Design Wish grants family room makeover

Guilford (WTNH) - A Guilford family is enjoying their new family room. The Spencer family was granted a "Design Wish" for all they give to children with special needs.

Jason, Andrew and Amiee are all special needs children adopted by Brian and Beth Spencer through the state Department of Children and Families.

"They give you more love than you would have ever thought," Beth Spencer said.

The compassion these parents have for their children caught the attention of local designers and Design Wish. This team makes over a room for a deserving family. A letter written by one of the Spencer's biological children won the hearts of judges.

"If we hadn't received another letter after that it wouldn't have mattered, we knew," Lisa Leonardi from Design Wish said.

Last week designers moved in to transform the Spencer's living room, moving couches, furniture and toys. For two days while the family was away a team of 50 volunteers worked their magic.

The result? "It's breathtaking," Spencer said.

The living room is now a relaxing space with lots of seating even for the little ones.
Fresh paint, blue and tan, cover the walls. New furniture accented by treasured family heirlooms like the piano fill the beach-like space.

Before, the living room was cluttered and there was no warmth. But now a nook of hooks and baskets and a wall of family photos made to look like stained glass windows at church make this room their oasis.

They're humbled at the generosity.

"It's overwhelming what people have done," Brian Spencer said.

The family is in the process of adopting another child, which means six children will be enjoying the new space.

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For more information on Design Wish and to see more pictures from the Spencer's home visit designwish.org