# Recession Home Makeovers The Margarita I. Álvarez 'Boarded' Project Attempts Social Good By Josh Mears | Published 2012-01-09 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/boarded References: [kickstarter](http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/miablank/boarded-project) & [miaprojects.blogspot](http://miaprojects.blogspot.com/view/magazine) 'Boarded' is a special project to improve the appearence of some of the recession's casualties. This grassroots movement is spearheaded by Margarita I. Álvarez -- a.k.a M.I.A. -- and enables others to contribute by donations. The before and after images are vastly contrasting as the project focuses on making the best of a bad situation -- Boarded attempts to turn a frown upside down. The project brings [bright artwork](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dish-pics) to some of the most depressing communities in attempt to prevent discouragement or even theft via the "broken window theory" (the concept that cleaning up urban neighbourhoods can help ward off crime). Boarded nails [community engagement and social good](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lowes-community-bucket-list-tour) on the head as it aims to revitalize the world one [run-down community](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/casa-cruda) at a time. Attempting to bring life and hope to those who need it, the project is empowering those who wish to make a difference. The project may be called Boarded, but it is evidently breaking barriers for change. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.5/10 - Popularity: 57% | Activity: 41% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 90% men, 10% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Gen Alpha, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia, Africa ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [DIY](https://www.trendhunter.com/diy) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Community Art Initiatives:** The success of 'Boarded' points to an opportunity for more community-driven art projects aimed at revitalizing struggling neighborhoods. - **Social Impact Home Renovations:** 'Boarded' demonstrates the potential for home makeovers that have a positive social impact by improving the appearance and atmosphere of struggling communities. - **Creative Philanthropy:** The success of 'Boarded' showcases the potential for creative, grassroots philanthropic initiatives that engage communities in the process of positive change. ### Where This Applies - **Home Renovation:** 'Boarded' presents an opportunity for the home renovation industry to target socially conscious consumers by promoting positive social impact as a key factor in their services. - **Art:** 'Boarded' suggests an opportunity for artists and art organizations to take a more direct role in community revitalization efforts by using their talents to create works that inspire and engage residents. - **Philanthropy:** 'Boarded' highlights the potential for philanthropic organizations to explore creative, community-driven approaches to social change and engagement. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Upcycled Skateboard Projects](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/project-rpsd.md) - [Leftover Househouse Paint Artwork](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/paint-drop.md) - [Refreshed Housing Block Pavilions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/infonavit.md) - [Art-Promoting Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/beige-billboards.md) - [Repurposed Community Hubs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mooie-buurt.md) - [Recycled Bar Installations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bar-installation.md) - [Billboard-Transformed Tent Shelters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lifesaving-outdoors.md) - [Art Deco Affordable Housing](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/la-brea-affordable-housing.md) - [Abandoned Bar-Transformed Apartments](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/xstudio.md)