The Puna Room Reveal

I’m so proud and happy to finally reveal the full Puna Room makeover! Admittedly we finished a little while ago but hopefully it only makes it better to know it’s already been enjoyed over the last month or so by the families.

As a little recap, or if you’re new to this - the Puna Room is the name we gave to a playroom at a local women’s refuge safe house run by the wonderful and hardworking Te Whānau Rangimarie . We transformed a run down double garage on the property in to a bright playroom/second living space and educational area for the up to 19 women and children who live in this home after escaping from domestic violence.

I became involved in this project after being approached by Kerryn from Woven Earth - a small (but mighty) charity that sets up homes for families who are escaping DV and often have very little of their own. Woven Earth find and provide everything for a new home - furniture, bedding, kitchenware, even food in the cupboard, and they rely entirely on donations.

The Puna Room was something a bit beyond the remit of Woven Earth who is kept incredibly busy kitting out homes, so Kerryn reached out to see if it might be something I’d like to help with and I did! I made the connection with the refuge and the amazing Leah and Vi who work for TWR, and put the word out on instagram and we got stuck in!

The Before

The response to my request for help was overwhelming. I’ve never done something on this scale before and I didn’t know how much of the “Wishlist” we’d be able to achieve, but you know what? We did all of it and then some. Approximately 70 individuals and businesses came together to support this project, either financially or with items and products. To each and everyone of you, and anyone who supported in other ways - you truly made all the difference to this home. I absolutely believe in the “meant to be” of things and what we received was exactly what was needed.

Below is a list of everything I can credit to individual companies or donors with an advertiseable business or craft! Please do have a look and a click through and consider supporting these businesses. They didn’t offer for any publicity but I think they all deserve it big time and it’s good to know who.

The video was made with love and given so generously by Michelle of Show and Tell video, the best and brightest story teller and videographer I have ever known. Michelle also has a brilliant online course!

The biggest change was the installation of a beautiful new vinyl floor on top of the old concrete - warming up the space, making it softer, lighter, brighter and so much more homely. The whole floor and installation was donated by Flooring Xtra which was incredible. I love them.

The magnetic leaf scape was custom made by Tinch Design to make the most of the permanently closed garage door. We used Dulux metal primer to paint over the doors.

My Dulux family were incredibly generous in providing all the paint and supplies as well as monetary donation, we painted the walls in Dulux Ngatea and painted lots of donated furniture in lovely Dulux colours too.

Your Decal Shop brought the room to life with their beautiful and huge native flora and fauna decals which turned the darkest corner in to the most magic little nature space.

Incredible artwork by Lissy and Rudi Robinson - Cole. Wall decals by Your Decal Shop.

Te Whānau Rangimarie is a Māori run charity, and many of the families that come through are also Māori. So the significance of having an incredible, meaningful, huge, vibrant original artwork by local Māori artists Lissy and Rudi Robinson Cole at the heart of this home still gives me goosebumps. Thank you Lissy and Rudi, your work is so important and I have no doubt that it will change lives.

The Imagination station and all the outfits were made by designer Leanne Day, a World of Wearable arts winner (so you know these costumes are extra amazing!)

Leanne Day, designer extraordinare had the idea and made for scratch the “Imagination station” - a magical and fabulous, fantasy dress up station.

The magnetic moveable leafy wallscape was imagined and created by Helen from Tinch Design especially for decorating the roller door!

The Puna mascot - the magnificent lions head was made by Kim of Cupcake Cutie.

There are lots of lovely things in here, including a custom made doll by Clare of Leblond Design., the cutest sock monkey by Jodie of And She Flew , and hand made bow and arrows by Karyn of Kalm Designs, brand new picture books from Phillipa at Pippin Books, custom ceramics by the incredible Studio Soph, faux plants from Alex of AFD Store, craft supplies from Peg Creative , and a beautiful fabric stash from Fab Co.

We painted the chairs in Dulux aquanamel and covered the table with oil cloth from Spotligh to give it a new lease on life while being easily cleanable.

The drawers are filled with art supplies, puzzles and games.

For other parts of the house (my next project!) we also had a super generous donation from Flox of her bamboo plates for families, gorgeous pillow cases by Natty NZ , joyous letter press prints by Hannah of Hello Happy, and a beautiful artwork by Tanya Blong.

We had so many awesome books donated for all ages. This moveable two sided bookcase was donated by Jess and given a paint job in Dulux Cook’s Beach

Other small businesses and creatives that supported the Puna Room that you can support are Tami Neilson - goddess and music maker, Isla Maree - plus size clothing, Fleur Woods - artist, Wanda Harland - clothing and loveliness, Sisterhood of Style - personal stylist, Monique Doy - personal stylist, The Wordsz - copywriting and content, Chrysalis Design - colour and interior design consultant, Holland Road Yarn - boutique yarn and knitting supplies, Jenni Stringleman - artist, Blackball Software - well, software, A Little Ink - children’s poetry and an amazing author (I might be biased), One Hundred Percent Heart - wall stickers and prints.

There are also a whole bunch of big hearted individuals who made this all possible and I’m SO grateful for every single one of you (but thought maybe you wouldn’t necessarily like me putting your contact details on the internet) but you know who you are and I sure do.

If you’d like to donate to Te Whānau Rangimarie and Woven Earth they are always in need and make real hands on differences in peoples lives.

I learned so much from my work with these women, it’s changed my life and I’m so grateful for how they opened their arms and heart to me. I’m determined to do more whenever and wherever I can.

The biggest thank you to everyone, especially if you’ve read this far! x

The custom made cups by Studio Soph feature adorable affirmations. We drank from them at the blessing of the refuge.

Steph, Leah, Vi and my Mum Angie - the best team there is (along with Kerryn, Tash, Monique, Sam and Michelle - sorry we didn’t get a full picture!)