Room for Improvement: Gizmo House Living Room

WSVN -- Martin Amado: "Today's makeover on Room for Improvement is truly a special one. We're helping out the Ann Storck center in Fort Lauderdale, a non-profit organization that serves children and adults with severe physical and mental challenges redo one of their residential homes called the Gizmo House, but before we get there, let's take a tour of the center."

From toddlers to elders, there is music, art and plenty of cheers. This center provides programs to any one with special needs.

James McGuire: "We exists to provide for a very specific need in Broward County, that is to take care of children and adults who present severe and multiple developmental disabilities."

Here, students from across the US learn how to discover their abilities and build independence, and some even have even created award winning art.

James McGuire: "The annual exhibitions that we have are an opportunity for our artists to be recognized for what they can do. Its not about their disability, its about their ability."

Martin Amado: "And now, we're finally at the Gizmo House. It's near the Ann Storck Center main campus, and its where the makeover is taking place."

This house is the first-of-its kind thanks to smart home technology. The residents operate kitchen cabinets, curtains and table tops trough touch screen computers.

James McGuire: "Its been 10 years since we created Gizmo House and we're in need of a makeover."

Martin Amado: "All right, so what are the needs of the residents?"

James McGuire: "Room needs to be warm and it needs to be inviting."

Martin Amado: "I love all those things and hopefully we'll accomplish it for you at he end of the day."

Martin Amado: "All right, so the living room right now has mis matched furniture and as you can tell, is not in the best condition, so the goal is to replace everything and clear out the room."

Martin Amado: "Extra hands always help. All right, the room is clear, let's bring in the new furniture."

Martin Amado: "So thanks to the generosity of City Furniture, the Gizmo House living room is going to be completely updated."

Martin Amado: "I chose leather because of its durability, and also the scale of the coffee table is small so it can easily be moved out of the way when residents want to enjoy the space with their families."

Martin Amado: "All right, pop quiz. Its time for window treatments."

Martin Amado: "Thanks to Lowe's, we got all the window treatments. Now, I chose the panels the same color as the walls to create a more neutral backdrop and that way the art work really pops."

Martin Amado: "If you want to hang art work the professional way, do not use screws, use a flat picture hanger instead. It will only leave a pin size hole if you ever remove it in the future."

Martin Amado: "Last painting. Let's move on to decorative accessories."

Martin Amado: "Magazines on a coffee table always give it that decorator touch."

Martin Amado: "These decorative spheres are the final touch, tying in all the colors of the new Gizmo House together and we are done. I hope they like it."

Martin Amado: "This morning, the living room furniture at the Gizmo House was functional, but it had seen better days with a complete makeover thanks to our sponsors at City Furniture and Lowe's, we now have a beautiful space that's inviting for all the residents and families to enjoy."

Martin Amado: "One. Two. Three. Go ahead and open your eyes."

Lenny: "These are just four of the residents that live here.

Martin Amado: "Awesome. Well it as a pleasure to do this for you guys. Please enjoy it. Thank you so much for being a part of Room for Improvement. To all the viewers, thank you so much for watching and we'll see you next time on another Room for Improvement."

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Ann Storck Center
www.annstorckcenter.org