Garcelle Beauvais doesn't stray from the truth! The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star has been refreshingly candid about the impact and struggles the COVID-19 pandemic has had on her and her twin 13-year-old sons, Jaid and Jax when it comes to virtual learning.
The eye-opening experience shifted the way she thinks when it comes to teachers. She's found newfound gratitude, and to show them just how much she appreciates them, she's partnered with HomeGoods ahead of the school year — and all the back-to-school shopping.
Together they redesigned a teacher's lounge at the Benjamin Franklin K-8 Center in Miami, Florida. But why Miami specifically? She's a product of the Miami school district, of course.
"I was born in Haiti and attended high school in the Miami area, and my sister is a Vice Principal at a nearby school in Miami. My teachers played a huge role in inspiring me to dream big, so it was important to me to go back to my roots to give back to teachers in the area," she explains in a recent E! Online article.
Filled with bright yellow cabinets, multi-colored rugs, and only the best armchairs, she's giving us all the classroom décor ideas when it comes to creating a warm, inspiring space, and now you can too.
5 Garcelle Beauvais classroom décor ideas
Whether you are a teacher looking for budget-friendly ways to elevate your own teacher's lounge, or a parent hoping to inspire their child during yet another year of virtual learning, she's here to inspire.
Garcelle Beauvais outlined five classroom décor ideas to remember when decorating your space this school year, as well as some selections to bring your vision to life. (And, since HomeGoods items are only available in stores, we've rounded up some sensational substitutions from their sister brand, TJ MAXX.)
Classroom Décor Idea #1: Use vertical space to draw your eyes up, up, up!
"We used hanging shelves, a vertical bookcase, and eye-popping art to lift the mood and draw your attention upward. Adding writing utensils, notebooks, and other fun finds make it a one-of-a-kind space that is both stylish and functional," explains Garcelle Beauvais.
Try these classroom décor ideas:
Classroom Décor Idea #2: Infuse color to create dimension and energy
"[You can find] a wide variety of colorful takes on even the most basic kitchen essentials such as bowls, cups, and kettles. Let the essentials serve as added décor by displaying your finds on open shelving. Plus, add soothing energy with plants and florals – faux ones, that is. I added a little personal touch with yellow orchids on the dining table – I have them in my own home," adds Beauvais.
Try these classroom décor ideas:
Classroom Décor Idea #3: Add light for ambiance and mood
"Look for unique lamps to brighten dark spaces or nooks [much] like the peaceful feeling that this glow light adds to our zen space. When possible, let natural light shine and enhance the small space by adding wow-worthy curtains to large window areas – the curtains transform the otherwise blank space into a cohesive room with an overall aesthetic," she explains.
Try these classroom décor ideas:
Classroom Décor Idea #4: Mix and match styles with a new twist
"I love to get inspired and try out new trends. I like to integrate tried and true items like this classic, yet statement-making, golden yellow velvet accent chair in tandem with trendy materials like this rattan coffee table," adds Garcelle Beauvais.
Try these classroom décor ideas:
Classroom Décor Idea #5: Let the space inspire you
"Incorporate bright pops of color through unique artwork, placed a handful of essential oil diffusers, and added plush, comfortable seating options. [Here] we added meaningful touches by filling a special, glass sphere jar from HomeGoods with inspirational quotes for the teachers to read when they need an extra boost of positivity," concludes Beauvais.