Located in the heart of La Monte, Missouri, Show Me Christian Youth Home is a place rooted in purpose, restoration, and hope. Since 1967, their mission has remained steadfast: to rescue and restore young lives. Through safe, stable, and loving homes, they provide youth with the support systems they need to overcome difficult circumstances and step confidently into their futures.
With the guidance of trained professionals, each child is given an individualized environment layered with support emotionally, academically, and spiritually. Programs like Path to Purpose and Leadership U further equip students with the confidence, wisdom, encouragement, and real world tools needed as they transition into adulthood.
From Vision to Reality
Our team had the privilege of partnering with Show Me Christian Youth Home to assist with the new reception, waiting room, and conference room, along with the expansion of their new school and student lounge in early 2025. From the start, our approach was rooted in listening, understanding not only functional needs but the heart behind the space.
Our scope extended beyond interiors into the exterior design, where we collaborated on stone finishes, color palettes, pattern direction, and column detailing. Metal selections were carefully chosen to complement the new roof and architectural elements of the school addition. For signage, we partnered with a local metal shop, Fossil Forge, whose custom work added a meaningful and lasting first impression to the campus. We will have their information listed below.
Sydney developing two palettes to present to the client(s). We do lots of research on chosing the right finishes!
The night before the meeting...
We like to present two different palette directions to each of our client(s). This allows us to explore a range of ideas and give you a clear sense of what is possible for your space. During this meeting, it is an active work session with our designers, where your palette begins to come to life.
We often find that clients are drawn to a mix of elements from each palette, and that is exactly what we want. There is no right or wrong direction here. We love anything you love, and you will never hurt our feelings with what you do not like. Our eyes are trained to ensure everything looks cohesive, intentional, and well designed.
This is your project, and our goal is to create something that truly reflects you and your brand.
Schematic Design Meeting with Kelly, Sydney and the clients.
Designing with Intention
Inside, every detail was thoughtfully considered from lighting layouts and floor orientation to finish selections and furnishings. Beginning in the vestibule, a perfectly scaled bench creates a calming pause before entering the main lobby, setting the tone for the entire experience.
We curated design concepts that aligned with the organization’s mission, presenting inspiration boards and art installations that evoke warmth, hope, and belonging. Furnishings were selected with a balance of comfort and durability in mind, spaces that feel welcoming yet are built to withstand daily use. Our initial concept and inspiration board played a key role in communicating this vision, and the client ultimately moved forward with many of the selections shown.
The lobby incorporates an intentional hospitality moment with a brochure and coffee area, offering both information and comfort to visitors. In the conference room, layered lighting solutions and curated artwork transformed blank walls into a space that feels both functional and inspiring.
And one of our favorite parts was working with a client who embraced color. Thoughtful pops of color were introduced and then carried throughout the school to create a sense of continuity, energy, and identity across spaces.
Supporting Students Through Smart Design
In the student lounge and school areas, design goes beyond aesthetics, it directly impacts how students feel and function.
Acoustic solutions were a key consideration. In environments with children, sound control is essential for focus, emotional regulation, and overall comfort. Materials like acoustic panels, soft furnishings, and sound absorbing surfaces help reduce noise levels, minimize distractions, and create a more supportive learning environment. A quieter space allows students to better engage, concentrate, and feel at ease throughout their day.
We also incorporated flush mount lighting with felt shades to further support sound absorption and soften the overall environment.
Durability Meets Care
When designing for high traffic, youth centered environments, durability and maintenance are just as important as beauty.
We approached these spaces with cleanability and longevity in mind. Epoxy flooring in the bathrooms provides a seamless, highly durable surface that resists wear and is easy to maintain, while durable paint finishes ensure walls can withstand daily use and still look polished.
In bathrooms, large format tile plays a critical role. Not only does it create a clean, modern aesthetic, but it also reduces grout lines, meaning fewer places for dirt and bacteria to collect. Tile is naturally moisture resistant, making it essential for maintaining hygiene and preventing long term water damage. In commercial settings, these decisions also align with important safety standards. Commercial design codes are legally binding, minimum safety and performance standards, primarily derived from the International Code Council ICC and NFPA, that ensure buildings are safe, accessible, and functional. For more information on local requirements, you can reference Kansas City codes and ordinances here https://www.kcmo.gov/city-hall/departments/city-planning-development/codes-and-ordinances.
This is the staff restroom shown above. How beautiful are these large format tiles? We created a checkered pattern using white and soft blue tiles with a lightly distressed finish. To the right are the student bathrooms, where we kept the design more simple with a blue paint accent. In the staff restroom, we chose tile to create a more elevated look and added durability compared to paint alone.
Designed to Serve a Greater Purpose
This project was about more than creating beautiful spaces, it was about supporting a mission that changes lives. Every design decision was made to enhance the daily experience of students, staff, and visitors while reflecting the heart of Show Me Christian Youth Home.
Spaces that feel safe. Environments that inspire. Details that support growth.
We are incredibly honored to have played a role in bringing this vision to life.
To learn more about Show Me Christian Youth Home's mission, impact and ways you can support, visit https://showmehelpingkids.com/.
To learn more about Fossil Forge, explore more of their craftsmanship at https://www.fossilforge.com/.