families affected by the domestic violence, we have done a series of makeovers at crisis centres in Vilnius and Kaunas.

About the initiative

Makeovers at the crisis centres

We believe that home, even the temporary one, has to be a safe and comfortable place. To improve the living conditions of the families affected by the domestic violence, we have done a series of makeovers at one of the biggest family crisis centres in Kaunas.

“Home idea with IKEA”: turning shelter into home

Our interior designers faced a difficult task in Kaunas. They had to equip a room for people they didn't know yet.

In the family room, there is a wooden bunk bed and a corner PAX wardrobe with blue-grey doors.

Before and after: a bright makeover in family crisis centre

Further on, we have renovated three more family rooms, a space for leisure and a shared kitchen.

In the family room, there is a desk, a KALLAX shelving unit, a fold-out armchair and a children’s bed.

Before and after: 3rd stage of makeovers at the family crisis centre

At the next stage, we have renovated two more blocks of the family crisis centre choosing red and green as dominant colours to separate them.

In the family room, there is a desk, a daybed, a baby cot and two pull-out armchairs, with an orange rug laid on the floor.

“Notice violence”: makeovers at the Vilnius Crisis Centre

See what changes we have implemented at the Vilnius City Crisis Centre. Here, we've furnished the entire third floor with a leisure area, a shared kitchen and seven living rooms.

In the family room, there is a bed with multicoloured cushions, a two-door wardrobe, a desk/dining table and a colourful rug on the floor.

“Home idea with IKEA”: community space in the Vilnius City Crisis Centre

The community space serves as a leisure hub for all residents of the centre, catering to various activities such as learning, working on computer, watching TV, playing board games, reading or enjoying meals.

Leisure area in the crisis centre: in the open space, there are two sofas, coffee tables and poufs. An open shelving unit is decorated with various boxes, potted plants and soft toys.

An episode of an interior makeover show, where the reception and family rooms at the Vilnius City Crisis Centre are transformed beyond recognition. The episode features the centre’s director, the host and an IKEA interior designer.

Have you missed this episode on TV3?

Watch it here, track all makeovers and get inspired.