Coming home to a thoughtfully furnished, beautifully decorated space at the end of the day is a comfort many of us take for granted. Yet for some families and individuals, that sense of stability and warmth isn’t always within reach. That’s where Project Redesign steps in. By reusing donated furniture and décor, the nonprofit transforms and redesigns empty houses into welcoming homes, spaces designed not just for living, but for healing, rebuilding, and reclaiming a fresh start.
“Most of the individuals and families that we serve are coming from incredibly difficult circumstances, and walking into a space that feels intentional, welcoming, and put together just tells them you matter,” Rhonda Wellmann, executive director of Project Redesign, explains. “It restores that dignity and provides the stability that they need at such a critical time in their life. It gives a child a bed to sleep on or a sofa where the family can sit together, or a dining table where they can share a meal.”
Project Redesign was born in 2008 in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, when several of its eventual founders had the opportunity to furnish a Nashville home for a family displaced from New Orleans. What began as a single act of service quickly sparked a bigger vision. Founders Karen Moore, Allison Douglas, Suzanne Snyder, and Ellie Billington began asking how they could continue providing that same sense of dignity, comfort, and fresh beginnings for families right here in Nashville. From that question, Project Redesign took shape.
“They saw firsthand how a thoughtfully designed house could help restore dignity and bring hope to someone going through a difficult season of life, and it's that belief that still guides everything that we do today,” Rhonda explains.
In 2025, Project Redesign partnered with 12 nonprofits to complete 59 installs, transforming 230 rooms and impacting 182 individuals. This meaningful work is powered by donations of gently used furniture and décor. While mattresses, bedding, and electronics aren’t accepted, there is an ongoing need for larger pieces like dressers, dining tables, and sofas. To make giving simple, the team schedules complimentary home pickups, ensuring the process is as seamless as the impact is significant.
Behind every installation is a network of dedicated donors, nonprofit partners, and volunteers who make each transformation possible. Project Redesign works closely with its partner organizations to identify families emerging from crisis and thoughtfully designs spaces tailored to their needs. From community members who give furniture and financial support to volunteers who help at each install, every contribution plays a vital role in turning empty rooms into spaces of dignity, stability, and hope.
Project Redesign hosts two signature fundraising events each year. In March, the organization held its third annual Girls Night Out at Hillwood Country Club. This year’s “Rhinestone Rodeo” theme invited patrons to dress the part for an evening of seated dining, live music, and both silent and live auctions, with all proceeds going directly toward funding home installations.
In November, they look forward to their annual Sip & Shop, a two-day shopping event in partnership with local businesses. During the event, 20% of sales are donated back to Project Redesign, allowing the community to support the mission simply by shopping local.
Everyone deserves to feel truly at home, whether in a house or an apartment, no matter the circumstance.
“Furniture fills the space, but design creates a feeling,” Rhonda says. “Often, when we walk into these spaces, there's a little more than just hope and determination. The work that we do helps turn those empty spaces into places of healing, rest, and belonging, which is so critical along their journey.”
For those looking to get involved, the organization’s user-friendly website outlines how to donate furniture and home decor, make a financial contribution, or volunteer. Visitors can also find information on scheduling furniture pickups, item guidelines, exploring partnership opportunities, and learning more about the nonprofits they serve. Follow their social media pages as well for updates on upcoming events, volunteer opportunities, and the latest Project Redesign news.
projectredesignnashville.com
"The work that we do helps turn those empty spaces into places of healing, rest, and belonging."