Happy Placers: Grace Recovery

Photos by Heidi Ryder

For the last few months, I have spent countless hours working to help make Grace Recovery feel like a home. Well, after all is said and done, it’s actually 5 houses that make this beautiful compound the incredible place of healing that it has become. And the process of designing it has been a joy. 

The inspiration was easily realized because the incredible light all of the bungalows have flooding into the space. It has those quintessential California vibes that are a breath of fresh, sunny air. That airy feeling was the perfect place to dive in, but designing a residence is very different than designing, not only a place of business, but one that has strict guidelines to protect the staff and residents of a drug and alcohol rehabilitation facility. Immersing myself in all the do’s and dont’s, that word ‘facility’ kept rattling around in my head. And while adhering to all the guidelines, my LARGEST focus was that when we finished the project there wouldn’t be a trace of anything that felt like a ‘facility’. 

I wanted Grace Recovery to reflect the incredible people that run it; I wanted it to reflect the undeniably healing vibes of the property; and most importantly I wanted it to be a place that felt like home to it’s future residents. No two rooms are alike, yet all cohesively come together to appeal to the many residents that will be working hard to rebuild a healthier and happier life.

So with the foundation set, I began curating pieces of furniture that worked for the needs of Grace Recovery’s staff and future residents. It all sound dreamy, right? And it was! But I also had to source in a way I never had before. On any given day, these homes will be used by countless people. I wanted it to FEEL residential, but also knew things would take a beating. And because things will need to be replaced regularly due to the high volume of people and wear and tear, we had to keep things on a very strict budget! Soooooo, I became one with the likes of Overstock, HomeGoods, IKEA, and (to my surprise and delight) Living Spaces! 

I think I learned more during this project that ever before. I was exposed to retailers I had never worked with and was amazed by the quality goods we were able to find. The shear volume of bedrooms and special living spaces that I wanted to feel comfortable and unique ignited my creativity. And my desire for it to look cohesive, complete, and custom...I brainstormed solutions that, over the next few weeks, I’m excited to share!

All-in-all, I’m so proud of how Grace Recovery turned out. And it was a joy be a part of the beginning of what I know will be a beacon of hope and healing. I’m also excited to share tons of THP ‘Tid Bits’ on the tricks I used to elevate the design of the homes with very little added cost! Until then...welcome to Grace Recovery! This big, beautiful room is not only the starting point of my tour, but also the first stop towards building a new, happy , and healthy life for it’s residents! 

Hope you enjoy!

Xx,

Jo