Creating Spaces

Winter 2006

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When you visit Susan Forrest's home in Sturgeon, you are immediately aware that you have entered into an artist's haven. Known for many years as the "Santa Gourd Lady," this award-winning artist has put her creative touch on everything around her. And when she needed to remodel her home, Susan wanted a remodeler who could create a functional, yet imaginative space for her work. That remodeler was Kerry Bramon Remodeling and Design.

The Starting Point

Initially, Forrest was interested in fixing up her two bathrooms. One was in need of total renovation, while the other bathroom needed to be adapted for handicap accessibility for Susan's elderly mother. In this bath, the Bramon crew widened the doorway and adapted the shower for wheelchair use. They utilized space from an existing closet by moving walls, and a tunnel skylight was created to bathe the room in natural sunlight.

Using some of the floor space from the adjoining bedroom enlarged the master bath. By moving the wall, a contemporary step-in shower with a seat and handrail were added. A large bay window surrounds a jetted tub, allowing for spacious views of the outside. "As a gardener, I like to have a specific plantview out of each window when I do my landscaping," says Forrest. The muted walls and solid surface countertops complement the warm earth tones of the natural cherry cabinetry. To finish the look, Susan has added her own touches of nature -- a garland light fixture, plants -- and even a hand-painted gnome gourd to watch over the room.

Time to Smile

Once the bathrooms had been designed, Kerry and Susan discussed working on the other areas of the home. Forrest's four-bedroom 1967 ranch style home had plenty of small rooms, including a living room and formal dining room, which were hardly ever used. After raising her three children and now welcoming her new grandchildren into her home, Susan realized that the boxy layout no longer suited her needs. "I really wanted the walls out," she said. "And Kerry was the only remodeler who said it could be done."

The Bramon crew removed the walls that separated the living and dining rooms and supported the roof. In addition, they vaulted the southern half of the roof and Kerry suggested adding three skylights in the new living area to bring in more natural light. "We ending up putting in two skylights," says Forrest. "They're very effective, wonderful and I just love them."

To integrate the space together, large ceramic tiles were diagonally set to amplify the scale of the new room. The choice of installing ceramic tile over re-carpeting was also beneficial for cleanup for Forrest's two Springer spaniels, Belle and Betsy. "I really wanted the tile to resemble Missouri creek rock, and it is so easy to maintain," Susan adds about the flooring. The natural, airy look is carried over by the celery-colored walls and rich wood cabinetry, which complements the various styles of artwork on the walls. The cozy living area boasts an entertainment center, a window seat and ample storage. "I wanted a happy, warm house," she notes. Outlets were placed in the floor to allow a flexible seating plan and clean look free of cords.

The KBRD crew worked in the cold winter weather to complete the remodel. At one point, a pregnant stray dog came to Susan's house and delivered eight pups. Members of the team worked around the new arrivals and even adopted some of the litter. And like her canine counterparts, Susan found it somewhat challenging to stay in her home during the renovation, but said that it was not too difficult overall because of all the accommodations the crew was able to make for her.

In the final design, the laundry room and pantry were moved to the main floor. As a senior, Forrest found not having to climb stairs with laundry a great convenience and welcomed change. The Bramon team was able to re-use the old kitchen cabinets that Susan had decorated previously in the laundry room and garage. The pantry, however, is one of her favorite new items. "I am thrilled to have it and the workmanship is unbelievable," she says. "I love all this storage space."

By taking out the walls, the kitchen area was opened up and renovated. Previously remodeled in the mid-1990s as a totally white kitchen, Susan decided that having natural cherry cabinetry would update the kitchen's look, and has found that she loves the grain of the wood. The wide Silkstone countertops and barstools are perfect for entertaining. "This way everyone can be together and be social," she adds. Friends and family alike enjoy hanging out while Susan cooks and can still be part of the conversation.

Additionally, a wider profile was created to adapt the kitchen for senior living, and the appliances were positioned below the counters to allow for a wheelchair-bound person to operate them. Susan loves her twin ovens for baking and the three custom hand blown pendant lights by Kansas City artist Gary Smith. Forrest has added her own artistic touches, adorning the cooktop hood and sink area with painted foliage. But the letters above the sink say the most about Susan's philosophy and are a gentle reminder about her outlook on life: "Smile." Having a remodeled home has certainly given her reason to smile.

Detail and Design Were Key

Susan worked closely with in-house designer Angela Holloway to create the space she wanted. Beginning with floorplans and perspectives, the two discussed materials and were able to work out many details. Sitting at the computer, changes could be made onscreen and visualized before any construction began.

The key to the remodel was in the design. "You could hire any carpenter or remodeler, but they don't have Angela!" Susan notes, "Paying attention to the details -- that's why Kerry Bramon's company is so good. They know the little things that make it right." Forrest credits Holloway with keeping everything together and working out even the smallest of details.

Her Own Space

While most people can think of their own reasons to renovate, Susan Forrest began the remodeling process to accommodate for her mother, who came to live with her toward the end of the project. And although her mother did not live long afterward to truly enjoy the changes in the home, Susan herself has decided that she will continue to live there. "I had to make a decision that I could move and sell the house, or stay here. The yard is so wonderful and this has been my home for almost 40 years. We made everything so I can live here another 30 years!" Whether she's sewing a quilt, gardening, painting or watching her grandchildren, Susan Forrest now has a creative and unique place to truly call her own -- thanks to Kerry Bramon Remodeling and Design.

The Winter 2006 issue of Redefining Home was produced and published by Kerry Bramon Remodeling & Design. Written and edited by Mary Dahm, with photography by James Dahm, Susan Forrest and Ernie Gutierrez. Design & layout by Dahm Design Company.

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