No offense to any of the other annual Salvation Army events, but the Noah’s ARC Design Challenge is my favorite event we do each year.

Why, you ask? Because interior design students from schools in Orange County, California form teams to design a 12′ by 12′ space according to a theme. They’re allowed to use furniture, accessories, lighting, floor coverings, wall art, etc., ONLY from our Salvation Army Family Stores. The only new thing in each room is the paint donated by Sherwin-Williams.

In other words, they take items that may be a little rough around the edges and invest some time getting them to shine again. Their beautiful rooms show the world that nothing – and no one – is beyond redemption.

Just like the officers and staff who work each day with the residents of our Adult Rehabilitation Centers which are funded by the sale of items donated to our stores. Men and women come to us addicted, tired, lonely and hopeless and spend six months learning that God loves them and wants to make their lives new again.

Each room is open for public viewing until May 19 when the winner is announced! Every item in the room is up for auction so please stop by and place a bid.

Here are photos of the rooms in alphabetical order by school:

The “Posh Nostalgia” room is located at The Salvation Army Family Store in Fountain Valley, CA / 16119 Brookhurst ST – click here for a map

The “Rustic Modern” room is located at The Salvation Army Family Store in Hungtington Beach, CA / 1732 Beach BL – Click here for a map

The “Retro Modern” room is located at The Salvation Army Family Store in San Clemente, CA / 2727 Via Cascadita – Click here for a map

The “Modern Contemporary” room is located at The Salvation Army Family Store in Orange, CA – 180 S Tustin ST – Click here for a map

If you’d like to see more photos of each room, please click on the following links:
:: Posh Nostalgia
:: Rustic Modern
:: Retro Modern
:: Contemporary Modern

Please support these talented students and see their spectacular room designs!

If you want to find The Salvation Army Family Store or donation drop off site near you, please visit us at

PS – you get extra points if you can guess which room is my fave!

Related posts:

1. Photos from the Noah’s ARC Interior Design Challenge!
2. Portland students compete in Design A Dorm Challenge!
3. Students create stunning interiors with thrift store finds!
4. The Salvation Army in Southern Cal holds annual Dirt Dash & Mud Run!
5. Sal Army Rose Parade Music Competition: vote for your favorite!

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