Colorado State Interior Design Students Improve Quality of Life for Berthoud Living Center Residents Â?? Open House April 18

Students in the Interior Design Program at Colorado State University participated in a service program partnering with the Berthoud Living Center to renovate and redesign the center’s dining facility in order to improve the quality of life of residents by increasing space for activities, entertainment, socializing and dining.

In order to showcase the students’ accomplishments, the BLC will host an open house from 2-4 p.m. April 18 at 855 Franklin Ave. in Berthoud. The event is free and open to the public.

The BLC is a 68-bed, skilled nursing facility located six miles from Longmont, Loveland or Johnston. The BLC offers a wide variety of on-site services including physical, occupational and speech therapies, on-site child care, respite care and long-term care for seniors.

Students began the partnership by touring the facility, interviewing and reviewing the aesthetic needs of residents. Students also researched similar facilities and developed four diverse schemes to propose to residents and staff.

"The best part about working with the students is their enthusiasm," said Deanna Kluver, admissions and community relations director at the BLC. "There is a lot to be said about students who take the time to volunteer."

The selected scheme is a wall mural showcasing a vintage dining cart placed in a mountain setting, combining the nostalgia of a carefree county fair with the warm charm of the historic dining cart.

"We hope that through this partnership we can show that interior design is not just home decorating," said Erin Price, student representative. "There is a need for interior design to improve quality of life."

For more information about the open house, contact Katharine Leigh at (970) 491-5042.

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