LOOKBOOK

Stephen Ward

Working side by side with clients for the past twenty-six years now, assisting them with their home improvement projects, is something I will never stop doing until the day that I retire. I just love it, and it shows in my work.

Your needs, wants and desires are unique, and that uniqueness should show up in the Designers work, which is what you will find with me. The Closet Factory Gulf Coast allows me to work with people to find unique solutions to their individual needs. I love the fact that I am not just a salesman giving you a quote on a very standard design but rather a designer, creating a new personal environment in any room of your home. I love getting to know a client, finding out what is most important to them and finding a way to present it in design form.

Nothing makes me happier than to hear my clients say, “That’s just perfect!”

MY ADVICE:

When designing, make use of every square inch of the room and it’s always “function first.” My experience has been that if it’s functional, life becomes a little easier.

The design needs to start with an inventory of everything that needs to be stored in the given space.

Design so that as you walk into the room, something sets it off. Whether it’s a nice bank of drawers with a vanity area, a full-length mirror or some beautiful slanted shoe shelves, I strive to give every space that personal touch.

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?”

Whose room is this? And is this everything that will be going into it? Men’s and women’s closet designs are different, and we not only want to be able to store what you have but give you additional storage with a lot more function and beauty.

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

Converting a bedroom into a walk-in master closet. There is just so much you can do with that kind off space, it’s almost limitless. And adding that island in the middle, really set’s it all off.

 “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 find it important to spend some time in the closet with my clients. Getting their ideas, what they like, and don’t like about the space now. The best way to design a space is around the thoughts and ideas of my clients. The more engaged we are the more I can provide a beautiful, functional, design that is custom made just for them.

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

As a designer, my job starts when I walk through the front door. Is the home Contemporary, Traditional or Transitional? Because our closets are custom built, we can do virtually any style. So, in the end, you not only get a closet that is functional, you get a closet that blends well with the home.

 “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?”

The perfectly designed “personal” work space encourages productivity. When sitting in the middle of a personalized space, where everything has a place, it can bring a level of confidence and efficiency that you won’t find anywhere else. It will become an area of the home that you are naturally drawn to.

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

Turning that extra bedroom into a beautiful walk-in closet. Think about it, you have a bedroom that is very seldom, if at all, used anymore. Why not turn it into a beautiful room that will be used morning, noon and night? Go ahead and put that nice island in there with lots of drawers, or that nice chair or bench by the window. Add some color combinations and enhanced lighting to compliment it all. Now that’s a trend I’m looking for!