MY ADVICE:

• When working with a client, I ask them how they want and need the closet to work for them now. Using my design perspective, I also want to design the space for future flexibility. For example: I design shoe shelves a little deeper than required for shoes. This gives them the added depth needed for folded clothing, and the flexibility of adding a tilt-out hamper, baskets, etc., at a later time if they desire.

• When space is tight, it is important to take stock of your clothing and shoes that you rarely, if ever wear. If it is something that you just can’t part with, perhaps there is somewhere else that you could keep them, freeing up space for your “go to” everyday articles of clothing.

• A simple thing like the type of hangers you use can greatly impact how much more room you will have in your closet.

“After consulting with two other companies, I chose Closet Factory to build my walk-in closet and garage storage. Jo Anne was very patient, listened to what I needed, and the end result is exactly as promised. I was trying to get lighted storage with translucent panels behind open metal work across the top of the units and the other two companies couldn’t do it. During the consultation, Jo Anne made one phone call and came through! Installation was seamless, and my home was treated with respect. I couldn’t be happier and would highly recommend Jo Anne and the Closet Factory.”

– Peggy Stevens from Portland, 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?”

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

Over the course of my career as a designer, there have been many. I do love the challenge of difficult obstacles as they stretch my creativity and knowledge on how to overcome them. If I had to choose one in particular, it would have been a room on the upper floor of an older home with dormers and sloped ceilings.   The design maximized the space giving the client more storage than they had thought possible.  In fact, after the installation they called me to tell me they were having a glass of wine in their beautiful new closet for Happy Hour! They will have many “happy hours” in the future enjoying their closet.

 “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?”

Collaboration: The process of two or more people working together to realize or achieve something successfully. This process is important and necessary to accomplish an end result that works for the client and leaves them delighted with whichever space you are working on.

 “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?”

Home offices are as unique as every individual. When working with a client on a custom designed home office below are a few of the many questions that I ask:

1. Are you right or left handed
2. Do you need file drawers? If so, letter or legal size? Or possibly a combination of both.
3. Do you work from a laptop? Do you dock your laptop to a monitor?
4. What size is your monitor?
5. Do you like to keep your paperwork organized and off the desk by utilizing cubbies below the upper cabinets?
6. How many work stations do you need?

This is just an example of questions that are asked in order to design a custom home office that is “tailored” made to fit the client.

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

With the loft and industrial type of living spaces available in the Greater Portland area, I see a trend for a “different” approach to design. There is an increasing interest in a “floating” look in storage solutions, particularly for closets, entertainment centers and home offices. The trend for textured and high gloss finishes are becoming increasingly popular. Also, Wall Beds with multi-functional purposes are coming into the forefront, especially in scaled-down living spaces. This is an exciting movement that has yet to come into its own.