I was given a large community room in a senior-living complex. The room was used for activities and now and then for gathering events. However, the room did not have a cosy atmosphere and it was definitely not a place where you want to be for coffee/tea gatherings.

With a very small budget and a skilled carpenter, we got the community together to give input and ideas. With hours spent on research and designs and with support from a small decor team, we pulled it together. Keep in mind that we had to make something out of the old to look like new. We used recycled countertops and old little dining tables, and even with a small budget, the end result surprised us. Not everything happened as we planned, and we had to be flexible with change during the process. I am happy to say that the residents responded with excitement and appreciation.
The project took us about two months to complete.
Now, two weeks after completion, we have already hosted two birthday tea parties.