Stephen’s Project

Designed by Stephanie Rossi of Spazio Rosso Interior Design

Managed by Michael Collins of D. Michael Collins Architects

Stephen’s Bedroom:

During my initial meeting with Stephen and his family, I was incredibly impressed by their enthusiasm, uplifting spirit, and positive attitude. Stephen was diagnosed at birth with a chronic, rare disease called Incontinentia Pigmenti which is a disorder that affects the skin, teeth, hair, nails, eyes and central nervous system resulting in numerous physical and cognitive limitations.  It was clear to the design team that despite Stephen’s disability, the family has surrounded him with love, encouragement and determination, and to quote his Mom, “Enjoy the littlest of accomplishments while striving for the great ones”. Stephen lit up the room with his excitement as we learned about his interests in maps, clocks and bright colors.

Stephen had a clear vision for what he wanted in his room: his favorite color (orange!), his own desk and whiteboard, and most importantly…maps! Additionally, he needed storage and his mom felt that it was important to have an uncluttered space for his own safety.

I did not want Stephens’ room to look like a typical little boy’s room but rather a space he could grow into. The team I worked with was careful to implement safety solutions throughout the room. We utilized solutions such as appropriate dresser handles, simple on/off light switches, and additional lighting.  A custom platform bed was designed with his comfort and safety in mind and we added clutter free storage cubbies within the bed unit and finished with a bright orange cushion alongside the bed.

Orange striated FLOR tiles were placed in the room, which worked beautifully as an area rug, creating a soft play surface.

In tackling the map concept I had a close friend design ‘The Ultimate World Map’, labeling as many countries as could be squeezed in. Eddie Collins of E. Collins Graphic & Industrial Design Studio did the honors. Our apologies to the Hawaiian islands, as they were simply far too small to accommodate proper titles! The map was then printed on vinyl whiteboard paper so Stephen could use a dry-erase marker to interact and self-explore the world, ‘his world’.

Seeing Stephen’s face when he first walked into his new bedroom was the icing on the cake. He quietly took everything in, contemplating methodically all of the changes and improvements. We learned later that he couldn’t wait to go sit at his desk and do his homework. This was a first for Stephen and a sign that we accomplished our mission: to make one adorable, smart little boy happy and comfortable in his new environment!

Bridget & Fiona’s Bedroom:

What little girl wouldn’t love a room filled with millions of butterflies?! For two little girls who would be sharing a room, we had to comfortably fit them into a space with room to play, sleep, & grow. Fortunately the girls’ bedroom was large enough to fit a new bunk bed, large dresser, two nightstands and a bookcase; not to mention all new draperies trimmed with red grosgrain ribbon, lighting, and again FLOR tiles. C & R Flooring was so kind and generous to donate new hardwood floors for each bedroom. This initial step not only gave us a clean slate to work from, but set forth a mentality that donating both time and resources were the least we all could do to provide this amazing family with subtle upgrades and inspiration.

Despite the fluttering of multi-colored butterflies, the girls were most enamored with the fact that they had a bunk bed! It brought back memories of childhood play dates and sleepovers, which we could all tell would increase significantly now that all 3 siblings had room make-overs to show off!

Many Thanks to the Donors that made this Project Possible:

C &R Flooring

FLOR Carpet Design Squares

Catchlight Painting

Sherwin Williams

E.Collins Graphic & Industrial Design Studio

ICL-Imaging

Dellorfon Electric

J Benjamin Smith Wallpaper Installations

Ken Soderholm, Soderhom Builders

Marcoux Upholstery

Michael J Lee Photography

D. Michael Collins Architects

Stephanie Rossi of Spazio Rosso Interior Design