DeeDee Smith’s Italian-Inspired Oasis
DeeDee Smith is a woman whose radiant spirit and unwavering faith inspire everyone around her. When she decided to support her son JT and granddaughter Carly, she bought a lot across from JT’s home – without telling him. The corner lot presented unique challenges. DeeDee is a visionary. She collaborated with Bryan James and his Liberty Homes and Building team to adapt a basic plan into something truly special. Her clear vision also included an outdoor space:
“A cozy, stunning patio reminiscent of timeless Italian courtyards.”
“I wanted a space that offers comfort and warmth at any time of day or night.”
Her dream took shape with the help of Adam Sedney, owner of Ace Masonry Landscapes. Adam’s perfectionism and dedication brought DeeDee’s ideas to life. The patio, crafted from Pennsylvania Dimensional Bluestone, is the perfect base for the Echo Ridge Dressed Fieldstone fireplace.
“Adam’s professionalism is outstanding. I adored him from day one.”
The patio wall and grill surround in the outdoor cooking area of Winter Point veneer with Pacific Bluestone caps offers a solid backdrop for the fluidity of life. A bedroom door, designed to meet fire department regulations, provides private access.
The terrace offers several intimate gathering areas to maximize every inch of space. DeeDee loves people and entertains often. Her life journey is one of giving back. A cancer thriver, she believes in sharing knowledge and kindness. She has helped over 100 people on their cancer journeys.
“We’re given knowledge and led in certain ways, and what we give to others is another gift we receive through our struggles.”
Outside of the walled patio, DeeDee wanted “as much beauty as possible without grass.”
She worked with Wendy at Bloomin’ Crazy Nursery and More to create lush landscaping filled with vibrant plants, adding beauty to every corner. The variety of plantings will give the yard a fresh face each season.
DeeDee’s desire to eliminate grass led to the creation of a breathtaking pondless waterfall feature through the skills of Edgar Lopez of LP Gardens.
Edgar designed several cascading waterfalls surrounding the home with the soothing sight and sound of water.
His use of sandstone boulders and New England river rock creates a stunning effect.
DeeDee (third from the left) with the staff of Liberty Homes
At her open house, DeeDee graciously welcomed the builders, contractors, and neighbors who helped make her dream a reality.
DeeDee’s dedication extends beyond her home. She founded Doodley Dee’s Farm to promote holistic living after seeking natural, clean, and wholesome food for her family. She also initiated A Kid’s Choice Foundation, adopting Bossier Parish schools, training teachers, and hosting workshops to empower educators and parents of dyslexic students after discovering her young son JT, one of five, was facing reading challenges.
DeeDee and JT are celebrating DeeDee’s birthday
Her commitment led to creating A Kid’s Choice Educational Services in Shreveport, offering testing, advocacy, and early intervention. DeeDee’s mission is deeply personal.
“I know what a difference the right support made for my son, and I know what it feels like to struggle as a reader myself.”
Although DeeDee and her husband will never give up their home in Bossier City, Louisiana, her enduring support of her son JT has her splitting her time between the two cities.
Her Italian-inspired oasis is more than a patio; it reflects her heart, faith, and zest for life.
“Find the good in all people, and then miraculous things will be accomplished. If you do that, your work is a beautiful piece of art.”