In Memory of
Laura Oberkircher, 1962 - 2005.

Mission Accomplished!

With the support of local sponsors, VIP Designs transformed the ordinary into the extraordinary for the winner of the Ultimate Room Makeover contest. Laura Oberkircher and her family received the VIP treatment on Saturday, April 23rd, 2005 when they returned home to their newly decorated living room.
Living room before…
Living room before…
Living room after with a new straw colored, designer sofa from Hillary's and new accessories from Wrapped Up, including a metal étagère, wood carved candlesticks with scented candles and a beaded accent lamp.
Living room after with a new 8'x11' area rug donated by Rug Décor brought color and pattern to the room, complimented by the custom framed artwork over the mantle, provided by Start With Art.
Todd Bellingrath, owner of Good Faith Paint Company, applied Benjamin Moore paint in HC-31 Waterbury Cream the day before the installation.
Jennifer Miller, owner of Golden Threads, oversees the installation of her contribution to the room; custom made window treatments and new hardware for every window.
The Decorative Arts Studio faux finished an old drop leaf table of Laura's to look like stone, which was then used as a sofa table. New table lamps from Schumacher's By Design lit up the room with style.
Serrell Redd, owner of Serrell's of Raleigh, strikes a pose in front of the silk palm tree she donated, placed next to a carved wood screen that Laura's parents had brought back from Japan as a gift.
Nomad's Orientals and Accessories donated two Chinese Scholar chairs, handmade in the 1850's, to go with a collectors' chess table belonging to Laura's husband Tyrone.
Laura with Elizabeth Carrasco, owner of VIP Designs.
Contest winner, Laura Oberkircher, seen here enjoying her much deserved living room makeover with family and friends.
"Transforming home interiors…transforming lives."
About the winner...

After much planning, a surprise announcement for the VIP Designs' Room Makeover Contest took place on Tuesday, March 8th, 2005 at the work place of Laura Oberkircher. Laura is the Executive Director of Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition of Wake County (www.hmhb.org) and is deeply committed to providing support to the youth and families that depend on the services of HMHB. Laura is a masterful fundraiser dedicated to improving the lives of others, hoping to make dreams come true for adolescents that come from low income and/or at risk families. She has even spent a couple of years in the Peace Corps in Africa.

All the while, Laura quietly continues her battle against breast cancer, selflessly caring for friends and family. Jodi Hall, the friend who nominated Laura, has described her as being "the bravest, most optimistic and generous person I have ever known". Prior to her diagnosis, Laura's husband, Tyrone, had struggled with a debilitating illness resulting in some paralysis. Nonetheless, he diligently works finding permanent employment for Welfare recipients. With all that they endure they now have custody of their nine year old niece, Michelle, who lost both parents to domestic violence. Their daughter, Zoe, and Tyrone's son, Chandler, live with them as well.

Laura and her family are inspiring! They wholeheartedly make a difference in the lives of others with their kindness and generosity and are most definitely deserving of the VIP Treatment of an Ultimate Room Makeover!

Following an in-home consultation, the design process that transformed the living room of Laura's North Raleigh home got underway. Local business owners and volunteers generously donated new upholstery and accessories to refurbish the room, as well as, their services and expertise including new paint, faux finishing, and custom made window treatments.

Elizabeth Carrasco, Laura Oberkircher (1962 - 2005) and Jody Hall
Participating Sponsors: