Military Makeover Style Guide: Kruspe Family

The Family

Military Makeover with Montel® is honored and privileged to present Matthew Kruspe. Matthew Kruspe, a medically retired Marine Corps SSgt and 100 percent VA disabled veteran, shares a compelling story of service and unmatched strength.

Deployed twice as an infantryman first to Iraq in 2009 and then to Afghanistan in 2012 Kruspe's military journey was marked by the loss of comrades and a life-changing encounter with an I.E.D. His Marine Corps tenure, a blend of profound camaraderie and life-altering moments, led him from boot camp at Parris Island in 2007 to becoming an Antitank Assault Missileman and later a Civil Affairs Specialist.

His deployments encompassed a range of responsibilities, from route clearance to training foreign armies. He, however, incurred several health related issues while serving, such as TBI, PTSD, depression, migraines, neck, back, and shoulder injuries. Consequently, Kruspe's injuries resulted in medical retirement, leaving a lasting impact on his physical and mental well-being. Despite the challenges, Kruspe cherishes the bonds forged and the invaluable experiences gained during his military service.

Currently residing in Lake Worth Beach, Florida, he now reflects on the Marine Corps as both the best and toughest period of his life, marked by unforgettable moments. Thankfully, his service has been recognized by the U.S. Military as he flaunts several accolades under his name. Some of service accolades include the Purple Heart, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, and Afghanistan Campaign, to name a few.

Beyond his accolades, Kruspe is blessed with a lovely family. A devoted husband of 20 years to his college sweetheart, Letoria Kruspe, and a proud father of teenage twins, Mia and Xzavyer, he is the embodiment of resilience. Their family also includes a six-year-old Pitbull.

His dedication to duty, the sacrifices made, and the enduring spirit despite adversity showcase not only the bravery Matthew Kruspe, but also of our nation’s veterans. This is why Military Makeover is honored to extend support to the Kruspe family and is committed to transforming their lives this season. The beautiful transformation of this deserving military family’s home will be carried out with the help of our generous partners. Together, we can make a difference.

We invite you to look through this Style Guide and watch the Kruspe Family season to see how we transformed their home with the help of our generous partners.

Meet Our Hosts

United by their passion for giving back, Montel Williams, Art Edmonds, and Jennifer Bertrand co-host Military Makeover, devoted to transforming the lives of military families and honoring their service.

Montel Williams, a former Marine and Naval Academy graduate, is best known as the Emmy Award-winning host of The Montel Williams Showand is a dedicated advocate for veterans, education, and health.

Art Edmonds, with over 20 years of experience as a TV host, spokesperson, and voiceover talent, has contributed to series like NatGeoWild'sSwampMenandDr.K’s Exotic Animal ER .

Jennifer Bertrand, winner of HGTV’sDesignStar , is celebrated for her accessible design approach and hosted her own show, Paint Over! with Jennifer Bertrand .

The Kruspe Family Home

Welcome to the Military Makeover Style Guide featuring the Kruspe Family. In this edition, we are honored to present the inspiring story of the Kruspe family, whose resilience and dedication have touched our hearts. With a mission to transform the homes and lives of veterans, Military Makeover is passionate about creating spaces that reflect their courage and commitment. Join us as we explore the design elements and thoughtful touches that make the Kruspes’ home a true coastal sanctuary.

Jennifer Bertrand took the Kruspe family’s living room a space that previously stirred mixed feelings and lacked cohesion and transformed it into a coastal oasis. She introduced a soothing color palette of soft blues, sandy neutrals, and crisp whites that instantly evoked a sense of calm and relaxation. By incorporating natural textures like woven blankets, driftwood accents, and light, airy fabrics, Jennifer seamlessly

connected the space to the coastal theme. She rearranged the furniture to enhance the room’s flow and added stylish, comfortable pieces that made the space both functional and inviting. With her expert touch, the living room now radiates a serene, beach-inspired ambiance that perfectly captures the Kruspe family's love for coastal living, making it one of their favorite rooms in the home.

