Furnishing Futures: Natalie’s story

The charity tackling furniture poverty for women often fleeing domestic abuse, transforming their lives and restoring hope

Furnishing Futures is growing as a charity, a testament to founder Emily Wheeler’s determination to create nurturing, healing homes for her beneficiaries, as well as support the circular economy by partnering with the interiors industry to repurpose beautiful, high-quality furniture that’s either dead stock, seconds, returns, ex-showroom pieces and props. She also works closely with trades, designers and partners who all volunteer their time to make happy homes for women and children who have suffered the trauma of violence and abuse.

One of their latest homes was created for Natalie (not her real name) who has recently escaped domestic abuse and human trafficking. She secured a one-bedroom east London flat, however, like many properties allocated to women in Natalie’s situation, it was completely empty, even lacking the absolute basics such as a floor, fridge, cooker or washing machine.

Emily collaborated with designer Ruth Milne who kindly brought in her contractor to work on the flat. The pair chose the soothing, Scandi-style colour palette and furnishings, taking inspiration from pieces Furnishing Futures already had available from donations. Some of these are from Soho Home, Carl Hansen and Romo, as well as a number of donated items from other interior design studios, artists and influencers. Ruth sourced the paint from Forest Recycling Project and the all-important flooring was generously donated by V4 Wood Flooring.

It took a good few weeks to transform the flat from an empty shell to the soulful abode it is now. First it was painted and the flooring laid over a week by Ruth’s contractor, then the decoration, furniture fitting and styling began, all carried out by volunteers.

Ruth and her contractor even managed to source and fit a dishwasher for Natalie, plus they cleverly added a new unit into the tiny kitchen for extra storage. A mini barbecue and café table and chairs – perfect for the balcony – were donated by stylist and author Emily Henson, which she’d previously used as props on a shoot. Natalie is thrilled with the result: ‘It’s so beautiful, and I’m extremely grateful to Emily and all the volunteers.’

How you can help

Donate goods by contacting donate@furnishingfutures.org, volunteer to help at volunteer@furnishingfutures.org or buy a charity gift online.