Homes & Estates Florida Portfolio February 2018 | Page 62

but an incredible learning experience. Kris was
amazing to work with and appreciated design and
organization, so the end result was a beautiful
closet and a happy client.
What is the most over-the-top closet you’ve
ever designed?
I designed a three-story closet for a client in Bel Air,
California. The top floor was for everyda y clothing
and accessories, the middle floor for tailored
clothing and accessories, and the bottom floor for
seasonal clothing and accessories, jewelry and
a safe room. Each floor was about 625 square
feet, with a gold leaf finish and antique detailing
throughout. It was exquisite.
Are more men getting interested in
their own closets?
There are men who have always been interested
in their closets, and then there are men who
discover that they are interested in their closets.
When I let men know that they can have
biometrics, cool lighting and charging stations,
they perk up. But yes, I have seen a rise in
men’s closets.
What’s the ultimate luxury in a closet?
I think the ultimate luxury in a closet is if it is a
dressing room - a space that is used to dress in,
spend time in, relax in and shop in. It would
include a decorative ceiling fixture, seating and
a three-way mirror.
What are some of the unique ways your
clients are bringing their personal style into
their closets?
Some unique ways my clients are bringing their
personal style into their closets are as follows:
creating multi-functional spaces (e.g. desk
and vanities in their closets, converting living
rooms and dining rooms into closets, and
creating glam areas in their closets) adding
artwork, antique furniture, putting greens
and cosmetic refrigerators.
How important is lighting in the closet?
Lighting is very important in the closet. There is
a reason why we like shopping in boutiques -
they are not cluttered and are well lit. I like to do
functional ceiling lights and add accent lighting
such as backlighting, decorative lighting and
in-cabinetry lighting.
What are your top do’s and don’ts when it
comes to the closet?
DO purge, DO have appropriate hanging heights
for short, medium and long hanging, DO have a
mirror, and DO install pullout valet hooks. DO NOT
fold items in double rows if you don’t have pullout
shelves to see what is in the back row. DO NOT
leave clothing on the floor (put it where it belongs).
DO NOT make drawers too deep.
What’s the one thing most homeowners
overlook when it comes to their closet spaces?
Most homeowners overlook the necessary
dimensions, so things get put in areas that don’t
work for the clothing items or with the flow of
the closet.
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What are some of the unique design
elements, colors or features that your
clients requested?
I already mentioned a few, but my clients have also
incorporated coffee stations, safe rooms, jewelry
cabinets with a biometric lock, purse-changing
stations, watch winder drawers and much more.
When you look at your design portfolio, which
residential project are you most proud of?
What lesson did it teach you?
I am most proud of the closet I designed for Kris
Jenner because I was able to work with interior
designer Jeff Andrews, and also document
the design process on my show, “Million Dollar
Closets.” It was my first time being on camera
and describing the process, so it was unfamiliar
Are there any interesting technologies that
you’ve started to incorporate into your
closet designs?
I have been using more biometric locks in my
closet designs, and electrifying systems that used
to be manual (e.g. hard wiring pull-down hanging
rods). I have also done lift systems for hidden safes
and shoe storage.
If you could imagine the future luxury closet,
what would it look like?
I imagine more technology in the future luxury
closet. There will be a way to eliminate the need
for step stools and reach everything in your closet,
while accessing everything from your phone using
smart home technology.
Do you believe that a beautiful closet can
actually enhance a home’s resale value?
It does. Whether you are interested in a fully
accessorized dressing room or a storage closet,
people are demanding more space for their
closets. The bigger and more well designed they
are, the higher the house value. Closets are in the
top three spaces that people are most concerned
about when purchasing a house.