The Kruspe kitchen had already undergone some impressive renovations and was looking great, but Jennifer Bertrand took it to the next level. By painting the brick and adding in new tiles, she transformed the space into a fresh, inviting area. Jennifer’s expert touch introduced a coastal feel, incorporating soft colors and natural textures that evoke a serene seaside atmosphere. The result is a beautifully enhanced kitchen that perfectly balances functionality and style, providing the Kruspe family with a warm, welcoming space to gather and enjoy.

"Thisisonlyjustthe

beginning,andwecan’t waitfortheKruspe Familytoseetheirnew home.”

- Montel Williams

The second Jennifer stepped into the primary bedroom and the twin's bedrooms, she was eager to transform these blank canvases into spaces that truly reflected the Kruspe family’s unique styles. She saw endless possibilities in each room and was determined to give them a makeover that would make each family member feel special and at home. One of the biggest challenges was the lack of storage, which seemed to be an issue across all three rooms. Jennifer knew that incorporating clever storage solutions was essential to create a functional and organized space. With her enthusiasm and keen eye for design, she was set on delivering bedrooms that were not only beautiful and personalized but also practical and clutter-free, ensuring the Kruspe family could fully enjoy their new spaces.

Kruspe

Jennifer Bertrand took on the challenge of transforming the Kruspe backyard into a true paradise, envisioning it as a perfect spot for both family enjoyment and entertaining guests. She added an inviting tiki hut area complete with ample seating, creating a cozy yet stylish space where the Kruspe family could relax or host gatherings. The tiki hut, adorned with comfortable furniture, instantly brought a vacationlike feel to their backyard, making it an ideal retreat.

In addition to the tiki hut, Jennifer introduced a fire pit, which became the new focal point of the outdoor space. Surrounded by comfortable seating, the fire pit was perfect for evening conversations, roasting marshmallows, and enjoying the warmth on cooler nights. With these enhancements, Jennifer turned the Kruspe backyard into a beautiful, functional, and welcoming oasis that the family and their guests will cherish for years to come.

"We can recover here. It isverypeaceful,thank yousomuchfor everythingyouallhave done.”

- Matthew Kruspe

Bringing Peace and Joy to the Kruspe Family Home

The latest season of Military Makeover has brought excitement and heartfelt transformations, focusing on the Kruspe family in Lake Worth Beach, Florida.

The mission of this season is clear: to turn a disjointed house into a cohesive, harmonious home. Jennifer Bertrand, the talented designer at the helm, emphasized creating synergy across all areas of the house to ensure every space feels connected and purposeful.

Creating a Safe Haven for the Kruspe Family

The Kruspe family, consisting of veteran Matthew Kruspe, his wife, their 15year-old twins, and their beloved dog, were the lucky recipients of this makeover. Upon arrival, the Military Makeover team noticed that while the house had some good features, like new appliances and solar panels, it lacked a unified design. The driveway had been patched but needed finishing touches, and the interior had new flooring and walls that didn't quite blend with the family's coastal style.

Bertrand and the team took on the challenge of transforming this "perfect canvas." The plan included improving the wall of storage, painting the brick, and possibly updating the tile to bring in a coastal vibe that resonates with the family's preferences. This effort was all about tying the elements together to create a seamless flow from one room to the next.

The primary bedroom, though large, felt cramped and had a small, leaky bathroom. Addressing these issues was a priority to ensure the family had a comfortable, functional space. The twins' rooms also needed attention, with storage being a significant concern. Bertrand aimed to celebrate their personalities and accomplishments by making their spaces feel like “individual apartments” within the home.

A standout area was the indoor-outdoor room that, despite being enjoyed by the family, felt less inviting. The goal was to transform it into a genuinely happy space that promotes relaxation and togetherness, enhancing the beloved indoor-outdoor ambiance.

In essence, this season of Military Makeover with the Kruspe family highlights the power of thoughtful design and community support. By focusing on creating a unified, harmonious home, the team has set a new standard for how a house can truly become a sanctuary for those who have served our country.

