JACKSONVILLE, Florida - Sisler Johnston Interior Design recently joined forces with former Jacksonville Jaguar Tony Boselli, ICI Homes and Builders Care to renovate the Tony Boselli Foundation Youth Life Learning Center in northwest Jacksonville

"This project was different from the other Builders Care projects we have worked on where we provided beds, dressers, dining tables and sofas," said Judith Sisler Johnston, president, Sisler Johnston Interior Design and ASID Allied Member. "However, as soon as Bill Wilson (Builders Care executive director) and I discussed the project, I knew our team could help them make a difference with the interior design."

Located at Simonds-Johnson Park and Community Center, The Youth Life Learning Center provides quality after-school and summer programs in a home-like environment designed to inspire the youth to lead more positive, productive and successful lives.

Sisler Johnston and Lisa Berry, a residential design consultant with Sisler Johnston Interior Design, worked closely with ICI Homes and Builders Care volunteers to transform the existing 3,000-square-foot city-owned facility into a warm, nurturing setting for the youth. The center houses a learning lab, library, offices and meeting rooms.

Sisler Johnston met with ICI Vice President of Design Sherrie Williams at ICI's design center to select paints, carpeting, laminate wood flooring, cabinetry and counter tops. Then, Berry and Sisler Johnston designed a furnishings strategy for the center and developed a step-by-step plan to furnish it. Unlike other Builders Care projects where the majority of the design is supplied with donated furnishings from builder model homes, the center needed multiple pieces that a model home donation could not accommodate.

Berry served as the project coordinator and worked with the trade partners from start to finish. Rooms-to-Go graciously discounted new furnishings to the foundation and Sisler Johnston purchased area rugs, window treatments, office furniture and custom fabrics to re-cover standard seating.

ICI Homes worked with one of their trade partners to donate an electric fireplace for the family room. Custom book shelves were built on both sides of the fireplace and Sisler Johnston added books, bookends, silk plants and youthful accessories while designing a cozy space for conversations with area rugs in front of the fireplace. In the library, Sisler Johnston Interior Design selected a sports-themed rug and comfortable bean bag chairs to coordinate with the bright colors and bookcase walls filled with learning materials.

Located at 3730 Moncrief Road, The Youth Life Learning Center is a partnership between the City of Jacksonville and the Tony Boselli Foundation. The Jacksonville center is an affiliate of a similar agency established by former NFL star Darrell Green that offers programs in Washington, D.C., Virginia, North Carolina and Tennessee. Sisler Johnston enjoyed meeting Boselli and James Lowe, regional director of the Youth Life Learning Centers who is based in Nashville, Tenn.

"They were readily available for counsel and assistance and always expressed appreciation for the volunteer efforts of every team member," Sisler Johnston said. "Mayor Peyton loved our design and thanked us for our participation in the Youth Life Learning Center. We are honored to be part of such a worthwhile community effort that encourages children to become successful adults."

Builders Care is a nonprofit division of the Northeast Florida Builders Association. Since 2001, the organization has provided repair services to seriously deteriorate homes and enabled many people, particularly seniors and others living with disabilities on fixed incomes, to continue living in their own homes.

Builders Care welcomes volunteers and also needs cash donations, which are used to purchase equipment and household items. For more information, visit www.builderscare.org.

Sisler Johnston Interior Design offers comprehensive interior design services for residential and commercial clients, specializing in luxurious living spaces for exceptional homes. The company designs residential and model homes as well as community centers, hotel and office suites.

ASID Allied Member Judith Sisler Johnston and her team of licensed, talented designers help clients enhance their surroundings with timeless elegance and classic style. Sisler Johnston is Jacksonville's leading authority on designing spectacular spaces that are beautiful, functional and reflect her clients' personalities and lifestyles.

Sisler Johnston's design work has been featured in numerous books, newspapers, magazines and television programs. Sisler Johnston Interior Design celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2004 and has been recognized with nearly 100 industry awards.

For more information about Sisler Johnston Interior Design, call (904) 288-0908 or visit www.sislerjohnston.com.

Photography:

Photo 1 - (left to right) James Lowe of the Youth Life Learning Center, Lisa Berry of Sisler Johnston Interior Design, Former Jacksonville Jaguar Tony Boselli, and Judith Sisler Johnston of Sisler Johnston Interior Design at the Youth Life Learning Center in Jacksonville.

Photo 2 - Bright cheery colors and denim fabrics provide an inviting family room environment at the Youth Life Learning Center in Jacksonville.

Photo 3 - (left to right) Lisa Berry and Judith Sisler Johnston of Sisler Johnston Interior Design with Jacksonville Mayor John Peyton at the Youth Life Learning Center in Jacksonville.