Michelle Langley

MY ADVICE:

• You can save space on shoe shelves by storing one shoe facing forward and the other facing backwards. You can now store 3 pairs of shoes on a shelf that would previously hold 2 ½ pairs of shoes.
• Filing t-shirts in a drawer (instead of in a pile) makes it easier to identify your clothing and allows you to store much more in a drawer. Try it… you’ll see!
• Think vertically! We often forget about the height of our rooms and tend to line the room with low furniture and just fill the walls with art, photos, etc. Try to think of all of your areas as useable space. (Or just call a Closet Factory organization expert!)

“We contacted Closet Factory to design a Master Closet and Window Seat in our new home. We called for a design meeting with Michelle and boy can she think on her feet! The ideas kept coming as to how dimensions could be converted to useful space. We have hired Michelle to return to our home for another project. What a pleasure to work with someone interested in what the customer wants. Don’t think twice about her design skills, they are superior to other closet places we interviewed. She never stops thinking of ways to please the customer.”

– L.H., Ashburn, 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?”

The first thing I think about is how I can eliminate any wasted space while increasing the storage capacity. Don’t focus on the SIZE of your space but instead on MAXIMIZING that space.

 “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 around a client’s existing furniture is a situation that I often face. Incorporating their pieces into a new space for a seamless look can often be a challenge. However, when done well, success is satisfying for both me as the designer as well as my client.

 “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?”

Making the client feel comfortable and relaxed is a top priority for me. I always try to make the appointment feel more like a conversation than a sales call. I ask questions and for their opinions instead of just rattling off a bunch of information. I try to make it as fun and interactive as possible to keep them engaged.

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

This will depend on the project. If there are existing architectural elements in the room, I may ask if the client would like to incorporate those type of details into the design. Sometimes the client may NOT like the existing elements, so you always have to ask and not assume.

 “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?”

Less distractions around you will ensure you stay focused and productive. Having things behind doors but still within reach is the simplest way to enjoy a clutter-free workspace. (Seeing cords is a personal pet peeve so I always make sure to hide them from view with Velcro wire management, notching, grommets, etc.)

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

Lighting has always been a functional element that many clients request, but nowadays it’s becoming more of a design element. Coming up with creative ways to showcase accessories is probably one of my favorite things to do.