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The News Herald

 

Designer volunteers to remodel at shelter

By Kevin Bunch, The News-Herald

PUBLISHED: March 7, 2008

TAYLOR — Terry Grahl believes in the healing power of the home.

 

The interior decorator and owner of Terry's Enchanted Cottage, which she started in 2005, had arranged a project called "Hopeful Haven" last year, where the living quarters at Grace Centers of Hope in Pontiac were refurbished.

This year, she hopes to follow it up with nine private bedrooms at the same shelter as part of her "Cottage Lane" project.

"It's a 100-day challenge to see how one can change a life," Grahl said.

She said the project would entail redecorating and repainting the bedrooms in the style of a woodland cottage.

To help determine the design elements for the rooms, the women from the shelter name them beforehand.

The project is done entirely with volunteers and donated goods. Grahl added that she's looking for new goods, wanting to symbolize the idea of giving the women a fresh start.

"Used goods can be donated to the thrift store," Grahl said. "The money goes back into the shelter."

The center owns four thrift stores.

Among other things, the project needs twin bed mattresses, sheets, pillow covers, books, bathrobes and slippers.

Last year's project included volunteers from across the United States and even Australia, Grahl said.

In addition, the project includes a video journal of life at the shelter. Grahl said the video would be uploaded to youtube.com.

In addition to this project, Grahl also is involved in a project that offers a free one-room redesign to one household.

Items from around the house are moved around, along with what's already in the room, and rearranged into a new design.

"It is taking what they already have and using it to its full potential," Grahl said.

But Grahl is most proud of her work with the shelter.

"I believe cozy surroundings not only inspire, but help us thrive," Grahl told The News-Herald Newspapers in an interview last year.

Grahl also added that anyone interested in the project can visit her Web site, www.terrysenchantedcottage.com.

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