I found this link to view before and after on Bobby Berk's teachers lounge.
https://bobbyberk.com/queer-eye-season-4-kathi-the-makeover-and-reveal/

Boho and mid mod kind of blend together sometimes. I was looking at organic textures, vintage furniture, rugs, fun lamps. A color on your walls will look good with this style too.

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Arcy, We are just talking about it so yes, we would get permission.

Dr. Blount, we want light colored walls. I am worried that without windows, dark colors might make the space look like a cave!!

Would laminate sheets be easier than replacing the whole counter if we were able to do so? Or maybe paint over the counter with a countertop painting kit?

And guys, I am trying to find more pictures of the lounge, but I can't get into the school right now. I just happened to find this picture in my phone because of the contest that my friend and I were wanting wanting to win in the fall. I will dig around and see if any of my colleagues have pics that I can share.

Thank you for your suggestions thus far.

EDIT: We have permissions so far to paint the walls and we are going to leave the cabinets alone. We would have to have permission to redo those. We really want to do something with that countertop. It is really what dates the whole space. Our school was built in the early 1980's.

So would mid-century modern spa be remotely possible?

We have permission to paint the walls thus far! He said if we wanted to paint the cabinets, we would have to get permission. I’ve seen mid century modern kitchens with cabinets that look like what we have. Getting some new handles would be super nice or maybe spray painting the current ones?

I’d really like to get permission to do something with the counter. That is what really dates the space.

Good evening Aims! Just some thought I had before too late....
The cabinets would look good painted too, see below.
If someone in the school community knows how to install countertops, you could get one at a salvage/Habitat Restore place. I have also heard of covering an existing counter with copper or stainless steel. There are countertop painting kits out there as well, not sure how good they are.
What are the school colors?

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Spring is remodel season so do check with Habitat for Humanity Restore Stores to see if they have a gently used countertop (with or without w cabinets) that has been donated that will fit your space/needs ... and leave you more money for something else.

Definitely paint.

You could also create a faux window with a repainted window from Habitat and a poster of a view from a window.

https://www.google.com/search?q=faux+window&client=firefox-b-1-d&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwirtPWW5K3qAhU1hHIEHduoBz4Q_AUoAnoECA0QBA&biw=1366&bih=654

If you have a really large blank wall, you might consider a forest mural for the wall or for attaching to lauan and hanging on the wall.

If you have a corner, you could add a mural to two 4'x8' pieces of lauan or with four 2'x8' ) pieces of lauan and hinges create a folding room divider / privacy screen for any feature of the room you'd rather not see all the time.

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Komar-Komar-Floral-Murals/50288951?cm_mmc=shp--c--prd--dcr--google--pla--164--soshomedecorationaccents--50288951-_-0&placeholder=null&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIqPj19d6t6gIVg4zICh0DDQuoEAQYBCABEgIZKPD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

The black fridge likely didn't lighten up the windowless room but y'all do deserve a fridge that works -- glad you now have one. Does that part of the room have a "darker" vibe? would a floor lamp help lighten the room -- one of those with a multiple lights?

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Hampton-Bay-66-in-Satin-Nickel-Floor-Lamp-with-5-Plastic-Bell-Shades-524505/202742948

Is the ceiling white; if not could it be painted white?

What color is the flooring?

Expect that eventually someone will object to painting the cabinets that have never been painted before -- if only just because they can -- but, as the saying goes: "sometimes it is better to ask forgiveness than to ask permission".

Or where you have paint and/or color questions, you could choose democracy and poll the teachers that will be using the room, thus avoiding any serious flack afterward . After all, if the teachers agree on brightening up their space at their expense, how can the bureaucrats possibly object.

There is a "Wise Owl Chalk" -- (Etsy) -- no joke -- that is the color name -- sounds as if it were named to go on a school wall. The color is somewhere between bone/white and gray but, unlike WalMart or a local building supply or paint store, if you open and stir it and find you hate it there are no returns. Also, schools and prisons have enough gray concrete so I'd recommend you favor the blues or grayish blues. Behr has a Hollyhock blue worth considering that could work with white cabinets or for cabinets and walls.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/BEHR-MARQUEE-1-gal-Home-Decorators-Collection-HDC-CT-16A-English-Hollyhock-One-Coat-Hide-Semi-Gloss-Enamel-Interior-Paint-Primer-345001/206491250

Good luck with your project. Do post progress and after pics.

