Bedroom renovation supports recovery
Windsor teenager Nicolas Toniolo received a stunning bedroom makeover just days before his life-changing spinal surgery. The 14-year-old, who has scoliosis, was the latest recipient of the 'Urban Angel Makeover' program run by Urbanhome Interior Design, a local company that provides free bedroom renovations to young people facing significant challenges.
Toniolo walked into his newly transformed sanctuary on Tuesday afternoon, June 23, 2026, and described seeing his new low-profile bed, which he can easily access, and his wall-mounted television as 'very exciting.'
New space designed for comfort
'I don't have to go to the front room to watch TV, which is very nice, because it's a far walk after I have my surgery,' Toniolo said. 'I'm very grateful for everything.'
The revamped bedroom includes a dresser, a mini fridge, a new desk and chair, an improved closet, and a lounge area with a sofa and coffee table. The design focuses on accessibility and comfort to aid his recovery after surgery.
Program gives back to community
Jodi Mason, owner and lead design consultant at Urbanhome Interior Design, told the Windsor Star she started the Urban Angel program to give back to the community. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, she and her team renovated bedrooms for several children and young adults for free, with support from local businesses.
'I'm a really big believer that your environment can impact your sense of well-being and make a real difference in your demeanour, and your state of mind,' Mason said. 'Being able to do that for a child with a special circumstance or challenge, knowing that it might make a little difference in their life, to create a safe and special place for them, is easy for us to do.'
First recipient since pandemic
Toniolo was the first Urban Angel Makeover recipient since the pandemic. Mason hopes to help one young person each year through the program moving forward. Her team received several nominations, and Toniolo stood out because of his physical challenges and the sudden loss of his father, Joseph, nearly two years ago.
'It was a very traumatic experience for him. He was his best buddy,' Mason said. 'Not only was he struggling with his physical disabilities, but he was struggling with emotional grief.'
Mason aimed to create a space where Toniolo 'could find peace and refuge and recover after his surgery — and give him his own little man cave as he enters high school.'
Looking ahead to surgery
Toniolo, who starts Grade 9 at St. Joseph's Catholic High School in September, said he hopes the upcoming surgery reduces his back pain and makes walking easier. 'I'm feeling a little nervous, because it's the most important surgery that I'm going to get. It's life-changing. I hope it goes well and it helps me a bunch.'
Several local businesses contributed to the makeover, including Tepperman's, Canadian Tire, Newby Structured Wiring, Closet Concepts & Cabinetry, and others who donated materials, furniture, and labour.
