Mother’s warm letter leads to new living room
Saturday, March 27, 2010
By Kevin Kirkland, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Between Crystal Kerr and her 15-year-old dog, Merlin, it’s hard to say who’s happier that she won a $5,000 living room makeover by designer Angelo Surmelis.
She got a hip new living room with the latest furniture and Merlin got a new dog bed.
“I was really, really surprised,” said Ms. Kerr, 28. “I never thought my actual living room would look like that—so adult, like one of those magazines.”
The Coraopolis woman was chosen from 6,000 entrants in CSN Stores’ Living Room Search and Rescue Contest. Hers was chosen as the most “recession-weary living room in the country” based upon photos and an essay written by her mother, Linda Kerr of Las Vegas:
“Here’s a selfless young woman who bought her 60-year-old home four years ago. This money trap is the pride and joy of this first-time homeowner. She has replaced windows, heat, air, and electric throughout, mostly by herself. She’s done all of this and more while working three jobs and going to school.”
Mrs. Kerr goes on to explain that Ms. Kerr’s father, Dale, died in March 2009 after three months in a coma. During that time, she lost one of her jobs and had to quit school while helping to care for him.
“We believe Crystal should have a living room makeover that reflects the warmth and loving heart that she has,” her mother concludes.
On Sunday, Mr. Surmelis showed up with a camera crew, CSN representatives and furniture from his new angelo:HOME collection (http://www.angelohome.com). The star of HGTV’s “Rate My Space” also brought lighting from Quoizel, Couristan rugs, accents from SEI, Hitchcock Butterfield mirrors and more.
The designer, who chose to repaint the living room’s dark green walls in taupe with white trim, said the room needed lots of help.
“We saw thousands of truly heart-wrenching entries and were blown away by the effect the recession had on American living rooms,” Mr. Surmelis said. “But Crystal’s living room really cried out for a rescue.”
Will Flanagan, a public relations specialist for Boston-based CSN Stores, said he enjoyed finally meeting Ms. Kerr after months of talking to her on the phone.
“It was nice to get to see and meet Crystal and for her to be so deserving and great,” he said.
Mr. Surmelis’ line of upholstered pieces, bedroom furniture and bedding is available at Costco, Kohl’s and CSN Stores (http://www.csnstores.com), a chain of online e-boutiques.
Continue Reading (with before and after photos) at the Pittsburgh Post Gazette