Closet designers across the country were asked to participate in ACSP’s design challenge. Each participating designer was sent a layout with dimensions and specs of the room to be designed which included some of the following: Left and right walls: attic access, skylight, and sloped ceiling; Back wall: client’s mirror and two sconces; Front wall: switch 5 inches from left and 45 inches off the floor.
The layout, based on a design by Patty Miller, Boutique Closets and Cabinetry, also included the following notes: A Ladies Dressing Room with 80 pairs of shoes, a display area, a full-length mirror (can use client’s), two sconces (can be eliminated), one hamper, lots of drawers, some gowns and no budget. The designers were asked to submit line drawings and 3D renderings if available and to give a brief explanation of what they did and why.
Here’s what the participating designers submitted:
Name: Jessica Alvarez
Company: MCS Custom Closets and More
Location: Fort Myers, Florida
Years designing: 18+
Closet or Cabinet company: Both
Manufacturer or Outsource: Outsource Manufacturing
Independent or Franchise: Independent
Design notes:
First impression looking at the design space, I already knew I wanted to do a deeper boutique floor mounted system. I wanted to do this because deep and floor mounted are the key elements of a boutique system, which is the first thing I think of when I hear “dressing room.” And, I knew the deeper system could be notched to accommodate the angle in the wall, and still be functional storage. I wanted to include a vanity area, a ton of shoe storage and display space. You can comfortably fit over 100 pairs of shoes. I added an upper section with clear glass shelves, and door inserts, over every section to display tons.
Left wall - designed by Jessica Alvarez, MCS Custom Closets and MoreWalls 1 and 5- I left these walls empty, I did not want to overcrowd the closet.
Wall 2- I wanted to put a wall mounted (medium) hang rod in front of the attic doors, this way it would be hidden, but still accessible. There is enough shelf storage on this wall for over 50 pairs of shoes, plus purses/ fold.
Wall 3- I decided to get rid of the mirror. Instead I made the back wall three sections with single door mirrors over each section. Each door has mirror inserts, this way the customer can view both sides/ back of herself/ outfit… a “tri-fold” type mirror set-up.
Wall 4 - I mimicked wall 2 and made them overall pretty symmetrical. I designed short hang over the attic access on this side. Because we did not need two vanities, I put a display shelving section under the window. This wall can also store/ display over 50 pairs of shoes, plus purses/ fold items.
Right wall - Jessica Alvarez, MCS Custom Closets and MoreIslands - I put a hamper in the island, along with 17 drawers. Two of the top drawers have jewelry drawer inserts, and two have sunglass tray inserts.
Total Bid: $20,835.44
Additional Art of Design Challenge entries:
Amanda Crady, More Space Place, Asheville, North Carolina
Lisa Carlquist, Artisan Custom Closets, Marietta, Georgia
Lori Nesmith, More Space Place, North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Melissa Jane Veinotte, Closet Envy Inc., Burlington, Ontario, Canada
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