Giving Back Through Design: Anne Sage for Covenant House in Los Angeles

Design has the power to do so much more than decorate. Design, and the creative people and skills around it, have the power to solve problems, create helpful new products, and bring to life safe and welcoming spaces for those in need. Designer Anne Sage recently had the chance to use her design skills to give back, and today she’s sharing the results of a very special project.

After working with Covenant House, a youth shelter in Los Angeles that serves the LGBTQ+ community, on a basketball court renovation project in 2015, Anne heard from them again when a new project arose. Covenant House was hoping to transform an unused room in their space into a meditation/yoga space where residents could go for quiet time or to meet with their counselors. So they reached out to Anne to talk about ways they could work together to bring this idea to life.

Anne jumped into action and, with the help of donations from Sherwin-Williams, World Market, and Crypton Home, she was able to design a space that feels serene and welcoming. With plenty of books, meditation tools, growing plants and natural light, this new area of Covenant House is a safe space where residents can go when they need rest and quiet. And despite a few bumps along the way (Anne warns, “Don’t confirm custom furniture orders while you’re in a rush!”), they were able to finish just in time for Covenant House’s largest annual fundraiser where the new space had a huge impact on donors who were able to see all of the ways Covenant House supports its residents. 

“I’m so passionate about the ability of our physical environment to impact our mental and emotional outlook, and by extension the results that we create in our life. I even wrote a book on the topic!” Anne shares. “Covenant House serves a sector of the youth community that has been displaced due to abusive or high-risk situations in their family of origin. By creating a space for them that is both functionally and aesthetically harmonious, we’re communicating to them that they’re worthy of the time, resources, and love that went into designing and installing it. They don’t even have to be consciously aware of it; it’s an energetic power that goes a long way in the lives of these inspiring youth.” Thanks to Anne and photographer Marisa Vitale for sharing this project with us. If you’d like to support Covenant House, you can donate and help out in several ways here. –Grace

More Design Details:

Crypton Home : Fabric Upholstery, Sectional + Drum Stools
Kellex:  sectional and drum stool
Sherwin Williams:  Wall Paint
Jaipur Living Rug
Simply Framed Framing: artwork
Kate Holstein: artwork
World Market: Sofa cushions, faux fig tree, accent table, lamp, shelf decor
The Shade Store: Blinds

from Design*Sponge http://www.designsponge.com/2017/12/giving-back-through-design-anne-sages-for-covenant-house-in-los-angeles.html

from Home Improvment http://notelocreesnitu.tumblr.com/post/168507519539