Margaret Barnett: FACES of Atlanta
Successful interior designer Margaret BarnettΒ uses her talents to create comfort and joy for struggling veterans. Learn more about her fabulous non-profit and learn how you canΒ help develop the future of her What A Life Foundation.
More thanΒ 20 percent of Metro Atlantaβs homeless population are veterans. Think about that for a minute β brave soldiers who have spent a portion of their lives defending their homeland are now struggling to find a home. While programs and agencies work to secure housing for these folks, once they actually have an address, they often have no resources to set up their home. Talented interior designer Margaret Barnett of Barnett & Co. DesignΒ tacklesΒ this problem one family at a time through her outreach program, the What A Life Foundation. When her design clients long for a new interior look, Margaret revampsΒ their space and asks to collect the unused furniture left behind after the redo. Then, Margaret swirls her creative magic, usingΒ those donated items to transform the residences ofΒ needyΒ veterans into true homes β¦ uplifting upcycling that repurposesΒ quite patriotically. Today, learn more about Margaretβs mission and how to help.
When did you first recognize your passion for interior design?
When we had a terrible house fire back in 1975. My parents said we could all redesign our rooms. My siblings were not too terribly interested in the process, but I was thrilled. Our family home is here in Atlanta, and not too much of my room has changed.
What elements define a sense of home in a dwelling, other than the people in that space?
You can walk into a home and feel the vibes. Things do not need to be expensive or βfancyβΒ to make a room comfortable and livable.
Do you have some favorite projects completed by Barnett & Co. Design?
Weβve worked on so manyΒ lovely homes. One of my favorites was one of the penthouses at the Luxe, and the clients remainΒ very close friends. Upon meeting them, we knew instantly that the project was going to be a success. Their trust in us allowed us to push the envelope in a classic way, while showcasingΒ all their ancient accent pieces and artwork.
How did the idea for the What A Life Foundation originate?
Who was the first WAL veteran client?
Thatβd be DavidΒ β a singly guy whoβd just sort of fallen through the cracks. He was given my name by Hope Atlanta, and yetΒ it took him quite a while to contact meβ¦ his pride was getting in the way. Finally, we connected and visited his home. There was nothing but a chair and a card table. We got him all set up with a sofa, bedroom furniture and kitchen accessories.
How are clients identified? Where do you find the families that need assistance?
I work closely with Hope Atlanta, and they function as a clearinghouse. They screen different families for a variety of programs and connect me with ones matching our What A Life profile.
What are some of your greatest challenges of carrying out your mission?
LackΒ of funds. IβmΒ thrilled to use donated furniture, but I have a thing aboutΒ new white towels and new pillows and mattresses. We pay our movers a bare minimumΒ and thank them with referrals of other income-generatingΒ clients, but, yes,Β we still need major funding.
Tell us how to help. What items do you need the most?
Gently used furniture, new housewares, lamps, dressers, tables and chairs β think of what you might want in a first home or apartment or to give toΒ your child when they start out on their own. And financialΒ donations to help with the items IΒ need to purchase. If life were perfect, Iβd have a part-time intern, maybe 15-20 hours a week, sending letters all over the countryΒ seeking funding and maybeΒ keeping me more organized.
How are the financialΒ donations used?
Many times, I donβt quite know what I need until Iβm well into aΒ project, and then it makes more sense to go buy it new, so keeping cash available is crucial. I usually need to purchase those new linens and also buy mattresses and pillows. I pay the movers for gas and labor. Hopefully, soon, a bit canΒ go to payback to the company. I havenβtΒ taken a penny of a salary, and have tried to keep everything going for the foundationΒ just based on work from my design business.
Do you have any sponsorships or corporate partners for this program?
Nope. Not yet. Itβs just me right now.Β Securing those resources seems like a full-time job,Β but some type of support would really make a huge difference! Donβt you think a big company would like to join our cause?
Describe your vision for the future of the What A Life Foundation.
To focus totally on the foundation, toΒ make a living by serving others. To build a team and find the resources to make a home for more struggling families.
How do you balance your successful design firm with the demands of developing WAL?
I think every woman is challenged to nurture both her business and her family. My design firm has not gotten the attention that it needs lately, and thatβsΒ definitely a struggle. My heartβs pulled so strongly to continue developing What A Life, and I admittedly havenβt found that balance yet. Iβm open for suggestions!
How do you treat yourself? What are some of your favorite splurges?
Simple pleasures. A good dinner out or a Wendyβs Frosty. A trip with my daughters,Β or to visit my sister and mom in North Carolina.
Where can we find you around town β shopping, dining, just hanging out?
Iβm a Decatur girl β¦ I lived here way before it was cool. My dad worked at the Decatur Federal Building in town. My parents spearheaded the Twin Lakes pool. MyΒ family home is near Northlake. I went to Briarlake Elementary and ONLY made it because my dear friend (who has passed away) held my hand toΒ slowly walk me into school on that veryΒ first day. Bless her heart.
What three things could you not live without, excluding faith, family and friends?
- A shower.
- Working in my garden. I can go out there and weed and see instant gratification!
- I donβt think I could live without my eyesight. That would be the end of me.
