LOOKBOOK

Andrew Newcomb

I first joined Closet Factory as an installer in 2006 and enjoyed that new type of carpentry. Installing closets means we are usually one of the last trades in a new home so things are cleaner, it’s dry and no more framing a house in the snow for me. I also really enjoyed the reaction of the customer when they come into their new closet for the first time. I have seen women break into tears of joy at the first sight of the new space I put together.

Now I get to be on the front end of helping to create that reaction and feeling for my clients as a Closet Factory Designer!

I love meeting new clients and helping them to come up with a design that incorporates all of their needs and as many of their desires as possible. I love the process of coming up with ideas that will simplify life for my clients and maybe help them utilize space in a way they might never have thought of.

Most of all I still want to experience that joy I saw as an installer when my clients first see the new closet that we worked together to design and build.

MY ADVICE:

So many of my clients have more shoes than they know what to do with and not enough space in their closet. If this is a problem, flat shelves are the best way to store shoes as they take up less space than slanted ones. Instead of lining up each pair on a shelf, group flats or sandals together and put them in a decorative bin or pull out baskets that can hold 5 or 6 pairs at a time.

Always think about function first. Will the design you want actually hold all of your items that you need to store? While large countertops, vanities and trophy cases are nice, They take up valuable space so place your needs first then start thinking about your wants.

Drawers, drawers, drawers! If you can find it in your budget to place drawers at the top of your list of needs and wants you will be very glad you did. If you have the space in the closet to add drawer storage it quite often will allow you to eliminate that bulky old dresser from your bedroom and free up floor space. This will make you feel like you not only got a new closet but enlarged your bedroom.

“We responded to the Carpet Factory ad in Bend Lifestyle Magazine. We were searching for a company to design, build and install a home office and laundry room cupboards. Andrew Newcomb responded to our request for a free design consultation. He listened to our vision of what we wanted and then we spent several days corresponding by email with back and forth design drafts. Andrew was very responsive to our tweaking of the design and it wasn’t long before we arrived at the final draft. The large selection of products -basic cabinets, surface, and hardware – was very impressive. It was actually a fun process! Upon agreeing to have the work done, he was able to give us an install date immediately. The installation was on schedule and the installers were efficient and courteous. The completed product fit perfectly and looks just as envisioned and designed. We are very pleased with the design process, installation, quality of the product and service responsiveness.”

– Lee & Corlet Graff from Bend, OR

MY FAQ’s:

 “How do you first approach a space? In other words, what’s the first thing you think about when you first see a client’s closet space/storage problem?”

The first thing I notice when I enter a client’s closet is the amount of overflow inventory they have. Are shoes thrown into piles in the corner? Is clothing piled up? Are hanging clothes squeezed in too tightly or longer items hanging in shorter hanging spaces? How can we fix it and get it all to fit and do it right?

 “What is the biggest design obstacle you’ve overcome? i.e. awkwardly angled walls, electrical sockets in bizarre places, big collections in small spaces.”

The biggest design obstacle is usually angled walls, followed closely by headers/sofets and then crawl space hatches and lack of square footage. I have dealt with all of the above.

 “Since collaboration is such an integral part of the design process, how do you like to engage or connect with clients in order to help them realize their vision for a space?”

I offer suggestions and design ideas based on experience and knowing what works and then discuss what ideas the client has. Honestly, it is a matter of what really functions and what doesn’t.

 “How are you inspired by a home’s existing décor? Is there anything specific that you look for during an in-home consultation?”

I look at the way clients choose color and I always look at the rest of the cabinets in the house and the type of molding to see if it should or could carry into the closet.

 “What are some ways a custom designed home office can improve productivity? In other words, how does the right type of home office help people do business?”

Having a custom home office can really be life changing. Having everything right where you need it and exactly how you want it to look is a great way to find that “work from home Zen”.

 “What are some modern organizational trends, or what’s a trend you’re looking for?”

I’m always interested in what colors of material people seem to be wanting and it’s interesting how it really does change. I also like mixing shaped doors and drawers with slab drawers and varying colors to add flair when it is appropriate.