Zoe’s Project…Room to Dream 2025
Zoe’s Enchanted Forest….The Room To Dream Foundation creates magic with the help of Dane Austin Design, NEDC and local artists and trade partners.
We stepped forward to help the incredible Stef Nathanson and the Room to Dream Foundation bring the dreams of 9-year-old Zoe to life in Newton, MA. With Dane Austin Design’s magic and the work of the entire team, a child’s creative wishes and fantasy were made real in a manner which is as meaningful as it is personally moving.
The Room to Dream Foundation is a non-profit that helps disadvantaged youth by completely recreating their home space—bringing joy, design, color and life of their choosing into their homes.
This organization and Nathan are one of a kind, and we have worked with them for many years.
This is their Mission Statement of the Room to Dream Foundation:
“The mission of the Room to Dream Foundation is to create healing environments in bedrooms for children and adolescents who are facing chronic illnesses. As they recuperate and recover, our hope is that their renovated spaces will improve their quality of life, promote strength, imagination, self-worth, and aid in their recovery processes.”
More about the Room To Dream Foundation.
The scope of work for this project included a complete redesign and build of her bedroom including a magical custom loft reminiscent of Narnia or Lord of the Rings, a makeup station and lovely furniture, beautifully integrated. An adjacent room was redone with a touch of creative magic–including hand-painted wall designs. A charming reading nook was designed and built. The space is truly special and was done through the heartfelt dedication of all involved, giving of their time, creativity and resources to lend hope and change to this child and family.
“In the heart of every Room to Dream project lives a child whose soul shapes the space. For Zoe, an extraordinary 10-year-old with the wisdom of someone twice her age and the talents of many lifetimes, we imagined a room that reflects the magic she carries with her. A woodland meadow filled with lavender tones, baby blue dreams, and sage-green stillness. From ballroom gowns and cello strings to fairy lights and forest lofts, every detail was thoughtfully crafted to celebrate who she is and who she’s becoming.
The collaboration was a true labor of love. It came together through the talents and generosity of so many incredible tradespeople and artisans including Patina Designs, NE Closets, Simply Windows, Landry and Arcari, Makkas, NEDC, and Gilman Guidelli & Bellow. Each brought their creativity and heart to help us shape something more meaningful than just a beautiful space. Together, we created a sanctuary, a story, a foundation for growth.
As designers, these are the moments that feed our souls.
“It’s deeply rewarding to partner with organizations like Room to Dream,” say Dane and Caitlin of Dane Austin Design. “Being invited into the lives of families like Zoe and her mother Tammy, and using our creative talents and design superpowers for good—this is why we do what we do. We believe a well-designed home creates a sense of peace, confidence, and creativity. Helping someone realize the full potential of their environment means giving them a place where they can truly thrive.”
This was more than a room makeover. It was a collaboration rooted in purpose, compassion, and creativity. We are so honored to have been part of Zoe’s journey, and deeply grateful for everyone who helped turn her dreams into a space where she can grow, explore, and shine.”
Dane Austin – Dane Austin Design
These words below from Zoe’s mother speak volumes:
“Prior to this project, my nine-year-old daughter was battling cancer and I’m a solo mom. About a year into her treatment I was also diagnosed with cancer which added a heavy weight to her shoulders on top of her own–it was devastating but we tried each day to stay positive and grateful, but things kept trying to knock us down.
A mother and daughter battling life-threatening scary illnesses at the same time was very surreal, unimaginable and of the utmost difficultly. I am the only caretaker and I had more to do than I could handle, but failure was never an option. So we always looked for the stepping stones to get us across the raging river in front of us.
And one of those stepping stones was a Room to Dream. It really was a dream. From the very beginning, Stefan Nathanson was the kindest person I’ve ever met. His honest, heartfelt desire to help a child like my daughter was so sincere. It gave me tears of joy to speak with him.
And when the design team, Dane Austin and Caitlin and Henry (from NEDC) came to the house and spoke to Zoe, Dane sat on the floor with her and asked her about her dreams of a room where she would be able to relax and thrive, and what she wanted, she sat with him and told him her heart’s dream–and a few months later, it became a real reality.
When Zoe walked into her room rooms, created by Room to Dream and the creative design team, it was like a fantasy. It was just what she asked for and more. I never saw anything so beautiful and so comfortable. If we’re away, she wants to go home and she wants to be in those rooms.
She feels comfortable. She feels love and support.
The first night she slept in the room. She woke up and came to me and said, “Mom I don’t think I did anything to deserve all this–are you sure all this is for me?” I assured her that Mr. Nathanson and Miss Dane Austin and the whole NEDC and Room to Dream team wanted her to have it and that they were all giving to her generously to make her happy and thrive and to get healthy again.
She couldn’t believe it…
We just want to tell them all from the bottom of our hearts, the biggest most gigantic thank you! We will never forget you and your work and kindness and you’ve changed our lives for the better and for good.”
Love,
Zoe’s Mother
We would like to acknowledge and thank all involved:
A huge thank you to Nathan Stefanson and the Room to Dream Foundation, Dane and Caitlin from Dane Austin Design, Henry, Spencer, Caitlin, Kayo, Steve, Aaron, Mike, Joe S., Joe W., and the NEDC team—you went the extra mile, Patina Designs, NE Closets, Simply Windows, Landry and Arcari, Makkas, and Gilman Guidelli & Bellow:
Room to Dream Foundation:
Dane Austin Design:
Pauline Curtiss & Patina Designs:
New England Closets:
Simply Windows:
https://www.simply-windows.com/location/boston-ma
Landry & Acari
Makkas