Like many young boys, Finnegan and Colman Kuzniar take interest in Legos, Batman, and their local ice hockey team the Chicago Blackhawks. But unlike most kids, the Kuzniar brothers battle an autoimmune disease, which can make something as insignificant as a cold quickly turn into a life-threatening illness. Chicago-based Normandy Remodeling teamed up with non-profit Special Spaces to makeover both of their bedrooms based on their passions, which will allow them to enjoy personalized spaces in good and bad health.
The remodeling company was invited to sponsor the renovation project by Sam Welch, a high school–aged son of a former customer. Welch started a local chapter of Special Spaces, whose mission is to “create dream bedrooms for children with life-threatening medical illnesses.”
“When Sam reached out to us and asked if we wanted to sponsor a makeover, it seemed like such a natural fit,” says Andy Wells, Normandy Remodeling's president, in a press release. “Our company is focused on creating homes and rooms that are tailored to fit the person or family using them, so when we had the opportunity to create dream bedrooms for two little boys, we jumped at the chance.”
Before the transformation, Normandy designers met with the boys to discuss design ideas for each of the bedrooms. Colman, age 7, is an ice hockey fan and loves the Blackhawks. Finnegan, age 4, wanted a room centered around Legos and Batman.
On July 14, the family spent the day away from the home so a handful of Normandy team members could remodel the bedrooms. Later that evening, the team revealed the rooms to the brothers and their parents.
Colman’s room was painted a bright red and includes ice hockey-themed wall decals and a hockey goal headboard, while Finnegan’s room received a custom Batman mural and a closet barn door decked out in Legos.
“Donating our time and resources to this bedroom makeover initiative was extremely gratifying,” says Wells. “Remodeling is all about making improvements. That is why Normandy’s objective is not only to beautify the homes of our clients, but to enrich the surrounding community."
