Redesigning with Heart
Photography by Up and Away Studios
Some projects remind us why we do what we do.
This one wasn’t about trends or square footage—it was about creating comfort in the wake of unimaginable loss.
The Story Behind it…
When we were approached to help a family whose young son, Sawyer, had passed away from cancer, I knew immediately it was something we needed to be part of. I hesitate to call these our “charity projects,” because that term never feels quite right—but they are heartfelt, pro bono projects our team takes on when we feel called to help.
Sawyer had passed away months earlier, and his little brother Myles was sleeping in a Pack’N Play in the parents’ closet. Ashley and Kalen, his parents, didn’t know how to move Myles into Sawyer’s room without feeling like they were erasing a part of their son. When Ashley reached out to Heather—who had faced a similar loss—and Heather contacted me, I knew instantly this was our next project of love. You can read about our very first pro bono project here.
The Design Process
Our goal began as reimagining Sawyer’s room for Myles, but it quickly grew. We decided to redesign 5 year old Bennett’s room and refresh the primary bedroom for Ashley and Kalen as well—small gestures to help the whole family feel comforted and supported at home again.
Ashley and Kalen were incredibly patient with our schedule as we balanced this work alongside a full roster of client projects. My team volunteered their time—something I’m endlessly grateful for—and they did so with so much grace, heart, and dedication.
Community & Connection
One of the hardest parts for me personally is putting myself out there on social media to ask for help. I hesitated before recording that video, sharing the story, and explaining why it meant so much to me. My sister passed away from cancer when she was just twelve, and I was nine. These aren’t just design projects—they’re personal, purposeful acts of love.
I shouldn’t have hesitated. Our community stepped up in the most incredible way. Donations and messages poured in from clients, friends, family, and even complete strangers. The generosity was overwhelming—and deeply moving.
Reveal Day
Months later, when everything was ready, we gathered our volunteers for install day. Two days of emptying rooms, building furniture, hanging art, and styling later, we were ready for the big reveal.
To say we were anxious is an understatement. Because we rely on donated products and materials, these families rarely see anything in advance—they’re trusting us completely.
The team from Dapper Built was so amazing and helped move furniture, build furniture and basically any task we needed on reveal day!
Bennett, five years old, was shy at first but lit up when he saw his new bunk beds. Myles settled happily into his new big-boy room, filled with little touches that honoured his brother. The light fixtures, donated by Robinson Lighting & Bath, were coincidentally called “Sawyer”—a detail that made us all pause and tear up when I told Ashley and Kalen.
A Home Full of Heart
In the end, we think it’s safe to say the family was thrilled. More than that, we hope the spaces bring them comfort, peace, and a sense of renewal.
To everyone who donated their time, money, or product—thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Through thoughtful details and gentle design choices, we hope these rooms serve as places of healing, love, and remembrance.
thank you to our donors!
Labour: Dapper Built
Painting: Divine Painting
MDF Wall: Iconic Custom Carpentry
Wallpaper Install: Colors In Contrast
Lighting (boys’ rooms): Robinsons Lighting and Bath
Lighting (Ashley and Kalen’s room): Lighthouse
Draperies and Cushions: (Labour): Designer’s Choice
Draperies (Fabric): Romo and Zimmer and Rohde
Art installation: BLK Arts
Electrical: Neutech Electrical Services
Mirror donation in Primary: Colleen Ferguson
Photography: Up and Away Studios
also thank you to our Go Fund Me donors!
💚 Watch for future pro bono projects from our team.
These are the projects that remind us why design matters—and we’re always grateful to the community that helps make them possible.
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