Dream Home

This year’s St. Jude Dream Home in Monroe was completed under the direction of several volunteers, artisans, designers and sponsors.

article by MEREDITH MCKINNIE and photography by KELLY MOORE CLARK

This year’s St. Jude’s Dream Home is a collaboration of local designers, national and local sponsors, and the people of this community and beyond contributing their talents and resources in the fight against childhood cancer. It’s all about the kids, their families, and the rallying support of others. The dream home allows a community to get involved in support of a worthy cause that affects so many local children and families. The 2400 square foot, 3 bedroom, 3 bath home is located in Egret Landing in Monroe and built by BRACO. Lead designer Jan Strickland with Strickland Interiors envisioned a New Orleans’ style modern-chic design with gold, black, white, natural wood tones, and the slightest pops of coral and navy. It all started with the gold plumbing and light fixtures and black hardware, co-selected by Jan and Shawn Brazzell; those primary colors are incorporated throughout the rest of the house. The wood flooring has hints of gold tones, and the black accents can be found in the displayed artwork and accessories in each room. The entire project from start to finish brings together those passionate about design and bettering the lives of children and families affected by cancer.

This is Jan’s second year leading the design team. She begins by researching patterns, textures, and colors. She wanted a mixture of movement and straight lines. In the master bedroom downstairs, the straight lines are evident in the doors from Russell Moore and the black bed frame from Sleepy Hollow. The neutral drapes are custom-made from Fabulous Fabric featuring black geometric edging, mimicking the hard lines of the doors and the bed, and mirroring the gold geometric screen in the corner of the room. The blinds adorning the windows are mobile, operated by remote, and donated by Smith Blind & Awning. The movement is found in the large black and gold abstract artwork on the wall above the seating area, created by Garnett Robinson, a childhood friend of Jan’s. The twosome have collaborated several times before. Jan insists Garnett “takes the vision and interprets it exactly.” The pieces are coated in epoxy resin, and the gold frames are built and painted by Garnett. The room is further accented with a potted plant from Parterre, frames and lamps from Walsworth & Co, and a special book about St. Jude’s from Louisiana Purchases. The light fixture above the bed has a classic feel with a modern touch, compliments of Coburn’s in West Monroe. The paint used for the walls in the master are donated by Sherwin Williams, and the wall color is Greek Villa; the door color is Cyberspace.

Jan commissioned Sallie Anzelmo, owner of Three Threads in West Monroe on Antique Alley, for the smaller square canvases lining the wall entering the master bathroom. The pieces honor Jan’s three childhood friends who have passed from cancer: Tiffany, Claude, and Amber. In last year’s home, Jan showcased a write-up of their stories, and this year she wanted a more personal contribution replicated in the home. Their memories are incorporated into the design through the feathers and relics associated with loved ones and the faint words, though ineligible, that symbolize each person’s story. Jan says touches such as these “make a house a home.” In the laundry room opposite the master, the ABC’s of cancer are displayed in a vertical pattern. When Jan attended the St. Jude’s Dream Home Summit in Memphis in September, she toured the research hospital where she found a large wall of plaques displaying patients’ artwork on what cancer means to them, A to Z. It touched Jan, and she wanted that sentiment replicated in the home. In the hallway leading to the master, nine black and white canvases feature the faces of local St. Jude’s patients. Some are in remission, and some are still receiving treatment. Jan commissioned Morgan Crowell’s help including Bible verses with the photos and their names next to the prints. A black and gold bar cart from Walsworth & Co. sits in the corner underneath the photos, with cups and serving pieces from Woodstock in Monroe.

