Behind the Scenes of the Mother's Day Makeover Project 2025

One of the best parts of the Mother’s Day Makeover Project is surprising the deserving mom with the news that she’s getting a free bedroom makeover! This year, though, was a little trickier. Leanne follows me on social media and knows me well enough to suspect something if I just popped up at her front door. So, we had to get a little creative.

With help from her sisters (who, by the way, nominated her), Jenny from Green Stone Contracting and Design and I quietly snuck into her bedroom. Then came the moment: her sister sent her to the room, and we stood there like two fairy godmothers with power tools. The second Leanne saw me, she knew. The tears started flowing as she stood holding her little guy’s hand. She didn’t think she was deserving enough to be chosen—but if you’ve read her story, you know just how wrong she was. Watch the video here

The Countdown Begins

From that emotional moment on, Jenny and I kicked into high gear. We had just two weeks to plan the entire design—cue mild panic and maximum coffee consumption. I sat down with Leanne to hear all about her dream bedroom: what she loved, what she needed, and what she couldn't stand. Her sisters also chimed in with ideas, helping us shape a space that would feel like home to her.

First stop: sourcing! I made a list of everything we’d need and contacted our generous sponsors. ReStore came through first where I got to go treasure hunting to see what I could find for the bedroom. At ReStore I found so many items that were then donated from Habitat for Humanity: a chair, nightstands, a dresser, hooks, and decor. With those pieces in hand, I started building a mood board that would guide the makeover.

Next, I visited Konto Furniture in search of the perfect king-size bed frame. So many styles, so many colors—but the moment I saw the Preston bed, I knew. It was exactly what this room needed. With the major pieces selected, the vision was coming together beautifully.

Volunteer Power & Decluttering Magic

As transformation week approached, I rallied the troops—aka volunteers—and had such an incredible response that I actually had to turn people away (a first!). The Friday before the reno started, Kaytlyn and her amazing team from Sort and Simple came to help Leanne declutter her bedroom. They helped her decide what to keep, donate, or toss, and the results were life-changing. Leanne later told us she was so inspired that she’s tackling other areas of her home now, too!

Day 1: Demo & Trim

We hit the ground running on Monday, April 28. Archive Contracting installed fresh baseboards, casing, and trim in the bedroom, closet, and ensuite, all generously donated by Hayduk Lumber and Hardware. Jenny fixed the bedroom windows—and a few others around the house, too—because apparently they’d been installed incorrectly (on top of a flood claim...because when it rains, it pours). She also put in a brand-new bedroom door that was donated by Leduc Co-op. Meanwhile, I tackled the closet organizer and started filling and caulking the trim. A productive day it was!

Day 2: Sand, Prime, Paint, Repeat

Ramona from Ramona Aline Homes joined me, and we spent the day sanding and prepping the trim for paint. We then painted all the baseboards, the door, and the barn door. It wasn’t the most glamorous day, but the boring stuff always paves the way for the pretty stuff. Trust the process!

Day 3: Saybrook Sage & Special Touches

Paint day! My color queen, Allison, helped me tape the perfect three-quarter-height line around the room for a little extra visual interest. We chose Saybrook Sage from Leduc Wall Fashions, who donated all the paint and supplies. I cut in while Allison rolled, and we were done in no time. Ashley from Rafter and Diamond came by to install charming handmade corbels in the closet and bathroom doorways. It was finally starting to look like the room I’d envisioned.

Day 4: Delivery Day!

The walls were painted, the trim was done—it was time for the furniture! Konto Furniture delivered and assembled the new bed (bless them!). This was a treat for me because, in previous years, I’ve hauled and built everything myself. While the bed was being set up, Sheri from Bizzy Momma VA helped me catch up on emails and admin tasks. Coral from The 3rd Drawer arrived with the refinished dresser and nightstands that I had picked out from ReStore, and WOW—she transformed those pieces into absolute showstoppers. The room was coming together, piece by beautiful piece.

Day 5: Details, Details

Time for the finishing touches! Katie from Reclaiming Homes came to help hang shelves, art, and basically do whatever I threw at her (and she nailed it). I assembled the bench, side table, and lamp. Kaytlyn and her Sort and Simple team returned to move Leanne and Derek’s belongings back into their new space—organized and stress-free. We made the bed, fluffed the pillows, and the room was finally looking like home again.

Day 6: Reveal Day (A.K.A. All Hands on Deck)

Even on reveal day, there was a mountain of tasks to finish. Jenny returned to install the barn door, closet shelves, and a beautiful new light fixture over the bed. I tackled final paint touch-ups, steamed the curtains and bedding, and styled every corner. Kaitlyn from Kaitlyn Emily Photography arrived just in time to capture the finished space.

Then came the moment we’d all been waiting for.

Leanne and Derek stood in their new room, eyes closed, holding hands. Before the reveal, we took a quiet moment to remember that it had been almost two years since they’d last slept in their bedroom. When they opened their eyes, Leanne gasped: “Holy sh*t.” Safe to say, she liked it. Derek—usually a man of few words—stood in silent awe. It was perfect. See her reaction here

They now have a sanctuary in their home. A peaceful, personal space that’s finally theirs again. It’s more than a makeover—it’s a fresh start.

Check out the Reveal video here

To Our Volunteers and Sponsors

To every single sponsor, volunteer, and helping hand—thank you. You made this transformation possible. Together, we gave a deserving mom the space she needs to rest, recharge, and face whatever comes next.

And to Leanne—thank you for letting us in and sharing your story. You are so deserving. Happy Mother’s Day.