There is a difference between a house and a home.
A house is a building. It can be cold, bland and simply serve a structural purpose. A home refers to a space or location that brings about a sense of belonging.
It might seem odd to associate belonging with a static object or grouping of objects, but the term “nesting” has long been associated with the urge to “arrange one’s immediate surroundings… to create a place where one feels secure, comfortable and/or in control.” Most often this behavior is associated with preparing for a new baby. However, there are plenty of times outside of this phenomenon where a person might tend toward nesting behaviors.
Redecorating is a routine part of keeping a home; it helps with upkeep and freshens up the space, giving it new life. Also, for many, it is a way to create structure and simulate some level of control during a time of tumult or transition. A new environment can be uplifting, create a sense of security and serve a new season of life.
A Psychological Effect
Savvy Giving by Design understands the psychological effect a space can have on its inhabitant.
In 2014, Susan Wintersteen gave her time and talents to a local family when their teen daughter was diagnosed with cancer. Seeing the impact a fun and efficient design had for this family and this teen was what inspired Wintersteen to start her 501(c)3 and build a national network of interior designers who provide these services to families in need.
Lizzie Sneed is a bubbly 10-year-old with a contagious smile. Her laugh comes easily and her enthusiasm for life is evident. She is a daughter, a sister, a friend. And she also has a number of critical illnesses. Her illnesses require her to have constant care, including overnight nursing and the assistance of a service dog. She has had seven surgeries and 40 hospital admissions in her lifetime, and she requires 25 medications a day to keep her stable. Her room is small and houses much of the medical equipment and supplies that are imperative to her health. This arrangement limits the space she has available to her to play and move around.
The Denver Chapter of Savvy Giving by Design received her referral and knew they could help give Lizzie a room to heal.
Kathy Helfrich of Be Happy Interiors (https://www.behappyinteriors.com/) acted as lead designer and Kristen Schneider of Holistic Interiors (https://www.holisticinteriors.net/) was Lizzie’s secondary designer. These ladies reached out to Tricia Turk of Turk Interiors (https://turkinteriors.com/) to see if she would like to assist, given that the Sneed family is located in Colorado Springs. Turk had followed Wintersteen for years and she wanted to help.
Creating Special Spaces
“I loved how [Wintersteen] found a way to help others that directly aligned with her talents,” Turk explained. “If I can use my giftings to help a family and help a kid feel better in their space–this is right up my alley, I was all for it,” she adds, noting her excitement to be able to assist on the project.
Turk goes on to explain how Savvy Giving by Design looks at the family’s situation holistically and tries to also do something for the sibling(s) of the child chosen for the new room. Turk was assigned Lizzie’s brother Adam’s room for this project.
Schneider became aware of Savvy Giving by Design after her son had dealt with his own critical illnesses. Within her design abilities, she sought to create a space that affected their family’s well-being and, in turn, promoted healing and morale.
“I watched my daughter on the sidelines as her brother received most of my attention during that time–it is great that this program recognizes the siblings and helps them to feel special by also giving them something of their own,” Schneider says.
Lizzie and Adam’s rooms were revealed to them at the end of June and the excitement from the design team matched that of the family.
The Big Reveals
Adam’s room was revealed to him first.
A young man who presented as stoic and reserved lit up as his door was opened. The cool colors, his very own desk, a fan and lights that synched up with music were “really cool” according to Adam.
But as he brought his grandmother in to show her the room, he was heard saying “come look at my closet! Look at the organization!” While the rest of the crew was awed by his special lighting, Adam knew that he was given just what he had asked for–a serene and calming space, kept cool by his own fan and kept orderly with a built-in organization system in his closet. He had been heard.
The team geared up for Lizzie’s room reveal. As everyone gathered in the hallway, the energy was palpable.
The door opened and the family flooded in. The first thing Lizzie saw was her bed, and she immediately did a flying leap into the middle of the fuzzy blanket and layered throw pillows. As she took everything in, she saw a reading nook and a closet system that offered her space for all of her things. It was bright and roomy, and every detail was considered, down to her painted ceiling.
“I love it–it’s a dream!" she exclaimed, as she made fur-angels on her new comforter. It’s everything I ever wanted!”
Website: https://www.sgbddenver.org/
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Savvy Giving by Design welcomes time, talents or help with fundraising. Donations are tax deductible; funds go toward room furnishings. Services are donated. Many thanks to Colorado Springs-based Raine Building for making necessary structural changes for these rooms and to Springs Home Improvement for demo and labor. It's everything the family needed and more!