Courtney Gregor

MY ADVICE:

• Go with what makes you happy. If you have concept picture that really resonates with you don’t worry about whether it will appeal to someone else.

• Take time to curate your space. Whether it’s your wardrobe, library, or desk take the time and space to showcase the pieces you really care about and use most frequently.

• Start small. A lot of times taking on a new project, especially one that involves organization, can seem really intimidating. Start with one section or wall and ignore the rest of the space. Think about just 3 things you would like to change in that space and carry through with just those 3 things. Once that’s done it’s incredible how much the space will have changed and your confidence will have improved. Just keep repeating the next 3 things until all of the goals have been checked off the list.

“I’m really excited about my closet. Courtney and I worked really hard on the details. She has an excellent ear and was able to design the closet I wanted. It was a phenomenal experience from beginning to end. Thanks Courtney and the entire Closet Factory staff for your great customer service and building the best gentlemen’s closet in Hampton Roads.”

– Mr. Moore from Hampton Roads

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?”

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

My biggest design challenge was probably working with a client on a space that was being completely renovated. The floor plan of the closet changed 3 or 4 times and each time there was a new challenge. A new angled wall, a sloped ceiling, and just a very unusual configuration of space. The very last change came within one week of our installation date so it was a scramble to document all the changes in dimensions and redesign accordingly, but we managed to incorporate all the changes and stay on track with our installation. I wish I could take full credit for that, but it was a massive team effort with everyone involved in the process.

 “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?”

The only way to effectively collaborate is to really be an active listener and to ask the right follow-up questions. It’s important to have a thorough understanding of client’s day to day activities and how they plan on using the space, but also how they’ve been using it so far. I love making conversations with anybody. So, I usually try to get all of this information just by having a really informal conversation.

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

 “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?”

A well-organized home office is basically the foundation for turning your routine into a well-oiled machine. When everything has a specific place, you don’t waste time searching for it. Being able to find something just with muscle memory you shave valuable time off absolutely every action throughout the day. That’s energy that’s immediately redirected toward something else. That’s a powerful motivator. I have dozens of clients tell me they avoided going into a space if it was overwhelmed by the number of items in it. Imagine the consequences that feeling carries when the space that overwhelms you is the place where you’re supposed to be most productive. Coming into a space everyday that’s already in order is empowering. What better way to start your day than to have the confidence of knowing you’ve already conquered your surroundings.

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

Flex spaces seem to be big right now. An extra bedroom is valuable space why dedicate it to just being a guest room that will be of no use when you don’t have guests? Why not make that space an office/ guest room/ craft room? Or anything else that can provide multiple purposes. In older homes, there are frequently two living spaces, formal and informal. It’s rare that people utilize a formal living room anymore. People want to take back that space and use for it for something more useful for their daily life. Mudrooms are also something that seem to be essential these days as well as defined his and hers spaces in the closet.