Deb Broockerd

MY ADVICE:

• Take a step back & look at a crowded or unorganized space with fresh eyes. What is taking up space that really needs to be elsewhere in the home? Hang on to those special pieces that mean so much, but don’t give them valuable real estate in your daily life.  Let’s find a more appropriate spot to store them while maximizing your closet for daily living.
• Invest in tools that will make your new closet work at the highest level for you. Use consistent hangers for your clothing so everything hangs the same. That provides a clean, uncomplicated look.
• Corral your jewelry, scarves, ties, belts with an accessory that is designed for that. You’ll discover favorite items that you’ve overlooked or neglected. If you can see it, you will wear it.
• Create “zones” in your pantry. Think about how you prepare meals, fix lunches for the kids, feed the pets. Save time & steps by grouping items together for different functions.

“Deborah and her crew gave me a dream walk-in closet/room. We built a new first floor master bedroom, bathroom and closet. So we had a clean slate. I now have a magnificent closet complete with two windows, chandelier, beautiful cabinets, jewelry drawers, hanging jewelry rods, the works! The installation was very efficient and clean. Deborah and her crew were very professional, pleasant, and a delight to work with. During installation I decided I wanted some full length mirrors on the inside of two tall doors. No problem. They even suggested piano hinges for they could be pushed back more. The changes were made quickly and I couldn’t be happier with the final product. My closet could easily be in a magazine. I would most highly recommend Deborah for designing new closet space or reworking existing closets.”

– N.C. from McLean, VA

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?”

I take stock of what is in the space & how it is arranged. What is hindering full use of the space. I ask a lot of questions to determine what the client’s priorities are and how to create the best design to accommodate them.

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

Working in a lot of very old homes in the Washington metro area, I find that floors, ceilings and walls are never level. You have to pay close attention and be prepared for surprises. But, if we plan for the quirks, we can build beautiful spaces with a minimum of disruption for our customers.

 “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 spend a great deal of time talking with my clients about how they live in their spaces. Understanding their daily routine is so important to creating great solutions for them. We look at lots of project photos & samples to find the details that make the most sense for their situation, organizationally, aesthetically and budgetary.

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

I find that art and architectural details in a home will provide a stepping stone to my designs. Customizing the design for each client allows me to create solutions that solve the organizational challenges, while blending seamlessly into their home.

 “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?”

Being comfortable in your home office space absolutely improves productivity. Having the essential items with easy reach saves time and effort. Understanding how people work is the first step in creating the perfect environment for them. The physical comfort of a work space is critical to enhancing productivity.

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

I am excited about the move toward clean, uncomplicated spaces. Simple lines, interesting color combinations and enhanced lighting options are fun to explore with my customers.