The St. Jude Dream Home is finished, and it’s even more special than we imagined. As the proud builder of this year’s home in Springfield, Bussell Homes worked alongside dozens of local partners to create a space that’s beautiful, functional, and full of meaning.
Every room tells a story, and every detail supports a mission far bigger than the house itself. Here’s a closer look inside.
The Mission Behind the St. Jude Dream Home
Before we talk about the finishes and features, it helps to understand why this home matters so much. The St. Jude Dream Home isn’t just a showpiece. It’s a fundraiser built to support St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
The goal is simple but powerful. Money raised helps fund treatment for children with cancer so families never receive a bill for care, travel, housing, or food. That means parents can focus on what matters most, helping their child get well.
One wall inside the home features artwork created by St. Jude kids. The pieces share their stories, their hard days, and the things they’re thankful for. It’s a quiet reminder of exactly who this home was built to help.
A Home Brought to Life by the Community
A project this big takes a village, and that’s the part we’re most proud of. The St. Jude Dream Home would not be possible without the local vendors and subcontractors who partnered with Bussell Homes to make it happen.
Time, materials, and craftsmanship were donated by businesses across our region. Neighbors, trade partners, and suppliers all came together for one cause. That community spirit is woven into every room, and it’s the reason this home stands today.
A Kitchen Made for Gathering
If there’s one room that captures the heart of this home, it’s the kitchen. It was the space our designer was most excited to create, and the result is a showstopper that’s as functional as it is beautiful.
The kitchen came together thanks to standout work from local partners and generous donations, including:
- A custom rangehood concept built by Twin Oaks Cabinetry
- Donated countertops from WilgusIQ in a warm champagne and bronze tone
- Kichler lighting designed around the island, including pendant and linear fixtures
- A donated Brizo faucet
- Bosch appliances throughout
The real surprise, though, is the hidden pantry. What looks like part of the cabinetry opens into a full working space with a microwave drawer, a warming drawer, extra storage, more countertops, and a personal Bosch coffeemaker. It’s the feature everyone remembers after a tour.
A Spa-Like Primary Bathroom
The primary bathroom was designed to feel like a personal retreat. The idea was to give homeowners a place to step away, relax, and reset at the end of a long day.
A freestanding tub anchors the space, paired with a separate walk-in shower. A striking lighting fixture and beautiful mirrors complete the look, making the room feel calm, luxurious, and ready for everyday life. It’s no surprise this turned out to be our designer’s favorite room in the house.
A Covered Patio for Making Memories
Outdoor living was a priority, and the covered patio delivers. The space is generously sized and screened in, so it stays cozy and comfortable while keeping the bugs out.
A Kichler ceiling fan keeps things cool, and thoughtfully placed outlets make it easy to host, gather, and create memories long after the sun goes down. It’s the kind of space that invites people to stay a while.
Ruby’s Rainbow and the Heart of the Home
Upstairs, a reading nook holds one of the most meaningful stories in the entire home. It’s named for Ruby, a St. Jude patient who left a lasting impression during a conversation with our designer.
When asked what she would add to the home, Ruby said she’d fill it with the colors of the rainbow. To honor her, local artist Christy Martin created a piece called Ruby’s Rainbow for the nook. It’s a beautiful reminder that this home was built for kids like Ruby, whose courage and bright spirit shine through even in the hardest moments.
Designed to Be Timeless
Rather than chase the latest trends, our designer set out to create a home that would feel just as fresh years from now. The result blends elegant, classical, transitional, and modern touches into one cohesive look.
Set the Stage helped bring it all together with staging and furniture that complement the chosen finishes. Every room is designed to be lived in, not just looked at, with spaces meant for real memories rather than stiff, picture-perfect moments.
