LOOKBOOK

Kelly Edison

After working as a forensic psychologist for a number of years, I decided that I needed a change. Working for Closet Factory has provided me with the perfect opportunity to use my previously untapped talents in design, spatial planning, and organization.

Most people are probably unaware of this, but my training as a psychologist has actually helped make be a better designer! I understand that active listening is an art form and oftentimes I am able to decipher what my client’s want when they are unable to verbalize it themselves.

I thoroughly enjoy meeting potential clients during the initial design consultation, understanding their needs and wants, getting to know them through the design process, supplying them with a functional and absolutely fabulous design, and then seeing their satisfaction as it all come to life during the installation. Being part of the solution and exceeding expectations is what I’m all about.

MY ADVICE:

Having a messy, unorganized closet can throw off your whole day. You’re now stressed or in a bad mood because you couldn’t find the shirt you wanted to wear…even worse, you’re late for work because you’ve been running around trying to find something else to wear. Let me help you reduce stress and get your day off to a good start, by helping you get your closet organized.

Don’t be afraid to share your budget with me. It will help guide me in creating the perfect design for you at your perfect price. It will also allow me to make suggestions.

Think vertically. The higher we go with your storage, the more unused real estate we can tap into.

“I had talked to another closet company to redo my pantry prior to meeting with Kelly and was very discouraged. I tried to explain what my dream pantry and was told that I should just add some shelves and go to Home Depot and buy baskets to put on the shelves. When I met with Kelly, I told her my thoughts and she immediately said “here’s one we just completed yesterday” and showed me a picture on her phone. It was obvious she had listened to what I was looking for. We made some tweaks and scheduled the installation. The installer was very professional and got everything completed within a couple of hours. I would recommend Kelly and Closet Factory for whatever your storage needs may be.”

– Connie H.

“Kelly and the Closet Factory did a great job on our kitchen pantry. The design was thoughtfully designed and completed on time.”

– Diane B.

“I worked with Kelly remotely to design my walk in closet and couldn’t be happier with the results, the scheduling process, and the cost. We were able to make a few changes together over the internet and phone and the end result was just as I wanted. Thank you, Kelly!”

– Judy

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?”

Everything starts with the inventory. I need to know what types of items, the size of the items, and how many of each a person has in order to design him/her a functional closet. Because no one has basements in Florida, oftentimes, people are storing items in their closets that people around the rest of the country would have in their basements. If their closet is the only option for storing these unusual items, such as table leaves or party platters, I make sure to measure the items and create a space just for 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.”

There are two obstacles that are prevalent in Florida houses. The first is having to use the closet as a multi-purpose space because as I mentioned there are no basements. People are usually short on storage space and need to use every inch optimally. I overcome this by measuring the items and making sure that they have their own dedicated space. The second obstacle is angled walls, which can drastically reduce the space that would have been available had the wall been straight. I have overcome this obstacle by cutting shelves at the same angle as the wall, adding a slat wall or mirror to the wall, and sometimes have been able to add hanging sections in spaces that permit.

 “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?”

My past training as a psychologist has taught me that active listening is key. Oftentimes, potential clients are unable to describe exactly what they want. My job is to gain a better understanding of what they feel is and is not working for them in their current space and I do this by asking the right questions. I find out what they hope to achieve in their new space, their color/style preferences, and their target price. I make sure to show (and explain to) potential clients the myriad of options available to them and how I can help. By the time I leave the initial appointment, my clients have an appreciation for how I work, their role in the design process, and how we are going to best accommodate their needs and wants.

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

Although I take into account the home’s existing décor, I never make the assumption that the person wants the same décor in the closet. Occasionally, I’ve found people that want to do something totally different in the closet. By asking the right questions and showing sample colors, I learn someone’s preferences. I’m flexible in that I can make suggestions to match the décor, compliment the décor, or go in a totally different direction.