A while back, my friends Rick and Lauren asked me to give them a hand with colors and style for our church’s college student center design.
They’re in the final stages right now (like went Ikea shopping yesterday!), and it has me thinking about the beginning and some of the ideas that were thrown around.
They definitely went with some of these colors, and their architect helped them throw in some more–I can’t wait to see all the furniture and accessories…and I’m hoping I can do some furniture for them!
They are BOTH such servants, so giving of themselves and their time–I know this student center will be an extension of what they already are for their students: home.
While it may or may not look anything like any of this, I knew you all love to talk design, so I thought I’d let you see some of the ideas I came up with for them.
This was the initial living room design board. Lauren wanted the living room especially to feel like home–casual, but classic, young, but not too trendy. They planned on throwing some industrial touches in, and I loved all the ideas they were throwing around.
Just to give them an idea of the layers, I threw this (rough) sketch of a few room elements together.
The student center will have lots of rooms to design–an entry, living room, common space holding the kitchen, coffee shop, worship area, and some sitting areas. They’ll also have a study, Rick’s office, and a separate living area for some of the students.
Here were some more ideas for the rest of the spaces…I love the idea of neutral furnishings and some neutral walls so that color and personality can easily (and inexpensively) be updated through the years. They went with a durable chocolate brown tile to hold up over time–and I think they’re really going to be happy with that!
I know Matt will be helping Rick build a sound booth for all of the equipment…and I LOVE that they’ll be bringing tin into the mix. It’s an obvious choice when bringing in an industrial vibe, and the material alone has such structural and artistic interest.
By choosing linen/burlap/natural fabrics as the base, Lauren will be able to add some color and graphic pattern easily. And again, throw pillows and art could totally change the way the student center looks.
You don’t get much more comfy/classic and budget friendly than Ikea’s Ektorp collection.
And I love this little side table with storage–perfect for keeping college clutter in check.
I love the idea of modern scripture art everywhere…there are so many options! Including some Red Letter Words art is definitely a must…I just don’t know which to tell them to get–Dee’s work is moving and oh-so unique!
There is quite a bit of space to divide, and the first step to doing that will be using area rugs to define separate sitting areas/spaces. I love the idea of using natural rugs, and throwing in some graphic prints like this one.
I know it’s going to be a fantastic space, and I hope I was able to help a teensy bit–I can’t wait to see all they bring back from Ikea and of course, I’ll show you some pictures when it’s all finished!
Hope you have a fantastic Saturday!!
I love this collection – and thanks for putting us onto the two companies that do the scripture graphics! Where is the spiral vinyl verse from? Thanks for the great ideas!
Love those mood boards Shaunna!!! Vintage industrial is my fav!!!
Hope you’re having a great Saturday!
xo,
Shannon
Oh and I adore all the very stylin’ scripture and inspirational art that’s abailable!
xo,
Shannon
I love all the colors and fabrics you chose! I really like that spiral Scripture art, too- is that from Red Letter Words?
Would love to know more about the sofa!! Great board!
Nevermind…went over to Pinterest and saw all of the sources!! Fantastic…
Just found your blog via Home Stories. WOW. I am loving everything. Newest follower!!!
I love all of those combinations. I adore the verses from Ruth on the wall!
Can you tell me the color of the blue you have on this board?
Hi – student center entry caught my eye…I was a director of a college student center for our church for 14 years. I pushed and pulled and got a building fund made – with alot of people helping me. We did it – we got Laborers for Christ to come help us – in the summer in Texas. Only one laborer showed up. He was 74. He was shocked that no one else came. And then we looked at each other – me, no building experience whatsoever but had a lot of energy and a willing heart. Him a wonderful heart, not a lot of energy and a little slow. so with his mind and my willingness to learn – I learned so much about tearing down and building up. Our Lord worked wonders through us. I am so grateful to be used to His Glory. It was a painful, hard labor. Ton’s of people had suggestions for paint colors, what furniture we could buy, floor designs and we had to move the kitchen cupboards because we couldn’t afford more. We were broken into twice during the process which was sad but we got through. Everyday I wore white coveralls with a tank top of one color or another with a matching bandanna. I was raring togo in the morning and mush by night. But I got strong and healthy and found out I don’t have what it takes to go on a roof no matter how I want to. Your entry gave me many happy memories – thanks for sharing!! I loved it! hazel
Love this color scheme! Unfortunately my 2 story room is painted more in the beige and I really don’t want to re-paint so I would use blue as an accent. Great inspiration!
Could you tell me the source for that beautiful navy chevron rug? I clicked on the link and it takes me to a different chevron run at rugsusa.com. Hoping this one is still available somewhere.
Love your blog.
very nice living room decorating ideas its very inspiring for me 🙂
Thank you!! 🙂