The combination of national donors and local sponsors are integral to the completion of a dream home. All the flooring is donated by Shaw Floors, a national sponsor and installed by Custom Carpets & Interiors. Jan chose some of the newest styles on the market, like the geometric tile in the laundry room, the herringbone tile in the master bath, and natural wood throughout. Overhead Door provided the garage door, and Acme Brick donated the stone and brick for the exterior and interior accent walls. The mirrors in each room are gifted from AAA Glass. The freestanding tub in the master bath is adorned with brushed gold faucets and features, compliments of LCR in West Monroe. An orchid from Parterre alongside the tub mimics the shape of the tall faucet. The neutral-toned tiles in the shower are donated by Custom Carpets & Interiors. The navy cabinets accent the neutral tones in the space, as Jan has always considered blue to be a neutral color. All cabinetry in the home is from Rucker’s Custom Cabinets and M&M Millworks. John Reed Loflin with McCorquodale Transfer moved all the furniture into the home, and Green Horizon’s Landscaping was responsible for all lawn care and landscaping needs.
The master closet sits on the far side of the master bath. Jan had her friend and neighbor Sadie Blackwell stage it with clothes, shoes, purses, and pieces from her new store in Rayville, Sadie C’s. She wanted the people touring the home to envision themselves there. Jan’s favorite Bible verses are strategically placed throughout the rooms she designed to remind people what this is all about. There are words of encouragement such as: “I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me,” and remindwers such as: “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” Jeremiah 29:11, Jan’s favorite verse. At the summit, Jan was reminded this project is for those fighting for their lives and their families, and she has the power to inspire others through the design. Jan worked for the third time with Ray Bendily on the floor plan. He created last year’s home plan and the one for her parent’s home. She is consistently surprised and inspired by his talent.

Shawn Brazzell of Shawn Brazzell Designs collaborated with Jan to choose all the finishes in the home this year. Shawn says, ‘It was exciting to get in on the construction part this time as well as the staging. I think Jan and I make a great team!” Shawn also created the looks for the kitchen, living, and dining areas. She went for a modern feel with a glamorous edge, warmed up with wood tones and textures. In the kitchen Pecky Cypress wood was used on the custom vent-a-hood and kitchen island. “Rucker’s Custom Cabinets did a phenomenal job on all the cabinetry in the house,” Shawn says. Amy Simmermaker stained all the wood on the island in the kitchen and the hood over the stove. The countertops on the kitchen island are white quartz, courtesy of Twin City Granite. The countertops alongside the stove are a black pearl leathered finish; the technique takes the polish off so one can feel the divots and natural texture of the stone. The three gold pendant lights above the island as well as in the dining room and living chandeliers are all provided by Coburn’s of West Monroe. Shawn says, “Michelle Miller of Coburn’s was instrumental in getting all the lighting for this year’s home.” The gold pendants show off the beautiful gold and marble accented tile backsplash, provided by Shaw and installed by Custom Carpets & Interiors. The island is accented with modern, leather stools from Sleepy Hollow Furniture. Shawn feels the leather adds warmth to the space while keeping the modern vibe. “I like to use natural materials for that very purpose.” The sole accent piece on the island is the carved teak root filled with lemons, providing an organic, natural feel to the space. The appliances are brushed black stainless by Bosch from Coburn’s, and the black and white runner over the wood floors is from Walsworth & Co. The sunflowers in the kitchen bring a light, colorful touch to contrast the white walls. The dining table is a metal base with a live edge wood top, provided by Sleepy Hollow Furniture. The windows of the dining area are flanked with custom draperies by Fabulous Fabrics. Shawn says, “ I wanted this house to have a warm and happy feel when you step in the door.” Shawn’s connection to St. Jude’s comes through a friend whose daughter is currently at St. Jude’s going through chemotherapy treatments. It keeps Shawn heavily grounded in what they are all doing with this project. After three years of working on dream homes, Shawn calls the work her most rewarding projects. “I am so blessed to be a part of this and so pleased to know every dollar raised goes directly back to St. Jude’s. A family should never have to worry if they can provide treatment for their sick child. As a mother of 5, I can only imagine the stress and worry not only sickness brings, but also the financial burden. With St. Jude’s these families do not have the added financial burdens. This is why I love this project so much!”

In the living area, dramatic European-mount elk horns, courtesy of Paul Michael & Co., hang on the sleek, concrete finished fireplace, done by Chad Sanders from Decorative Concrete Coatings in Monroe. The custom finish is carried over to the beam dividing the living and dining areas, giving the space an industrial, modern edge. The shelves were donated by Kyle Snellingburger of Ouachita Antique Woods, using antique timbers. They are adorned with decorative pieces from Louisiana Purchases, Paul Michael & Co, and Walsworth & Co. An accent piece Shawn chose to display is a horse made of natural wood, giving the shelf a childlike quality. Also on the shelves are special artwork done by some of the children being treated at St. Jude. Feathers and shells provide more texture, and the alligator bookends symbolize being on the bayou. A rosary acknowledges St. Jude’s, and an hourglass stands symbolizing that the time spent in this season of life is temporary thanks to the research and treatment given by St Jude’s. The sectional in the middle of the room is accented with leather chairs, a coffee table and layered rugs from Sleepy Hollow Furniture and Walsworth & Co. The pillows are from Louisiana Purchases, and the center navy feathered one is Shawn’s favorite for providing a fun, cool texture. Lissy Compton of Mr. P’s Tees created the canvas that hangs by the front door and another piece by the stairs. Shawn told Lissy to “keep it fun and organic.” Shawn says, “Lissy is an amazing artist and asset to our community. She is always willing to help and create wherever she can.”

