LOOKBOOK

Denny Stotlemyer

Northern Virginia, Washington D.C. and Maryland

I have been a cabinetmaker and designer for more than 40 years.

20 years ago, my wife and I purchased a Closet Factory franchise and we operated the Washington DC franchise of Closet Factory for 18 years. During our ownership, I became an expert designer and once we decided to sell our business, I shifted into designing custom storage products as a part-time endeavor. The designing work and helping clients with their storage needs is so fulfilling that I almost don’t have time to travel. Well, almost.

I design both residential and light commercial work and still see clients throughout the DC Metro area.

One of the best parts of my job is helping my clients design spaces to organize their homes so they can lead less stressful daily lives. The most rewarding call I can receive from a client is when they say, “Thank you, I don’t know how I lived without it for so long.”

I enjoy my free time traveling with my wife throughout the United States, seeing places that we never seemed to have time for until now. And on occasion, you might see us in Las Vegas as well.

MY ADVICE:

A great way to see what items that you actually wear in wardrobe is to turn all of your hangers backward on the rods. As you wear an item and replace it, clean, into your closet, replace the hanger as you normally do. After some time, say 3 – 6 months, you’ll be able to easily find those items that you haven’t worn this season. Then it’s time to decide how to deal with those items that haven’t been worn.

You can save space on shoe shelves by storing one shoe facing forward and the other facing backward. You can now store 3 pairs of shoes on a shelf that would previously hold only 2 ½ pairs of shoes. Not only do you have room for more shoes, but you can see the shoe style and heel height at a glance.

Unfinished areas in your basement or attic are great spots to install shelving for holiday decorations. Easy to get to, but never in the way.

laundry room cabinets in white with pet nook

“We are extremely pleased with the closet and professionalism of your team. Indeed outstanding! The looks are amazing, top quality, the planning makes the most of the available space and the short time between the order and installation really impressive. I will recommend your firm without any hesitation to my friends, neighbors, and colleagues.”

– Joana S.

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 like to pause and look at how the existing items are fit into the space. Then comes the time for the big question, “What do you hate most about this closet?”

 “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 in closets are the angled walls that builders have incorporated into their home designs. While angled walls look great on a master bedroom entry, they are a great space waster in a closet.

In an office, windows that are just inches above the floor make it hard to design desk tops and file cabinets around them.

 “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 want to ask question after question to make sure that the client and I are on the same page as far as their needs for their storage. Clients sometimes think that I ask too many questions. However, answers to my questions give me the information to incorporate all of their ideas and needs to design a closet or office that is truly theirs.

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

One of the first things that I look for is their existing style. Is there crown molding? Is the home more modern? Asking questions about how my client views the details of their home, allows me to seamlessly blend the new design into their home. My goal is to have a new piece look like it’s always been there.

 “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 custom home office allows for a more organized, productive day. Even if only for household bill paying, organization is key. We easily match the existing home decor for a seamless transition from home to office. Also, since we are not “one size fits all”, we can adjust our units to fit our clients’ physical needs giving them a more comfortable workday.

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

I enjoy seeing a more modern, high tech look with glass and metal laminates. But, the final arbiter of taste is the client themselves. That’s what truly custom means.