showcasing 2015 makeover winner

Thanks to TV makeover and remodeling home shows, most of us have become infected with “house envy.” It’s a condition that, once diagnosed, becomes chronic and frequently manifests itself in an unhappy relationship with one’s kitchen.

The 2016 Junior League of Shreveport-

Bossier, Inc.’s third annual Kitchen Tour Saturday, Oct. 29th, will feature beautiful homes guaranteed to exacerbate this condition. The tour features some of the most inviting and innovative kitchens in 10 exclusive homes from around Shreveport.

But, there’s also the possibility of a complete cure thanks to a huge makeover prize valued at around $14,000 donated by local businesses, according to Meredith Armuth of the Junior League.

Jackson Construction helps the winning homeowner design and makover a kitchen with help from other local businesses that provide the fixtures, materials, expertise and labor to complete the transformation.

Last year’s winners, Andre and Jo Dee Broussard, received painted cabinets, new countertops and backsplash, new flooring, plumbing fixtures and lighting, said Laura Richardson, a kitchen designer with Jackson Construction.

Jo Dee Broussard said the process was fun and they were happy with the completed renovation.

“They made it as seamless as possible.

I have small kids so that was great,” said Broussard.

The homes showcase the latest trends, appliances and features in local new and renovated kitchens, which have become for many families the most important living space in the house. Kitchens spill over into family areas, dining spaces and even outdoors and create a friendly and welcoming enclave for stay-at-home meals, holidays and entertaining.

Tickets may be purchased for the selfguided tour, the tour with brunch or the VIP Package sponsored by The W Group that includes a private shuttle to each home, brunch with mimosas, a Kitchen Tour ticket, gift bag and refreshments throughout the day. The tour also includes a happy hour and chance to talk with participants about the latest designs and innovations that can be adaptable to any house.

The brunch at Kitchen & Bath Cottage features cooking demonstrations by Chef Blake Jackson of Drake Catering and brunch foods from several local restaurants. Ticket holders can stop by and sample recipes from the Junior League’s cookbooks from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Like all Junior League programs, the Kitchen Tour benefits the women’s group’s education and charitable programs. The Junior League has been an active force of trained volunteers in the Shreveport community since 1933.

For more information about the tour and available ticket options, visit www.jlsb.org/ kitchen-tour/. Look for the 2016 Kitchens in upcoming editons of The Forum and CityLife Magazine.

– Kathleen Ward