Designer Carolina Chavez for Sergeant Perez
Through the month of October, Furnishing Hope invited interior designers to furnish and stage a wounded hero's home — shopping, coordinating, packing, and installing everything in just one week.
Carolina Chavez is the co-owner of the boutique design and build firm C Squared Design + Build. She runs the company alongside her husband — she designs, he builds. Carolina holds degrees in architecture and interior design and graduated valedictorian of her class. Her passion is creating beautiful, functional, and unique design solutions, with experience in kitchens, bathrooms, small commercial spaces, model homes, and custom furniture.
When asked what made this project special to her, Carolina said, "My father served in the U.S. Navy and the Coast Guard. When he passed away I began donating my time to various veteran charities — mainly the Veterans Holiday Celebration held at the West LA Veterans Hospital each December. The men and women veterans I have met over the years are so incredibly inspiring. They have sacrificed so much for our country and ask for nothing in return. They were my saving grace; they helped me cope with my loss as I helped bring a little sunshine to their day."
See more of Carolina's work on Facebook or Instagram.
About Sergeant Hector Perez
Sgt. Hector Perez joined the military following the attacks on September 11, 2001. He served in both Iraq and Afghanistan. On March 31, 2011, Sgt. Perez suffered a fractured vertebrae, herniated and ruptured discs, nerve damage to his left leg and right foot, and optic damage to his left eye due to a roadside bomb in Afghanistan. He was awarded the Purple Heart.
Prior to Furnishing Hope's delivery, Sgt. Perez had been borrowing furniture from his mother-in-law. When asked how it feels to have a furnished home, he said, "It's an incredible feeling to live in a home with furniture of your own. It truly feels like a home — cozy and comfortable."
The entire family was overjoyed, telling the designer, "Everything is perfect — you nailed our style and tastes. We are so excited!"
