Dreams Come True

Designers Dona Sonnier and Leslie Wooters outfitted the dining and main living space with luxe neutrals that complement the home’s contemporary aesthetic. The show-stopping staircase was designed by Azalea Design Studio and built by Advanced Millworks with construction by McClain Companies. To accent the beams and trusses by Revival Timberworks, the walls are bathed in “Snowbound” by Sherwin Williams. Bryan McClain credits Jim McClain, architect Tim Green and all the designers for the home’s “fresh look.” “We call them our dream team,” says McClain.

The 2021 Acadiana St. Jude Dream Home in Broussard raised more than $1 million to support the hospital’s mission of ending childhood cancer

When Bryan McLain, of McLain Companies, first got involved in the Acadiana St. Jude Dream Home project in 2009, things were not looking good for anyone working in the housing market.

“It was the worst of times for a developer and builder — it was during the crash,” explains McLain. “I was sitting on all these expensive lots and couldn’t sell any houses. Then St. Jude came calling.”

McLain says he dug deep and donated an available lot to the cause. The rest is history. He took the reins of the Acadiana Dream Home project in 2010, and his business steadily expanded. Thirteen Dream Homes later, he expects to top more than $15 million raised for St. Jude.

“I believe in karma,” says McLain.

In 2020, McLain tapped his stepson, Jim McLain, to lead the project and he brought on architect Tim Green of Azalea Design Studio. The team, along with five interior decorators, created a two-story, modern farmhouse in Broussard’s Magnolia Trace subdivision.

Stacey Arceneaux of S. Clare Design says she loves the home aesthetic of contemporary elements combined with the warmth of natural, organic materials. Arceneaux, who designed the home’s primary bedroom and bath, says she jumped at the opportunity to create a space that would draw people in.

“You don’t have to play it safe,” says Arceneaux, of her luxurious suite design.

The bath’s white concrete, indoor-outdoor shower was inspired by a recent trip she and her husband took to Costa Rica. She says she and the other decorators all incorporated bold wallpaper in their designs, one of many details that made the style of the home feel of-the-moment.

McLain points to other fresh features, such as the home’s dramatic floating staircase and modern kitchen, as examples of how the Dream Home team keeps people coming back year after year.

“They did a tremendous job with giving Acadiana a look they hadn’t seen before,” says McLain. “When you have a Dream Home for 20 plus years, it gets harder and harder to raise money, but Acadiana has always stepped up to the plate.”

McLain says they are hard at work on the 2022 Dream Home, which will be located in Sabal Palms in Youngsville.

Builder:
McLain Homes
Architect:
Tim Green, Azalea Design Studio
Interiors:
Dona Sonnier & Leslie Wooters, Dona Designs
Paige Gary, Paige Gary Designs
Stacey Arceneaux, S. Clare Design
Paige LaVergne, LaV Designs