Dr Blount, that lounge makeover link that you posted was amazing.

The three of us discussed it and we are going to leave the cabinets alone. It would be a lot of work to paint those plus extra permission from the district.

But, we like the idea of painting the countertops. Wouldn’t have to turn off plumbing, have someone cut a hole for a sink in a new countertop. I found this on Home Depot and it seems very doable. And maybe we could paint the current drawer handles to save some
money there too. As much as I’d like to go all out and spend tons of money, I don’t want to!!

I’ll let everyone else suggest colors and counters, but for wall decoration, instead of murals or cheap store bought art, how about a big cork board where the staff can add a favorite pic from a summer vacation they took...or get everyone to mail a postcard to the school from places they visit on breaks. It’s personal, you learn a little about the people you work with and it would slowly change and grow as time goes on. Plus there is always the added bonus of seeing Ms Jones the language arts teacher in a bikini or Coach Jackson in a speedo, whichever floats your boat.

While I'd not certainly not make the entire wall a cork board to be filled with holes over time, ( Donald ) has the right idea in providing a space for messages and/or just adding good vibes to the room with pics, etc.

Several wide black magnet clamps from the Dollar Tree would enable y'all to post specific kinds of notices on the sides of the refrigerator -- and/or you teachers could begin an interesting collection of decorative magnets for the front of the fridge.

A basic cork board and/or framed painted sheet(s) of metal (for magnets) hung on the wall -- perhaps a different one for each kind of message (time sensitive; school activities; class/age related, etc. -- could enable y'all to share information. They could could also add an opportunity to include bold color in the room (while keeping the walls neutral to appease the bureaucrats).

You could get sheet metal cut in the size you want from a local heat/ac business that fabricates their own duct work. Do frame the poster board sizes of sheet metal over plywood so there are no sharp edges to cut anyone. Wall Mart sells poster sized frames cheap. Lowes or Home Depot would cut the plywood to fit them -- and might even sell sheet metal. Let the s

Alrighty y’all, thank you for your patience! I dug through 3 years of Tweets and found some pictures. The lounge was decorated for taco bar day so it’s not normally like that. We have the black fridge now. The other picture shows the other wall that you don’t see that has our coke and snack machines.

Here is a pic of teachers on a dress up day so you can see the flooring and a closer view of the cabinets and counters.

Our ceilings are white ceiling tiles and we wouldn’t be able to do anything with those. Your flooring is just basic school tiles. They are kind of a white beige color.

How wonderful of you to give your award to your fellow teachers. Kudos to you.

I picked up some paint chips from Home Depot. Any thoughts? I almost thought it be really cool to do a very saturated jeweled paint on the wall where the cabinets are and then do some thing a little more chill on the side.

Thank you Lulu, I’m giving a small portion of my award! I’m very invested in my school and a happy and fun lounge will benefit everyone.

I like the bold blue middle one. The one to the left of it is a bit lighter but it appears (on my screen) to be one of those blues that is more teal but it would likely be at least my second choice because it is lighter. The more muted colors look a bit sad by comparison..

What are your school colors? Did that enter in to your decision to go with blue (or blue gray) in any way?

How well would saturated jeweled paint wear? Would seriously not want anything that could fleck off sooner than your average paint as "jeweled" sounds as if it could.

It’s good that you’re looking for input. At my old school, the admins decided to upgrade the staff lounge and took away all the rectangle tables(that we would put together like yours) and bought four seater high tops. Now, no one wants to eat in there as it lost its convivial appeal and some of the older staff are not comfortable climbing aboard a high stool.

Gerry, just exemplifies how those using the space should be the ones to give input.

Side story: A friend of mine is a librarian in the high school. It was decided that the library needed a total renovation. They did not get input from the library staff or teachers.

The space was beautiful but did not function well and became uncomfortable for the staff who had to work there.

There are three teachers who are going to go in on this and we had had some discussions with other teachers before the school year was up. Everyone was on board with the idea of a face lift. And we’re not changing out the tables, layout, or anything like that. The school district may have to move some things around so that there’s enough distance between teachers who were eating lunch assuming that we get to actually eat in there. I’m simply wanting to spend a few hundred dollars on supplies so I won’t spend anything on unnecessary items.

