Welcome to the Military Makeover Style Guide featuring the LaVallee Family!
In this edition, we’re excited to take you inside the incredible transformation of the LaVallee family’s home, now reimagined as a desert bohemian retreat—a space that reflects their resilience, love, and deep connection to nature.
Christy LaVallee, a proud Army Reservist and Purple Heart recipient, has dedicated her life to service and perseverance. Now working as a scheduling dispatcher, she continues to make a positive impact. By her side is her partner, Abbey Roberts, whose love for plants, yoga, and meditation brings balance and warmth to their home. Together, they’ve created a sanctuary filled with love, companionship, and their four cats and two dogs and together, they’ve built a loving home filled with their four cats and two dogs—a sanctuary of warmth and companionship.
As you explore this guide, you’ll uncover the thoughtful details behind every design choice. Earthy tones, natural textures, and organic elements set the foundation for a serene and inviting atmosphere, while bohemian accents and cozy layers bring a sense of tranquility and personal expression. Every space was crafted with intention to honor Christy’s journey, embrace Abbey’s love for nature, and create a peaceful haven they can truly call home.
Join us as we celebrate the LaVallee family and this heartfelt transformation — a true labor of love!
The LaVallee Primary Bedroom was already infused with bohemian charm, and our goal was to elevate their space into a true retreat, one that reflects both comfort and personality. We kept the woven wall pieces that Christy and Abbey loved, expanding on their existing style by incorporating bohoinspired artwork that adds depth and warmth to the room. To enhance the cozy yet airy feel, we introduced rich orange-toned bedding that beautifully complements the soft, earthy hues of the walls, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
No dream bedroom is complete without a strong foundation, and our specialized flooring company, Kährs, stepped in to install stunning new hardwood flooring, adding natural elegance and durability to the space. To ensure Christy and Abbey have the restful sleep they deserve, Flexsteel provided a new king-sized bed, offering both luxury and support. Every detail was chosen with intention, turning their bedroom into a peaceful sanctuary where they can relax, recharge, and truly feel at home.
Season 41 of Military
Makeover honored service, resilience, and creativity. The LaValle family home reflected years of hard work, but there was still something missing a space for Christy LaValle to fully embrace her passion for woodworking.
What Military Makeover with Montel Williams Did to Support a Passion Project
“Christy has such a passion for woodworking, and we are honored to give her a space to let her passion projects soar.”
MM Crew
Christy had spent years creating projects throughout the house. She worked in the living room and later moved her tools upstairs, finding ways to make it work without a designated area. The Military Makeover team recognized how much this meant to her and designed a workshop where she could focus on her craft without interruptions.
The transformation gave Christy a dedicated space filled with everything she needed. Organized storage, sturdy work surfaces, and thoughtful details turned the room into a place where she could build, design, and create freely.
It also became a space for other creative projects, including arts and crafts and DIY work that had been part of her daily life.
The LaVallee family’s “green room” was once a playful, pet-friendly space where their animals took over, but we saw an opportunity to transform it into something both functional and beautiful. While this room was originally defined by its rich green walls, we knew we could honor its spirit while giving it a fresh purpose. Instead of letting it remain an unused space, we turned it into a fully realized dining room, a place where Christy and Abbey can share meals, celebrate moments, and feel at home.
To create the ultimate desert-bohemian dining experience, we carefully selected furniture from Flexsteel and Midea American Corp, featuring an Aztec-inspired dining set that enhances the space with warmth and character. The intricate details and earthy tones of the furniture blend seamlessly with the existing green walls, reinforcing the room’s natural, grounded feel. Now, instead of being a space taken over by their pets, the dining room has been thoughtfully designed to reflect the LaVallee family’s style and needs.
A special touch in this transformation came from Krazy Glue, which helped bring a creative, DIY element to the space. With their contribution, we crafted custom artwork that now sits as a stunning centerpiece on the dining table.
This personalized addition adds an artistic and sentimental layer to the room, making it feel even more like home. Every detail was chosen with care, ensuring that the green room remains true to its roots while becoming a welcoming and functional space. To truly unify the space, we carried the bohoinspired aesthetic into the dining room bathroom, ensuring it feels like a natural extension of the home.
The LaVallee family’s living room was once an underutilized space, but we completely transformed it into a warm, inviting area that they can now fully enjoy. A fresh coat of paint on the walls instantly gave the room a brand-new feel, setting the tone for a more open and refreshing atmosphere. To elevate both style and comfort, we introduced Flexsteel furniture, ensuring that Christy and Abbey have a cozy and stylish place to gather.
To bring their vision to life, we infused the room with desert-inspired touches that seamlessly blend with their original bohemian aesthetic. Soft, earthy tones and natural textures were incorporated throughout. While greenery and plants added vibrancy and warmth. These elements help maintain the free-spirited, boho charm the LaVallees loved while embracing a more refined design.
One of the biggest upgrades was the addition of clever storage solutions under the staircase.
By digging out this previously unused space, we created a practical and stylish storage area while also incorporating a designated spot for their cats’ new Litter-Robot from Whiskers. Now, their pets have a space of their own, seamlessly integrated into the overall flow of the room.
