The Los Feliz Transformation
Any closet remodel, whether large or small, is a grand project for me. Each closet has its own unique needs and wants, and often times, smaller spaces are more complex than larger ones.
Several months ago, fellow colleague, Amy Sklar of Amy Sklar Design, brought me into her client’s Los Feliz home for a closet transformation. The client’s existing HIS/HER closet was the type I dread the most – it was simply a shelf and pole. EEK! Thankfully, the couple was very organized and used the space to the best of their abilities; however, the drawers were falling apart, shoes weren’t being properly stored so they were becoming damaged, and overall, the closet wasn’t a pleasant space to spend time in, unlike the rest of the house. My goal was to create a living space where the clients could socialize, show off their goodies and feel better about getting ready for the day.
During the design process, we worked with the clients to determine the overall modern style and dark striated cabinetry selection. Simultaneously, we took inventory of their clothing and measurements of their existing space, so we could properly design for their current and future needs. When laying out the new space, we designated a line of separation (the right side for HER, and the left side for HIM), allowing ample room for hanging space and shelves/drawers on each side for socks, underwear, t-shirts, sweaters, workout attire, and shoes. Some novelty closet accessories that we included were pull-out rods, tie-racks, glass lingerie dividers, and a laundry drawer with two liners for dry-cleaning and normal wash.
The final signature piece for this space, was adding a custom framed full-length mirror on the main wall between the HIS/HER spaces, even though there was an existing full-length mirror behind the door. This large mirror gave the overall space such a dramatic transformation, allowing the space to open up and feel twice as large as the normal size and making it more of the inviting space I envisioned.
My Los Feliz mission is now complete, and I am happy with the outcome. However, my on-going mission is to transform all of the “shelf and pole” closets out there, one closet at a time. Whose will be next?