With Covid19 rule changes anticipated, you should probably stop at painting the room and replacing the countertop as to any permanent changes -- removable changes might be worthwhile if they have a specific intended use. Notice in the pic that It does already have a cork board on the wall.

You can spray paint the cabinet hardware black to match your fridge. I would put the bulletin board above the recycling and trash bins... And I would also head to your local Habitat or Goodwill to search for comfy chairs. I’ll bet you will find some that were recently donated during this pandemic as people go crazy cleaning and redoing their homes! Love your idea of painting the area where the kitchen is a more intense color in the spectrum of blues that you provide, above. And lovely that you are sharing your prize with your colleagues! They will appreciate it! PS: I am not a lighting guru. But perhaps someone on here will give you advice on bulbs that might make your space more “humane” than the current fluorescent bulbs? Easier on the eyes!

IF you are DIY inclined, a wide box shelf (or two -- sized to suit intended use) for above the copier could be useful.

https://gresscoltd.com/wide-shelf-for-pegboard-wall-panels-by-haba-473762.html

Ditto Ptreckel, I was also thinking more comfy seating and spray painting handles. You could also get a second hand storage piece if there is room for anything teachers may need incl a teacher library.
I like the accent wall idea on the cabinet wall--Im not a fan of really dark colors, but these will look great with navy, charcoal, even black.
Do some paint sample boards first. I forgot how "break roomy" the tables and chairs look. We've got to think how to spruce them up. Tablecloths work, but we need a different layout too.

New countertops and paint for sure!

I think your paint samples are too dark and too clear. They look fine as little chips but they will be too intense in a whole room. I can't read the colour names on the chips.

I would choose a very grayed green-blue like SW Sea Salt. Whatever colour you choose, be sure to do some good sized sample boards. With your lack of windows and the fluorescent light, your colours need to be viewed in that room. I would not do an accent wall in a different colour.

partim, and Aims, I actually rethought an accent wall when I saw the new pics. Maybe a backsplash in an accent color?
Good night Houzzers!

So I messed around with Sherwin Williams. I just picked Alabaster to simply "paint" the counters and the black to "paint" the fridge as this picture was a couple of years ago. I think with the Daich Spread Stone we would either go with the white or Onyx Fog. Leaning more towards fog because from the pictures it doesn't look as stark as the white.

I think the turquoise and the black decor really go together!!! The drawer handles are a beat up brass but I like the idea of spray painting them instead of replacing them.

Before you try to do it all yourself, why not try to get on one of those HGTV or DIY network or whatever station is near you shows and see if they will do your room for you?

You can contribute your prize money for furniture/materials.

I think I saw one of those shows do a teacher room before.

I like the turquoise--I would paint the backsplash instead of an accent wall.
Layout: I would put the garbage cans where the round table is. This way they are still by the kitchen but away from people sitting.
How do you all normally use the space? How would you all like to use it? Is it the norm to have meetings/planning/lunch at the big table?

Dr Blount, There is no back splash beyond the 3 inch or whatever the bright yellow counter is. It’s just dry wall.

Loobab, I actually like doing stuff like this. I enjoy painting!

IMO, that turquoise is a little intense for a relaxing space to unwind. I would keep it softer and simply do the counter and backsplash area.. Then cut the color by 50% to do the walls. Here's a little lighter version with brown cabinets.

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Well, I'm having fun this morning.....
See pics below for mid mod dining rooms and office.
Wall color is your friend here because the space is pretty tight. These tranquil greens below will pull focus away from the furniture. One of your blue chips also had an aqua color. I liked these because they are natural and outdoorsy.
A warm midtone grey like Behr Fashionable Grey will work well, but only if you have bright colors (tablecloth, wall art).

Tablecloths in either a geometric, boho, leaves, or solid color design.
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Op-Art-Illusion-Geometric-Black-Rectangular-Kitchen-Modern-X-Dining-Room-Ambesonne-Pattern-Table-White-Unusual-Optical-Inches-Checked-White-Cover-Eff/518469473

https://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/store/product/tranquil-palm-indoor-outdoor-tablecloth/5405618

I went a step further and searched "teacher workroom makeover" and there is a lot!! Mainly in Pinterest.