Emily Byrd has worked on the St. Jude’s Dream Home for the last two years. Whereas last year Emily decorated a guest bedroom, this year she designed the study off the living room on the main floor. She has always been attracted to large-scale abstract art, and particularly to local artist Sallie Anzelmo’s aesthetic. When Emily entered Three Threads, Sallie’s store in West Monroe, she was immediately drawn to a deconstructed mixed media face painting on gallery-wrapped canvas called “Hearts & Half Faces.” Emily couldn’t get the image out of her head, and inevitably designed the room around it. Decorating an office space relies on interesting incorporations of color. Emily decided to paint the accent wall behind the painting a slate color to match the doors throughout the home and use a pillow with whimsical, stylized lemon trees to offset the neutrals in the space. Holly from Fabulous Fabric created drapery panels to mimic the accent wall, and the desk, cabinet and console are compliments of Sleepy Hollow. The accessories are from Material Things and Walsworth & Co. The glass desk with the gold metal frame sits center of the room and provides a clear view of the console behind it.

Emily loves being a part of this community of designers dedicated to using their talents for this mission of hope. They all understand the gravity of this charity, and they all want to provide their best work for this project. Emily loves being inspired by the designers, bouncing ideas off each other, and supporting one another. She didn’t know any of these people two years ago, and now she is fortunate to call them all friends. It is a pleasure to give back in a rewarding way, doing something for the benefit of others.

Danielle Lewing Gilmore’s perspective is “a little bit different.” Her nephew Luke Siria became a St. Jude’s patient in 2014, diagnosed with brain and spinal cord cancer. Danielle spent time with him and her sister at St. Jude’s during his treatment. Most kids walk into St. Jude’s on foot; Luke arrived by ambulance. After surgery, Luke couldn’t walk or talk, and one side of his body was paralyzed. In June, they took Luke outside for the first time in a month. It took three people to get all the wires and equipment outside with him to the Danny & Rose Marie Thomas Memorial Garden. Danielle made a wish at the fountain, that Luke’s mother could hear him say “Mom” again. Five years later, Luke is now walking and talking, and attempted his first 100-yard dash recently, all thanks to prayer and St. Jude’s. In 2017, when Danielle was lead designer of the dream home, Luke came to the ribbon cutting; he was just beginning to walk. Danielle’s contribution to the dream home project is both heartfelt and passionate, her way of giving back.

Danielle designed the back patio off the dining room. When she began to ponder the space, she thought of the moment at the fountain and knew she wanted to create a place of peace. When people walk outside at St. Jude’s, they see nature, feel God’s presence, and hear the sound of the water. Danielle recreated that feeling of being surrounded by angels at the dream home. She wanted “their shoulders to go down, to remember their blessings, and look at God’s beauty, and remember the purpose of this house.” Danielle commissioned James Machineworks to create a St. Jude’s statue, and she’s used it in each dream home since 2017. The outdoor furniture by Sleepy Hollow is mid century modern themed and black and white with pops of color for hope. Chad Sanders installed the black decorative concrete and was instrumental in making Danielle’s vision come to life. Rucker’s Custom Cabinets provided the outdoor cabinetry, LCR handled all the knobs and pulls, and Coburn’s provided the modern fan for the space. The painting above the seating area is called “Up from Below,” a contribution of Danielle’s son Conner Lewing, who visited Luke with Danielle at St. Jude’s. Luke’s favorite Bible verse, Philippians 4:13 is on display and created by Annie Barnett, along with planters designed by Danielle and a miniature fountain. Artist Deanna Broussard created “Perfectly Imperfect,” a custom art canvas for the space. All the contributions help tell a story, Danielle’s initial purpose for the design.

