M-Th 9am-4:30pm, Fri- 9am-4pm | Saturday By Appointment Only
M-Th 9am-4:30pm, Fri- 9am-4pm | Saturday By Appointment Only
You are in a crisis situation and your young children are with you. In this tense moment, the number one priority is the wellbeing of your children. There are tasks that you need to take care of but you can’t bring your kids with you. You are in need of short-term childcare and a babysitter isn’t an option. Assessing your possibilities, you ask yourself the following:
For many families in Dane County, the answer to these questions is the Respite Center at the Center for Families. A not-for-profit organization, the Respite Center provides 24-hour, 7 days a week, childcare services to families f
acing crisis and high-stress situations.
The Respite Center provides childcare to kids of all ages, from infants to fourteen year-olds. A visit at the Respite Center may last a few hours or it may be overnight. Regardless of the duration, the objective remains the same—providing solace to the children.
Over the past six months, Bella Domicile has been working with a talented and generous group of designers from the Madison area to make over a local charity. Spearheaded by Floor360, the project brought designers and businesses together. Throughout the planning stages, the group rallied together to develop an environment in which children can feel safe, comfortable and welcome.
So, what happens when a group of designers (many of whom are direct competitors) work hand-in-hand with towards a common goal? Two words: incredible results.
From literally the floor to the ceiling, the entire space was revamped. Tying the different spaces together is the outdoor/park theme of the new design. By incorporating bright and uplifting colors and textures, the Respite Center is making it easier for children to feel at home within the facility.
We knew that the kitchen area for the Respite Center had to be something special, something warm, memorable and inviting. Our objective was to go beyond the expected—to offer a spectacular design that would last for years. We wanted to create an environment that encourages conversation, laughter and home-cooked meals.
Once the floorplan was established, the next step was sourcing the products and materials. For the kitchen cabinetry, we provided Dura Supreme cabinets in a timeless mocha-stained wood. Atop the cabinets is a gorgeous Vicostone quartz countertop which was graciously fabricated and installed by Badger Granite Werks. The kitchen also boasts new stainless steel appliances which were donated by our friends at Grand Appliances. Benjamin Plumbing and Ferguson provided the wash sink and faucets; with ProSource donating the kitchen sink. The final touch in the kitchen is a custom-designed, hand-made mosaic tile by Milwaukee-based Terra Domus Design Group. Keeping with the Respite Center’s outdoorsy theme, the mosaic features leaf shapes in a variety of energetic colors. Putting it all together and making the installation a breeze were expert contractors, Steve Rossing and Tim Thiede.
After months of planning and hours of dedication, we are so pleased and honored to have taken part in this project. The Design for a Difference makeover was beautiful in every way—from the design community working together to the physical space that was created. The project is a true testament to the power of teamwork and community in this amazing place we call home, Madison.
written by Annikki Lehtinen
