When Tommy and Dana Bland Turpin built their home last year, they had more experience than the average first-time homebuilder. Dana Turpin is currently working for Coldwell Banker Gallerie Realty, enabling her to see the features of many properties.

She and her husband were in the building trades, and have been involved in construction of around 60 houses. This is the fifth house the Turpins have built for themselves.

Dana was contractor for the family’s 2,670-square-foot four bedroom and three-bath house. It’s located in the Sulphur gated community of Forest Park.

Tommy Turpin is from Vinton. Dana is from Sulphur, “where the real Tors are,” she says, throwing up one fist for emphasis.

In her youth, Dana thought she might become an architect. But when she discovered few architects make a name (and living) for themselves designing residences alone, she changed her mind, after getting engineering and drafting classes under her belt.

“God made a way,” she said, referring to how she has been able to pursue her passion.

Not every inspection was a piece of cake, despite the fact that she’s held a contractor license and been in the business. This she tallied up to one of God’s life lessons, for her as well as for the inspector.

Dana sees God’s life lessons in the coincidences, in the routine and in the miraculous. She designed her house, knowing she would want a special place for prayer. Her house has two: the rattan chair which hangs from her back porch ceiling and a comfortable chair in her sitting room, a space with plenty of windows.

“There’s just something about being close to nature,” Turpin said. “I like being in it or close to it when communing with God.”

The exterior of the house is not cookie cutter. It received as much design consideration as the interior.

A small parking garage, in addition to the main garage, helps keep the front portico more private. Repeated archways, the use of stone, stucco and wood shutters also help set the house apart as one-of-a-kind.

Attending to details that make houses one-of-a-kind is important to Dana. She made an intentional departure from certain decorating trends that are, to her, becoming commonplace. The interior of the home has cleaner, simpler lines. The overall style is transitional.

The open room concept is spacious and light-filled. Some of the ample light is provided by numerous arch-shaped windows and bounced around by mirrors, including mirrored furniture. Lamps, sconces and chandeliers are well placed and out of the ordinary. Walls are painted a light, almost reflective gray. On the day of the American Press interview, it was picking up the blue of the sky. Trim is white.

The feeling, despite the light gray walls, glowing white tile and mirrored surfaces is warm. Turpin used a couple of key pieces from her previous home – the perfect way to add interest as well as a touch of warmth. A room furnished with all new pieces can seem flat.

The wood floors also anchor the light airy environment and add warmth. The dark finish of certain furnishings look wonderful with a large light-colored hand-painted and distressed cabinet. The sleek fireplace has a horizontal opening, rather than the usual square. Family photos are scattered everywhere in the home.

Dana did her own decorating. However, she admits she is usually exhausted by the time she finishes the design and build of the structure.

“I kept it neutral and I will add accent colors as needed,” Dana said.

She deliberated over lighting choices and it shows. She successfully mixed gold and silver. She found new furnishings and accents at discount prices.

The kitchen is the pièce de résistance, a shining, sleek and functional space.

Despite the beautiful aesthetics inside and out, Dana cautions against any thinking that would suggest that’s what makes a house a home.

“This is just a place to put stuff,” she said. Your heart and what’s in it is your home. It’s The way Dana added parking for one car created this more private area in the front of the house. Note the detailed arches, brick and stone work.

God. It’s where your spouse and your family are….”

The exterior of Tommy and Dana Bland Turpin’s Sulphur home is not cookie cutter. It received as much design consideration as the interior. (Rita LeBleu / American Press)