Jo Tiffany Faulk, owner of Sleepy Hollow in Monroe, was asked to come onboard the dream home project five years ago. At the time, she didn’t know any children who had been to St. Jude’s, but she has personally had children go to Texas Children’s Hospital. She understood the fears and support they needed. She fell in love with the St. Jude Dream Home Project and began sponsoring the entire home three years ago. She works closely with the design team, turning the house into a home. Jo Tiffany says, “We spend months preparing for staging. Every beautiful detail of the home is taken into account before ordering the furniture and accessories.” Sleepy Hollow also donates a $10,000 open house prize each year in an effort to get more people to tour the home and buy tickets to support St. Jude’s. The entry for the prize is free; everyone who tours is allowed to register. Jo Tiffany and the team at Sleepy Hollow are “excited for the community to finally get to view it.”

Jo Tiffany loves working with the designers and meeting different children from St. Jude’s every year. Now she does have friends who have taken that journey to Memphis. Brooke Brown’s son Asher is a patient, and Brooke told Jo Tiffany, “It would have been devastating to get that diagnosis had there not been St. Jude’s.” It’s a full give-back, as St. Jude’s takes care of the entire family during the children’s treatment. Asher calls it his “special hospital,” and is proud to show off each floor. Asher is still undergoing treatments, and is one of the local children for the home this year. Jo Tiffany likes that it’s an adventure for Asher, taking his mind off of cancer for a moment.

Taylor Bennett says yes to the dream home every year, despite how hectic his schedule may be. He sees how many lives it impacts. He appreciates getting to work with all the people that also have a heart for St. Jude’s. The design team becomes a family, and they’re always excited to work with each other again. The plans began late last summer, when Jan and Shawn showed the team the design elements chosen thus far. After Christmas, Taylor began selecting furniture for his space, a guest bedroom upstairs. He wanted something different from what he normally does, but admits it’s still his signature style. Taylor jokes, “Green is my favorite neutral,” the color of trees all around us. That led him to the emerald tufted headboard from Sleepy Hollow, where his concept all started. The nightstand and dresser have live edge finishes. He needed raw wood texture to bring down the elegance of the green velvet. Taylor’s style is utilitarian; things that look worn and livable. He prefers the wrinkles of the white linen bedding and layers. He wants people to feel as if they can sit anywhere and not mess anything up. Old wooden shoe molds surround a circular mirror above the bed. Leather chairs are nestled in the sitting nook with a canvas creation by designer Robin Hamaker. The African mudcloth pillow on the bed is from Louisiana Purchases, alongside leather snakeskin pillows. A cowhide rug with gold flaking finishes the sitting area with a lifelike staghorn fern on the wall.

Will Copeland is drawn to abstract art, and the open-ended piece on the landing of the stairs spoke to him. His design for the second upstairs bedroom began with a Schumacher “Chiang Mai Dragon” pillow he spotted in Fabulous Fabric. He wanted a sophisticated uptown New Orleans vibe, classy, with a touch of traditional and trendy. Will loves to play with textures, as shown with the layered linen and velvet on the bed. He spotted the golden antelope in Palette House at the last minute and said, “You’re going to watch over the bed.” With all the gold elements throughout the home, Will continued with more metallic gold accents in the space. Four framed charcoal silhouettes from Material Things sit two on either side of the window, subtle sophistication. The drapes are custom-made by Holly at Fabulous Fabric. With it being a smaller room, Will didn’t want bulky shelves and decided on an etagere, knowing the open shelves would balance the room without giving it too much weight. The shelves are decorated with unique pieces that appear to be collected over time; some look timeless, some handed down, sentimental rather than generic. The jute rug is Will’s go-to; it wears well. The gold sunburst mirror radiates happiness, the feeling he wants the house to convey.

Will collaborated with Taylor on decorating the flex room upstairs, featuring four swivel chairs surrounding a modest glass coffee table over driftwood. The table is big enough to use for games but not cumbersome. The shelves are filled with old leatherback law books and various accessories from Coco’s on Antique Alley, Walsworth & Co, and Woodstock. In the upstairs bathroom, the flooring is a modern hexagon tile with a marble and tile shower. Will knows St. Jude’s is a worthy cause; he’s been invested since he was a kid raising money via bike-a-thons. The dream home project allows him to give back while expressing his creativity.

Touring this year’s St. Jude’s Dream Home is an emotional experience. While visitors will be delighted by the designs and creations of local artists, one can’t miss the sentiment in each space. Each room tells a story, often one of a local child battling cancer, often beating the disease, and inevitably touching hearts and lives. Cancer can rob families of the light; projects such as these help provide hope. All the designers, contributors, and volunteers believe in the power of St. Jude’s, the strength of these families, and the resilience of children. Hope is on display in Egret Landing, and we hope you get to experience it.