Ronald Mcdonald House: Vintage Hospitality In Red
"There is certainly a red for everyone" — Christian Dior.
"Gretchen created warm and engaging environments that make our families feel immediately comfortable no matter where they are from or their circumstances. She brought in so much color and vibrancy; it helps families to make memories immediately and allows our physical space to mirror our mission. Thanks to her, our Ronald McDonald house embodies compassionate hospitality." — Jessica Jarratt Miller, Chief Executive Officer, Ronald McDonald House Charities.
Dear Colorful Readers:
When I stepped in, the PDX Ronald McDonald House was in the middle of significant change. Modernity had hit hospitality, ready to replace coldness with coolness.
What do you do if the vintage of your house's architecture needs to be updated? Or don't, but times change, needing to be updated but not replaced?
The plan was to make the Ronald McDonald House go from a preschool vibe to a cool family hospitality environment. Hard surfaces such as flooring, countertops, and lighting were chosen accordingly. The old, bright, colorful murals were being replaced with more sophisticated nature themes.
However, the loss of charm, warmth, and harmony became apparent when the wall color went up; it no longer felt like the Ronald McDonald House. It felt like winter had settled in and covered everything under a blanket of cold snow with icy white walls with purple, black, and white honeycomb pattern fabric and lime-green walls. The signature wooded tree sculpture in the lobby that greeted families for decades looked like a leftover relic. The tree was about to be removed from its root. So was The Ronald McDonald House.
The brand wanted to change, but this change in this current space became out of tune and out of touch with its homey environment. As Mic says, you can't always get what you want, but if you try, sometimes, well, you might find you get what you need.
Panic set in, and I got the call.
WORK IN PROCESS
Red: A Perfect Metaphor
The color red was nowhere in sight, and it became my job to bring it back.
Red is the color of the root chakra or Muladhara. It helps us feel grounded and able to withstand challenges. Emotionally, red is viscerally provoking and makes us feel alive—a source of energy and fun. We can depend on red to increase appetite, power, joy, and cooperation.
Tapping into the color baggage of this brand and its roots in red led to a creative design story that expressed what the administration wanted the families to feel while they healed with shades of red.
It's a Physical Thing.
The energy of the color red can fuel our most passionate pursuits. I mindfully layered color strategy with paint, custom and ready-made furniture, art, lighting, and beautiful murals. Decisions came together quickly and were promptly executed.
Pulled together by an inclusive, harmonious color palette, the energetic qualities of red brought out the best in every color and everyone.
By tapping into the power of color attraction and somatic atmospheres, we create spaces that feel like true love destinations, nurturing the soul and fostering a sense of belonging; this is the essence of chromatic wisdom and my Colorwright formulas – understanding the emotional and sensory impact of color and using it to create spaces that truly resonate with the people who inhabit them and those they share them with.
Of course, the tree stayed and became part of the forest.
When Color Sings
In music, melody is the story, and harmony is the setting. Harmony comes in color. Consider how a song or color can transform the way you feel instantly. May you find the perfect harmony that resonates with your home and soul. Learn more about my Color Consultations and discover how I can help you find the perfect harmony for your space.
From my bag to yours,
Gretchen
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Get in Touch: If you have questions or need personalized color advice, feel free to email me at gretchen@colorbaggage.com
Check out other Ronald McDonald House designs and shades.
https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/ronald-mcdonald-house-redesign-long-island
https://robinbarondesign.com/pages/ronald-mcdonald-house-makeover
https://rmhc-centralohio.org/new-year-new-look/
https://www.foxyoxie.com/chattanooga-ronald-mcdonald-house-playroom-redesign-the-before/
https://rmhcwny.org/2024-spring-appeal/