This Nonprofit Gives New Bedrooms to Kids in a Medical Crisis
In this video, interior designer Susan Wintersteen shows how her organization makes recovery at home comfier for kids
Mitchell Parker
April 30, 2020
Houzz Editorial Staff. Home design journalist writing about cool spaces, innovative trends, breaking news, industry analysis and humor.
Houzz Editorial Staff. Home design journalist writing about cool spaces, innovative... More
About five years ago, interior designer Susan Wintersteen felt burned out in her career. Then she was introduced to a local family in San Diego whose child had just been diagnosed with cancer. Wanting to help, she offered to redesign the child’s bedroom to make recovery more comfortable.
That experience led her to start Savvy Giving by Design, a nonprofit whose members redesign the rooms of children facing a medical crisis. The organization now has 15 chapters across the country. “I love working with families that have a medical need where interior design is coming in and solving a really big problem for them,” Wintersteen says. “And I know that their healing is going to be enhanced by improving their lighting and improving their sleeping situation.”
In this video, Wintersteen chats with Reisa Elden, the head of industry partnerships at Houzz, about how Savvy Giving by Design works, and how others can get involved.
That experience led her to start Savvy Giving by Design, a nonprofit whose members redesign the rooms of children facing a medical crisis. The organization now has 15 chapters across the country. “I love working with families that have a medical need where interior design is coming in and solving a really big problem for them,” Wintersteen says. “And I know that their healing is going to be enhanced by improving their lighting and improving their sleeping situation.”
In this video, Wintersteen chats with Reisa Elden, the head of industry partnerships at Houzz, about how Savvy Giving by Design works, and how others can get involved.
About a year ago, Shanella, shown here, was diagnosed with T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. The local chapter of Savvy Giving by Design in Tampa, Florida, stepped in to help create her dream bedroom, which included a new desk with her home-schooling supplies.
Watch now: See more on how Savvy Giving by Design updates kids’ rooms
Watch now: See more on how Savvy Giving by Design updates kids’ rooms
Shanella loves the beach, so designers added watery blues and greens throughout the room, including a mermaid-scale design over the bed.
Here, Avila, who was diagnosed with acute lymphocytic leukemia at age 7, smiles after seeing her new bedroom for the first time. It was given a makeover by Savvy Giving by Design.
Watch now: See more on how Savvy Giving by Design updates kids’ rooms
Learn about how to get involved or open a local chapter.
More on Houzz
See more episodes of Houzz TV
Find a pro
Watch now: See more on how Savvy Giving by Design updates kids’ rooms
Learn about how to get involved or open a local chapter.
More on Houzz
See more episodes of Houzz TV
Find a pro
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What a great nonprofit!
This is a wonderful story. I can imagine the kids are thrilled with their room makeovers, a positive experience as they battle their illness. Thank you for supporting these warriors and bringing them a smile.
Susan is such an inspiration. I admire her, and people like her, who find a way to use their particular talents for good. The smiles on the childrens faces when they saw their new bedrooms is golden and heartwarming. Thank you for a beautiful story!