Purple Heart Homes Continues to Create Refuges for Veterans with Military Makeover

At Purple Heart Homes, creating sanctuaries for veterans goes beyond providing mere housing. As the official nonprofit partner of the Military Makeover with Montel® television series, Purple Heart Homes is dedicated to turning houses into havens for veterans and their families. This mission was clearly demonstrated in their recent involvement with the Kruspe family's home renovation.

Transforming the Kruspe Home

During the latest "Military Makeover" season, Purple Heart Homes focused on creating a refuge within the Kruspe home. The renovation aimed to provide a peaceful and joyous environment, reflecting the organization's commitment to improving the mental wellness of veterans. The team ensured the home was not only functional but also a place where the Kruspe family could find tranquility and happiness.

The Tiny Home Project: A Broader Mission

In addition to these renovations, Purple Heart Homes is making significant strides with their Tiny Home Project. This initiative addresses the housing needs of veterans. By manufacturing tiny homes, Purple Heart Homes collaborates with other nonprofits to provide safe, accessible, and high - quality living spaces for veterans.

These tiny homes are meticulously designed to maximize space without compromising comfort or style. Each model is named in honor of a U.S. President who received a Purple Heart, which showcases the deep respect for those who have served. The homes feature clever storage solutions, energy - efficient appliances, and eco - friendly materials, making them sustainable and functional living spaces.

Purple Heart Home’s Commitment

The importance of mental wellness for veterans is a core value at Purple Heart Homes. The organization understands the challenges veterans face, such as post- traumatic stress and traumatic brain injuries. By creating sanctuaries through their home renovations and tiny homes, Purple Heart Homes offers veterans the peace and stability they need to heal and thrive.

Their dedication to veterans is evident in every project they undertake, whether it's renovating a family home on "Military Makeover" or building tiny homes for those in need. This work provides immediate shelter and contributes to the long - term mental and emotional well- being of those who have served our country.

If you want to support Purple Heart Home’s cause, check out their website. Keep in mind that any donation made helps them further their mission.

OFFICIAL NON-PROFIT PARTNER

ANNUAL PARTNERS

DEDICATED PARTNERS

COMMUNITY PARNTERS

A Place for Plants

Abbey Palm Nursery

Aldrich Tool Rentals

American Legion Post 47

Antebellum Manufacturing

Best Cleaners

Better Business Bureau

Big Family Painters

Blue Flame Professional Services, LLC

Blackrock Protective Services

Brandin’s Books

BrandsMart USA

Brett Nordmann

C & M Screens

CITY Furniture

City of Lake Worth Beach

Corporate Catering

DJ’s Daniel Rodriquez, Psyoptic, Kevin

Young, Redda Wubz and Gabrielle

Sabuncu (GAS)

Dixie Divers

Eric Boardman Plumbing

Exotic Pavers

Expert Closet Pros

Florida Modern Furniture

Garabar Windows, Doors & Roofing

Get Tanked South Florida

Gold Star Insulation

GreenScapes Designs

Hannah Lopez Photography

Home Depot

Ice - Ah - Plenty

Image Sprinkler Systems

Iron World

Kennesaw

Krump Irrigation

Lakeside United Methodist Church

U.S. Marines

Martin Fence Co.

Massage by Victoria

Ms. B’s Seafood and Grill

Nationwide Industries

Operation Send It 22

Oleyn’s Pressure Washing

Palm Beach Furniture Company

Patriot Moving & Storage

Professional Supply

Quinntessence Nursery

Razzio Simmons Art

Reed’s Weeds Nursery

Seminole Authentic Tiki Huts

SFR Fence & Supply Co. Trex Fence

Distribution \ Sherwin Williams

Simon Electric

Southeast Spas

Southern Fencing Association

Stepbrothers Contracting Group

STG Concierge Organizing and Moving

Sun Scent Delights

Superior Fence & Rail, Inc.

Take It Easy RV Rentals

The Artist Post, Inc.

The Shed Shop

TMI Sliders & Donuts

TownePlace Suites by Marriott Boynton

Beach

Tropical RV Adventures

TRX Training Center

True Treasures Furniture Store

Universal Landscape

U.S. Paverscapes

Williams Sod

Yardco

Rock & Stone