Designing a Teacher’s Lounge

A Community-Driven Makeover at Dickey Hill Elementary

The Lawson Dream Team specializes in designing spaces that truly reflect our clients’ style and lifestyle. While we typically focus on residential and commercial spaces, we believe in the power of design to make a meaningful difference in any setting—including those where people come together to learn and grow.

That’s why when the teachers at Dickey Hill Elementary, a school in Baltimore City, reached out to us for help, we jumped at the opportunity to give back to our community. Their teacher’s lounge was in dire need of a makeover, and we knew our design expertise could help transform it into a space where educators could relax, recharge, and collaborate.

A Space in Need of Change

During our initial walkthrough of the lounge, it became clear why the teachers were seeking a redesign. The space had long been neglected, with dull blue walls and clutter taking over. It lacked the warm, inviting atmosphere that could allow teachers to truly unwind during their breaks. The lounge was cramped and didn’t provide the kind of seating or open space needed for the teachers to enjoy their lunches or have moments of respite away from their classrooms.

 

 

Redesigning for Relaxation and Collaboration

The goal of this project was simple: brighten up the lounge and create a space where teachers and staff could not only relax but also work away from the classroom in a more comfortable environment. Our team set out to design a space that was both uplifting and functional—one that would serve as a true retreat for the hard-working educators.

The teachers shared an inspiring idea with us: they wanted the lounge to be modeled after the teacher’s lounge from the popular TV show Abbott Elementary. This gave us a fun starting point, and we got to work translating that inspiration into a design that would feel just as warm, welcoming, and functional.

A Community-Driven Effort

This project truly turned into a community effort, with support from both local businesses and individuals. We were able to source several donated items from clients and fellow designers, which helped bring our design vision to life. With the help of these generous donations, we were able to create a cohesive color palette and design that would work for the teachers’ specific needs.

We chose a light, neutral color scheme to keep the space bright and airy. It was important to us that the lounge feel fresh, relaxed, and uplifting. Our team didn’t just stop at the design—we rolled up our sleeves and assisted with painting, furniture collection, and delivery, and even styled the space ourselves to make sure everything came together beautifully.

 

  

A Transformative Impact

“You have made such a change In the lives of all the teachers at Dickey Hill.”  -Diana Jones, Dickey Hill Elementary School Teacher

The results have been nothing short of remarkable. The teachers now have a space where they can spend quality time, away from the demands of the classroom, to recharge, eat lunch, or even hold small meetings. The sense of gratitude and joy from the teachers has been overwhelming, and they’ve expressed how much they appreciate the thought and effort that went into the makeover. It’s been rewarding to see how something as simple as a design refresh can have such a positive impact on their day-to-day lives.

Thank You to Our Amazing Partners

We want to extend a special thank you to the wonderful people who helped make this project possible: Monique Holland, Donna Rich, Debbie Cea, and Terry Varner. Their contributions, whether through donations, supplies, or support, were invaluable to making this makeover a success. Also, we’d like to thank teachers, Diana Jones, Bobby Smith, and Ceporah Norris for their time, guidance, ideas, and energy.

We dedicate this makeover in memory of Elsie Lawson, a Baltimore City School Teacher, and State of Maryland Public School Lead Librarian.

A Small Way to Give Back

While this was a small way for us to give back to our community, it was truly an honor and privilege to be able to use our design expertise to create a meaningful space for the teachers at Dickey Hill Elementary. These educators dedicate their lives to inspiring and shaping the future of our children, and we’re proud to have played a small part in improving their daily experience.

The Lawson Dream Team is passionate about the power of design to not only transform spaces but also bring people together—and this project was a perfect example of that.