Beyond aesthetics, this transformation was also about enhancing the home’s overall comfort. Service Experts installed a new HVAC system, making the air cleaner and the living space much more enjoyable. Now, the Lavallee's can truly relax in their updated living room, whether they’re curled up on their new couch or Christy is online using VetComm to access her well-earned veteran disability benefits. This transformation wasn’t just about style; it was about creating a livable, welcoming space that serves the LaVallee family in every way.
The kitchen underwent a complete transformation, turning what was once a divided space into a seamless area. Previously, the kitchen was split in half, with one side dedicated to cooking and the other serving as the dining room. By opening up the layout, we created a better flow that makes daily life easier and more efficient. Now, Christy and Abbey have a designated kitchen space where they can cook to their hearts' content, equipped with brand-new appliances that elevate both convenience and style.
Where the dining table once stood, we reimagined the space to bring in more natural light and enhance its functionality. The open area now serves as a designated feeding station for their beloved fur babies, ensuring their pets have their own space without disrupting the layout of the kitchen. Additionally, we incorporated extra storage solutions, helping the LaVallees keep their kitchen organized.
Beyond aesthetics and layout, this transformation also prioritized comfort and efficiency. Fujitsu installed a new HVAC system, ensuring that the home maintains a consistent temperature, which is especially helpful when the LaVallees are cooking up a storm. Now, whether they’re preparing meals together or enjoying their favorite Jersey Mike’s subs, they can do so in a kitchen that feels open, inviting, and perfectly suited to their needs.
The LaVallee family’s home office was completely reimagined into a versatile, multipurpose space that balances both productivity and wellness. With the help of our friends at WGU, we assembled Flexsteel furniture that not only adds style but also ensures comfort. Now, Christy has a dedicated workspace with adequate room to focus, stay organized, and take care of important tasks all within a setting that reflects the desert-bohemian charm of their home. To create an even healthier work environment, Aires provided specialized products to absorb radiation from electronic devices, ensuring that the space is as safe as it is functional.
Beyond being a practical office, we wanted this space to serve multiple purposes, making it even more valuable for the Lavallees. Thanks to Tonal’s adaptive at-home exercise system, the room now doubles as a home gym, allowing Christy to stay active and prioritize her health without ever leaving the house. Whether she’s knocking out work or knocking out a workout, this transformation ensures the space is being fully utilized to meet her daily needs. And after putting in the effort—whether at the desk or in the gym Christy and Abbey can head over to Dave & Buster’s for some well-deserved fun, making the most of their time both at home and out on the town.
During this new season of Military Makeover, Purple Heart Homes arranged a surprise that went far past home renovations. As the show’s official title nonprofit sponsor, they gave Christy LaValle and Abby a fishing trip in West Palm Beach. What waited for them at the dock made this makeover truly unforgettable.
“This surprise
is
going to be fantastic; Christy deserves it, and I can’t wait to see the look on her face.”
Paul Cockerham
Sergeant Ikes, a dedicated serviceman, had his life forever changed by Christy during deployment when she heroically saved him in a critical moment. Though that experience bonded them, time and distance kept them apart for years.
But on this special day, thanks to Purple Heart Homes, Sergeant Ikes and his wife Wanda were finally there ready to reunite with Christy and express the gratitude that had never faded.
The fishing trip became a time to look back and express gratitude. Christy and Ikes had the chance to talk about what happened all those years ago on calm waters.
Abby and Wanda joined them, turning the day into something greater than a reunion. It brought together the people who shared in their journey, making space for conversations that had been left unfinished.
As usual, this season of Military Makeover is focused on more than homes.
It is about the people behind these stories and the sacrifices that deserve recognition. Purple Heart Homes continues to show what real support looks like, proving that gratitude can be shown in ways that go past words.
Christy and Ikes’ reunion was an experience they will carry with them long after the last cast of the day.
For more heartwarming moments from this season visit our YouTube channel (MilitaryMakeover) or website (militarymakeover.tv).
The LaVallees' backyard was once an overlooked space, but we’ve transformed it into a true outdoor retreat that they can now fully enjoy. What was once an underutilized area is now an inviting retreat, perfect for both relaxation and entertaining guests. Through the integration of desert-bohemian elements, we maintained the aesthetic they love while ensuring the space is both practical and beautiful. From new seating areas to thoughtful landscaping, every detail was designed to create an environment that feels like an extension of their home.
To enhance both security and peace of mind, Tactacam installed outdoor home security, ensuring that Christy and Abbey always feel safe and protected in their new backyard. Whether they’re hosting friends or simply unwinding under the stars, they can do so with confidence and ease. In addition, Purple Heart Homes gifted them a Pitboss 3burner griddle, making outdoor cooking more enjoyable than ever. Now, they can whip up their favorite meals in a dedicated outdoor cooking space, perfect for summer barbecues or casual weeknight dinners.
This transformation has given the LaVallees a backyard they can truly use and love. Whether it’s a morning coffee on the patio, grilling up a feast, or spending quality time with their pets, this space is now fully functional and tailored to their lifestyle. The backyard is no longer just a patch of land it’s a destination, a place where they can create new memories for years to come.
