Lucia Henry

MY ADVICE:

• Shoe storage – and the location of shoe storage – is always at the top of a client’s list when it comes to designing their closet space. While it’s true that we (women) may decide on the shoes we want to wear and then build our outfit around that, the shoes are typically the last item we put on. So I design from the perspective of last on/first off (because shoe’s are typically the first item we remove when we get home).

• Small items work best on shallow shelves. An ultimate luxury is being able to see every item that’s on your shelves. So if we’re talking about your pantry, Think: open door –look at shelf – fi nd needed item – grab and go. No expired cans hidden on the back of deep shelves.

• When space is tight and every inch counts, it’s often best to take the long hang out of the primary closet and store it somewhere else. Especially if your fashion behavior is to not really wear dresses very often.

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 always try to imagine that it is MY closet, and how I feel about it. By making it more “personal,” I am able to relate to my client’s frustrations and therefore provide a very custom solution.

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

Probably angled walls and ceilings. But there is always a solution!

 “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 have a very open, bubblish and friendly personality, which helps me connect to my clients, and since I really love and enjoy designing…it is simple to create a nice, natural connection.

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

It is extremely important to pay attention to the client’s home decor. My designs become an extension to their home. My goal is to combine aesthetics and functionality for the perfect end result.

 “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?”

With the right layout a person can achieve their work goals faster and in a productive manner. No more wasting time trying to find paperwork or other items. An organized home office makes life and work time much more pleasant.

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

Clutter has never been in “style”, so I aim for decluttering the area first, within a pleasing and balanced layout. The basics elements of design are always “trendy” ?