Break Time--Creating a Space to Nourish--Before/After

Hello Beautiful!

We’ve got a powerful community--I received so many messages last week from people joining me in holding space for humanity. Thank you--let’s keep it going!!!!

I’ve been talking with clients and small business owners who are slowly getting back to the world and to work as safely as possible. Things have changed for EVERYONE and our spaces must change as well to support our new ways of being in the world--lots to think about!

We have the honor of working with Ulla Eyewear, an amazing small business located at Hilldale Shopping Center in Madison... 

When we started our Feng Shui Design project together, of course the showroom was top of the list, and it turned out stunningly, but we also looked at the back offices, the storage area and the break room.

The staff at Ulla are a creative, fun, dedicated bunch. And their fearless leader (and owner), Brittany, had just moved the store in the mall renovation to a new space in the upgraded Shopping Center

BEFORE:

There wasn’t a lot of room left for a staff break room, so the staff claimed a space at the back of the storage area:

Challenges:

• The break room space is at the end of a long narrow storage room
• Storage items were blocking the path to the break room
• Low vibing color on the walls
• Facing the wall to eat at the counter takes you out of “power” as you sit with your back to the door.
• Coat rack protrudes into the path
• No art or any object of beauty to enhance the space
• Cement Floor

After:

Upgrades:

Painted a very high frequency color 
Added beautiful nature-inspired wallpaper on the “dead end” wall
Added a large mirror on the “dead end” wall to reflect the light
Removed the upper cabinet and put it below the counter
Edited the cabinets and storage area so that the path to this space is clear
Added a small pedestal table and low-profile chairs so the person on break can face the door
Added a colorful rug for softness and to define the space
Added FUN art (with glasses, of course)
Added a new low-profile coat rack and staff storage cubbies to open up the space

Ahhhhhhh, now, “go take a break” feels like fun, like a little vacation, a space designed to remind staff that they are valued, important and supported.

Everything Matters and designing a break room space (even a socially distanced one) makes a HUGE statement to the people who work here.

Kudos to Brittany for not only raising the chi of her showroom (stop by sometime and check it out!) but for giving her staff a beautiful space to take a break and rest so they can be feeling their best as they interact with clients.

Lots of Love,
XOXO

​PS: Did you know that I offer a 20 min. complimentary call to discuss any design or organizing project you have in mind? Please reach out if you would like to chat.

PSS: Also, we are also getting back to work with our private clients (in person) by following the Dane County Guidelines and our own common sense :) So, send me an email if you’re ready for a consultation.

PHOTO CREDIT: Nancy Noet--Thank you!