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20th Century Studios

What a Life Foundation Facebook page

In case you ever question the transformative power of bright throw pillows and a comfy chair, meet Margaret Barnett, an Atlanta-area designer who has been called "Robin Hood of interior design" for her work with homeless veterans. We learned about Barnett in the September issue of O, The Oprah Magazine, and we were inspired by her commitment to helping families in need turn their bare living spaces into warm, personalized homes.

Barnett, owner and principal designer at the high-end design firm Barnett & Co., started the What a Life Foundation to achieve her goal of helping veterans. Inspired by her father, a former Marine, Barnett works with veterans by furnishing their homes and working to modify spaces for the physically challenged. How does she do it? She stores furniture castoffs from her clients in a warehouse until she finds the right home for them, and she also sets aside money from high-paying projects and, in exchange for a discount on a job, she asks clients to donate the difference to What a Life, which is tax-deductible contribution.

It's pretty clear from these photos that, not only is Barnett giving veterans and their families comfy new digs, but she's also helping them get a fresh start.

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20th Century Studios

What a Life Foundation Facebook page

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20th Century Studios
From: House Beautiful US
Headshot of Colleen Egan
Colleen Egan
I’m an editor at Veranda.com, ELLEDECOR.com, and Housebeautiful.com. I’ve never met a gallery wall I didn’t like and in my apartment you’ll find probably too many photos and prints of oceans, lakes, and pools.