So here's what I have so far:

1. Choose a new wall color/design
2. Bookshelf on top of the tiny desk for a library or any other storage/decor
3. Layout--for now, move trash cans where round table is, maybe get rid of round table to create space.
4. Cool lamps: use the dropped ceiling for hanging lanterns. Vintage lamps can go on the trapezoid table, the tiny desk, or down the middle of the tables.
5. Two existing or leather chairs for a small seating area, maybe beside the bookcase. There may not be room.
   Hope this gets you in the right direction at least.
   
   

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OK looks like all our posts hit at the same time.
Aims--this is what I am referring to, the drywall between cabinet uppers and countertop. But you may not need this accent.

Decoenthusiaste, I love that blue too!

decoenthusiaste, I love that blue. I checked the link out and it's Peacock Plume. Lovely!!

I would choose something even softer like the Breezy Blue sample you have. It seems a little more calm and relaxing.

I love the turquoise/aqua ocean-y family of colors, they are so very relaxing, however in the lighter tints. You can always use the stronger tints in art work.

I don't know what furniture pieces you are buying, but if you are buying sofas and/or chairs I would go for a synthetic leather that wipes off so it will hold up to crumbs and spills and get firm dense foam cushions that hold up to a lot of wear. The pseudo leather covers should be removable so the cushions can be replaced when they get too soft.

I would also get some straight back chairs made out of wood (they can of course have seat and back cushions) because older people and people with back and hip issues prefer to sit in firm chairs, and please take one or two of your elder or less agile teachers with you when you purchase those chairs to see how comfortable they are to get in and out of.

Have you thought about buying one of those whole wall murals? (If you have one unbroken wall.). Trees, or mountains, or a tropical beach! Just having some fun... One other thought. Talk with your janitor or people in the school system who know where the storage area is for old furniture. You know what I mean. The stuff that they take out of rooms, offices, etc. and store. They often have school sales when they need the room. There might be some interesting items that you can paint or repurpose for seating or a bookshelf for magazines, etc. I remember a colleague of my (at the University where I taught) who had a wonderful office where everyone gravitated. It was because he had two soft chairs AND a lamp on a bookshelf! So, the over head lights could be turned off and low level lighting made a comfortable glow. Just a thought. Lower level lamps for relaxing!

Y’all are so awesome with suggestions! I wish we had space for a comfy place to hangout with cool chairs and stuff like that, but we just don’t have the space.

...following

Can you guesstimate the room dimensions?

Abby, Our floor tiles are 12 inch tiles so I’m thinking 20 feet across with the wall where the cabinets are based on the pic. The other 2 walls are longer. Maybe 30 feet long?

For a relatively small windowless room, white/almond/beige countertop (habitat ReStore?) and walls painted light greenish-blue for airy feeling would look great. Maybe paint backslash area only with accent color. I think fluorescent lighting makes everybody look weird so I'd have daylight 3500K+ bulbs in floor lamp and hanging fixtures if possible. (consignment/Goodwill?) and paint bulletin board frames the accent color. Have fun!

Got official thumbs up by principal!! He told me to email my colleagues for feedback and they are all so excited!! We can’t get started for a few weeks bc there is summer school starting next week.

Would you have room for a sofa or comfortable chairs if you move things around and/or folded up some of the tables? Not sure if you need all the tables because we don't know how many people will need to be using the tables at the same time.

Parton,

There really isn’t room for fun chairs or couches. We aren’t going to be able to eat in there for now (just found that out today,) but when things are normal, those tables fill up during the school year with teachers and also student teachers.

Hello! How did the teacher's lounge turn out? Any updates?

It turned out beautifully!!!

Here are some pics.

Backsplash is peel and stick and awesome. Spray painted the pulls with a frosty gold color.

Thanks for sharing! Love the backsplash! Was it well received this past year?

Yes!!! I loved that backsplash too. So easy to install. Just had to sand down that area before applying it. Last year we weren’t allowed to eat in the lounge but teachers are eating in there now. I’m just not bc I’m trying to limit my contact with adults right now with COVID.