Coo l STAYING

Louisiana’s climate is its own main character with heat and humidity. But guests of the hotel will find nothing but perfect temperatures, thanks to mini-split AC units from MRCOOL, a Kentucky-based air conditioning company.

PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF MRCOOL

• CLIMATE CONTROL. The MRCOOL team are experts on climate, and know which type of unit will work for local weather patterns. “Louisiana is a warmer area. Air conditioning is a necessary respite from hot weather that can sometimes be dangerous to spend too much time in,” says the MR COOL team. “Our units also remove humidity from the air as it cools, ensuring you’re comfortable as well as safe.”

• MINI SPLIT UNITS. Central AC units have air handles that push air into rooms through a vent. But the MRCOOL team suggested mini-split AC units for the Villas, which allow homeowners to choose precisely where their air handler goes. “In the case of the Villas, it will allow each separate Villa to have its own temperature control,” the team says.

• DIY FRIENDLY. Most AC units require professional installation, but MRCOOL has an option for those who want to DIY their air conditioning. “We came onto the scene with a product that was almost unthinkable,” the team says. “It’s called the DIY and it allows homeowners to take control of their own system’s installation.”

EXPECTATIONS VERSUS REALITY

Sara is extremely organized while juggling several areas of entrepreneurship at once, from filming an HGTV show to overseeing the Villas’ renovations. Her organization and firm control of her projects lets her adapt, no matter the circumstance. “My organization is the scaffolding for when things go awry,” Sara says. “And something always will, especially with delays.” For example, Sara learned that the Villas would be inaccessible to her as their environmental hazards were remedied. So she prepared for the delay and figured out ways around the closures. “I had the buildings closed off one at a time,” she says. “That way, I was able to work on the open ones. When the first building was closed off, I took measurements prior to the remediation and had contractors also come and take measurements of the floors, windows and cabinet spaces.” Thanks to her planning the project has moved forward, even when no one could set foot inside.

(above, left) Sara’s home is full of soul and has a collected, dynamic feeling, “When you get a sign from a big box store, five thousand other people across the nation will also have it,” Sara says. “But when you shop from antiques shops and garage sales, you’ll find special items that you alone will have.” For example, these theater chairs, which she found at an antiques market, are from an old theater in Michigan and are the sort of one-of-a-kind pieces Sara loves. She’ll use this same mentality when decorating the Villas.

(above, right) When Sara first ventured into interior design, neutral farmhouse style was a big trend. “I leaned into it,” Sara says. Then a friend brought over some chairs to Sara’s home for a photoshoot. “They were so joyful,” Sara says. “I immediately thought, ‘I have to bring color into my home!’”

(above) Believe it or not, Sara got all the pieces in her gallery wall for under $100 at a store that was having a massive sale on art. “After lying them out on the floor, I just got my hammer and nails and went for it,” she says. “And it turned out so darn cute!” The Villas will have a mix between farm cottage style and other farmhouse-friendly styles.

(below) A variety of thrifted pieces adorn Sara’s mantel, including $7 artwork and a rustic wooden box that she got from a garage sale. She also added in some books and topiaries for additional texture and interest. “You’ll notice the whole tableau is kind of off-centered. I love asymmetry. It gives a sense of surprise,” she says.