Alexandra Ellis Caring Cabin

A Meditation Pavilion Refresh on the Oregon Coast

Location: Oregon Coast

Project Type: Pro Bono Design & Furnishings

The Story:

Some projects change you.

The Alexandra Ellis Caring Cabin is a secluded retreat nestled within 24 acres of Oregon Coast woodlands — a sanctuary where children facing serious illness and their families can escape the weight of hospital visits and find moments of joy, connection, and peace. It was founded by the Children's Cancer Association in honor of Alexandra Ellis, who was five years old when she lost her battle with cancer.

When the opportunity arose to refresh the cabin's meditation pavilion, there was no hesitation. As a member of the JoyRx Northwest Leadership Council, this was a chance to put design to work in the most meaningful way possible - to give back to an organization that gives so much.

The Design:

The design brief was simple and profound: capture the healing connection to nature - from the forest to the lake to the coast.

Every furnishing, every detail, every decision was made in service of that intention. The space needed to feel calm enough for a child in treatment, beautiful enough to inspire wonder, and durable enough to serve countless families for years to come.

The centerpiece of the pavilion is a stunning commissioned mural by visual artist Meghan Catherine Dragon, sourced through the Regional Arts & Culture Council. Her nature-inspired work - featuring native species in flowing, organic forms brings the Oregon landscape indoors and wraps the space in a sense of wonder that no furniture alone could achieve.

Furnishings and décor were layered around the mural to support rather than compete with organic textures, soft neutrals, and pieces that invite stillness and rest.

Even the furnishings carry a story - a lounge chair found on Facebook Marketplace for $50 was reupholstered in a Pindler fabric sourced through Kate Ause, proving that a beautiful, intentional space doesn't require an unlimited budget.

"Through a beautiful mural, furnishings, and décor, we were able to capture the essence of tranquility for those who need it most." — Refinement Wagner, Design With Refinement

This project was made possible by the generosity of an entire community — including photographer Crosby Dove, who donated his time to capture the finished space.

Key Features:

Commissioned nature mural by Meghan Catherine Dragon — native species, flowing forms, Oregon landscape brought indoors
Vintage lounge chair — sourced on Facebook Marketplace for $50 and custom upholstered in Pindler fabric through Kate Ause
Uttermost mirror and sculptural wall art — layered details that add warmth and dimension to the pavilion walls
Organic furnishings and décor — chosen to support calm, comfort, and wonder
Nature-to-healing design narrative — forest, lake, and coast woven throughout
Pro bono design and furnishings — donated in full by Design With Refinement

Why It Works

Healing spaces require letting go. This pavilion works because the design never tries to be the story — it serves the story.

The mural gives the eye something to explore while the surrounding nature provides the calm no furniture can manufacture. The furnishings give families a place to exhale. And together, every element reminds everyone who enters that beauty still exists - even on the hardest days.

That's what intentional design can do when it's rooted in something larger than aesthetics.