The twinkly glow from a tree decked in lights; the flicker of a spice-scented candle; binge-watching festive films… the magic of Christmas comes to life in a cosy, safe home.
Yet for many living in poverty or temporary accommodation across the capital, home is often a space lacking in basic furniture — never mind the festive extras.
These design-centric charities are devoted to bridging the gap between what constitutes a roof over someone’s head, and a considered space of their own.
Furnishing Futures is a lifeline for families who have fled domestic abuse; the Leyton-based charity founded by former social worker and interior designer Emily Wheeler turns barren rental properties into nurturing retreats for women and children, kitting them out with everything from pots and pans to artwork on the walls.
While each project is guided by a family’s individual needs, Wheeler implements trauma-informed design: “It’s being mindful of creating a space that is soothing and restful to the senses rather than triggering and stressful,” she explains.
“It’s using round and organic shapes rather than harsh lines and jagged edges, and sage greens and dusky pinks rather than reds or stimulating colours.”
"It’s being mindful of creating a space that is soothing and restful to the senses rather than triggering and stressful"
Furnishing Futures aims to complete a home per week, with families referred to its service through Refuge and Solace Women’s Aid.
It relies on industry donations of nearly-new furniture, and is fundraising to fill in the gaps with the BigGive to raise £20,000 before Christmas; donations made from now until December 5 will be matched by The Childhood Trust.
Working with top names in design has helped to amplify its work: earlier this year Rebecca Wakefield of Studio Fortnum and Wheeler turned the staid living room and hallway of a women’s refuge into a welcoming setting.
Next up is decorating the shelter’s seven bedrooms with the creative assistance of Jojo Barr of interior studio House Nine, and Laura Hammett.
Emma Pocock and Bunny Turner of the design practice Turner Pocock were inspired to establish their charity, TP Caring Spaces, after overhauling a matron’s room in the gynaecology ward at Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospital four years ago.
“We feel strongly about relatives and carers — the ones who dedicate their lives to others. If they have a lovely kitchen to go and make a cup of tea and relax in, it makes a big difference,” says Pocock.
The charity employs an in-house designer to oversee its projects, which are intentionally near its west London base.
“We have builders who we can pull in favours from in the area, so it means we have to raise slightly less money to pursue the same projects.”
This year’s fundraiser is fun with a capital F, as TP Caring Spaces is staging an inaugural carol service at St Luke’s Church in Chelsea on December 18.
Interior greats Nicky Haslam and Nina Campbell are doing readings.
With tickets at £30 for adults and £20 for children, Pocock hopes to raise a chunk of the £60,000 needed to renovate two rooms in the Masbro Centre in Brook Green.
“In doing that, the Centre will be able to rent the spaces out and make money to go back into its charity,” says Pocock.
Over at The Childhood Trust, chief executive Laurence Guinness is always seeking corporate partners to support its Decorate A Child’s Life programme.
“Often we find children sleeping on the floor, so to provide a beautiful bedroom that’s modern, comfortable and where there’s space for everything is transformative,” he says.
His aim in 2024 is for the volunteer-led initiative to renovate 100 bedrooms.
In the short term he is asking members of the public to buy something for the capital’s 19,000 vulnerable and disadvantaged children to open on Christmas Day through its Met Christmas Tree Appeal.
