How I Transformed an Unused Walkway into a Thriving Grow Room

If you know me, you know I love a good upcycling project—especially one that turns an underutilized space into something functional and beautiful. This year, I tackled a little design challenge in an independent living community: an awkward walkway that wasn’t doing much of anything except collecting dust. The result? A dedicated grow room for early spring seedlings, complete with an upcycled bookshelf, grow lights, and an adjacent set of raised garden beds. And let me tell you—it’s getting a lot of use. This is what it looked like when I initially arrived.

An unremarkable passthrough.

I would call it nondescript and unremarkable, wouldn't you?

Why a Grow Room?

As someone who deeply values experiential interior design, I believe spaces should inspire action. This walkway had potential because of the easy access to the spacious courtyard and was just waiting for a purpose. Plus, growing your own food (or even flowers!) brings so much joy to a community. As I spent time in the community, I witnessed a love for plants and caretaking. 🪴 Several residents had large plants they were caring for in the communal spaces because of the size and access to light. They were stunning specimens! After more conversations and observations, I realized that this was a great choice for creating an experiential space. 🪴 I decided to turn it into a mini indoor greenhouse of sorts, where seedlings could be started in February before making their way to the raised beds I added to the courtyard.

Upcycling a Bookshelf into a Grow Station

First things first: I needed shelving to hold all the seedlings. Instead of buying new, I repurposed the old bookshelf that was already in this room (pictured on the left above.) Not only does this give new life to an existing piece of furniture, but it also keeps the project budget-friendly and sustainable. (Pro tip: the "Buy Nothing" Group on Facebook is also a gold mine for stuff like this!) I added grow lights for starting seeds. Each row has it's own On/Off switch so they don't all need to be in use at once. I noticed that most seed trays were deeper than the top or middle shelves would allow. It has gradually deeper shelves from top to bottom so I had to measure before buying!

I designed the wall with intentional branding and integrated a dedicated space for tools, ensuring that residents would instantly recognize its purpose and can begin using it right away. Sustainability and ease of maintenance were key considerations, making the space both functional and enduring. When every item has a clear, designated place, the space becomes more intuitive and efficient to use. No instructions necessary.

the Trowel and Bloom Room at Cap Sante Court

Pegboards support the storage of garden tools and work gloves

A Potting Bench is Essential

I found another piece of furniture that wasn't being used to create an upcycled potting bench so elderly residents don't need to bend down. I ordered a plastic mat with curled edges to contain the dirt overflow as much as possible for keeping the space neat and tidy.

Transitioning to Raised Garden Beds

Once the seedlings are strong enough, they need an outdoor home. To extend this project outdoors, I added five raised garden beds in the courtyard just beyond the walkway. These beds create an easy transition for the plants while maximizing growing space. Raised beds are my go-to because they offer great soil control, better drainage, and are easier for residents in their 70's and 80's.

The Result? A Walkway That Works Hard

This once-forgotten space is now bursting with life. The seeds are growing, the raised beds will get plenty of use, and the entire setup makes the transition from indoor to outdoor gardening seamless. Plus, there’s something incredibly rewarding about starting plants from seed and watching them flourish—it’s a daily reminder of the beauty of intentional design.

Just a month later, I received a delightful text from a new friend who lives there.

"Thought you might like to see your hard work being put to use. Don't you just love it? 🤗 You are a rockstar."

Oh my heart! The text made my whole week. It meant the world to me that she took the time to send me a photo and to know the “use” I designed for is working and being enjoyed! This was the photo she sent:

The residents bought their own seeds and labeled the pots with post it notes.

a month later, I got another text with this photo showing everything growing!

Final Thoughts

An underused space —whether it’s a walkway, a sunroom, or even a windowsill—can be turned into something meaningful. With a little creativity, an upcycled piece or two, and a vision, you can create a functional design moment that truly enhances daily life.

Have you repurposed a space for gardening? Or are you thinking about it? Let’s chat in the comments—I’d love to hear about your projects!

If you are looking to get more use and more functionality, out of a public space, I work with companies that have perfected their service and product but need an experiential and visual element to complete their identity.  See the mini-documentary on the full transformation here.

If your physical space feels underwhelming—if you’re struggling to capture your essence in photos or marketing materials—it might be a sign that your physical space isn’t telling your story or working hard enough. Let's connect about changing that.