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. When thinking of interior design for senior living, it becomes even more critical because introducing novelty and giving seniors the ability to continue a hobby long after they have left their home can be the key to living a longer life.

Novelty—whether in the form of stimulating visuals, new activities, or rotating displays—activates the brain’s reward system and helps maintain cognitive flexibility. Research published in the Journal of Gerontology shows that older adults who engage in mentally stimulating and novel activities experience a 30% slower rate of cognitive decline compared to those who stick to routine. Additionally, a study from the National Institute on Aging found that seniors who regularly participate in new and engaging hobbies report 43% higher levels of life satisfaction and reduced feelings of loneliness.

From a design perspective, this could mean incorporating interactive elements such as a hobby zone. These small but meaningful updates prevent environments from becoming stagnant and instead foster a sense of curiosity and engagement. In senior living, where monotony can negatively impact mood and cognition, thoughtfully designed novelty becomes not just a luxury—but a wellness strategy.

This walkway had potential to be a hobby zone because of the easy access to the spacious courtyard. It was just waiting for a purpose. Growing your own food or flowers can bring so much joy. 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.

Interior Design for Senior Living

This is a fascinating subject to me because when I'm in board meetings, and the subject of interior design for senior living buildings is discussed, it's mentioned in the context of paint, furniture and art. It is so very much more. It's placemaking. To me, it's the difference between a building that feels fun and encourages activities ... or not. The community spaces should be memorable and the vignettes should inspire conversation; not just between staff and residents but between residents and their guests and neighbors too! As a senior living interior designer, I focus on creating experiential, mood-boosting environments that elevate daily life. Designing senior community spaces means more than matching colors—it's about crafting areas that encourage independence, social interaction, and joy. Whether it’s a bistro nook that doubles as a book club spot or a map of the world that sparks stories from the past, every detail should feel intentional and uplifting. If you’re looking to hire a designer for a senior living facility, look for someone who understands how to make shared spaces functional, familiar, and emotionally resonant. A well-designed senior environment doesn’t just look good—it feels like it’s meant to be lived in and experienced.

Upcycling a Bookshelf into a Grow Station

This is where I started: 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. The residents bought their own seeds and labeled the pots with Post-it Notes.

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 with matching happy yellow umbrellas. 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! Also: Note to self: I need to additional shelf space for more because it was so popular! This was the photo she sent:

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.  Watch this six minute 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.