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Heather Clements: Together we grow

Heather Clements is an artist and muralist based in Panama City, Florida, who creates artwork that explores the interdependent relationship between humans and nature. Her work combines realistic portraiture with expressive graphic elements and abstractions to create a unique style that aims to inspire a deeper connection with the natural world. She aims to promote sustainable practices and improve mental health by fostering a deeper connection with nature. Over the years, Heather has also owned and operated an art gallery/venue space and worked as an exhibitions manager for the Visual Arts Center of Northwest Florida. Her award-winning artwork has been featured in galleries and museums across the United States.

A woman standing in front of a computer on a desk full of pencils in pencil stands. To the left is a medium shelving unit with storage boxes on top.

Safety, dignity and empowerment

In this co-housing setting, a multi-family community room has been thoughtfully designed to support families in need. Keeping the principles of trauma-informed design in mind, this space seeks to promote feelings of calm, safety, dignity, empowerment and well-being. Here, families can share their stories, find support in one another and cultivate a sense of belonging.

A beige sofa is in the middle of a room with green walls painted with blue waves in the bottom.  There are little yellow children stools on a blue carpet.
A front view of a kitchen with shelves above full of mugs and glasses. The doors on the kitchen are in light wood.
A storage is on the wall and there is painting of chanterelles on a green and blue background. There is a gray sofa in front of them with a green coffee table full of toys.
A big dining table with different kind of dining chairs is standing next to kitchen with a tall fridge and freezer.
A kitchen island is in the middle of a room with a white stepstool next to it and barstool from the other side. In the background is a kitchen and a shelving unit full of potted plants.

Building blocks of community

In this room, the perception of safety is just as important as actual safety. Comfortable lighting and clear sight lines aim to foster a sense of security. What sets this community room apart is its flexibility. With versatile solutions for cooking, group activities and workshops, the space is easy to share and adapts to the needs of its users. It's a joyful space that offers families the chance to connect, to laugh and to grow.

A large community table and customizable storage cabinets are more than just furniture – they create a generous kitchen and dining area that is perfect for socializing, learning, playing and connecting with others. By providing multiple chair options in a variety of styles, residents can choose a seat that feels like home, encouraging a sense of belonging. With the added privacy of a curtain, this cozy nook is perfect for getting lost in a good book or simply enjoying some quiet time.

With ample closed storage, it's easy to keep shared toys, tools and art supplies stowed away and organized. The folding gym mat is perfect for playful moments with kids, while the closed storage ensures that everything stays tidy and accessible.

Access to nature is crucial for mental health and well-being. Caring for plants can be a relaxing and rewarding activity, and an outdoor area with opportunities for gardening and harvesting edible greens can give residents something to look forward to. 

For kids, having a space that sparks their imagination is essential. A modular sofa with lots of cushions allows for flexible configurations that can be easily adapted for group activities, story time or play. By encouraging imagination and self-expression, this versatile furniture arrangement can help foster a sense of creativity and community.

*IKEA U.S. is in year three of our partnership with Family Promise, a national nonprofit that works with low-income families and families facing homelessness to achieve sustainable independence through prevention programs, emergency shelter, and stabilization. These room setting designs were created with input from individuals with lived experience of homelessness from the Family Promise network. 

Learn more about Family Promise