The Richmond project was an addition/remodel specifically built to expand the client’s existing master bath and closet.

The homeowner was a former basketball player standing 6-feet, 6-inches tall and his wife stood an average 5 foot, 7 inches. She requested a symmetrical look with no space above the system for dust to collect. I realized that I only had access to 9-foot flute (to create a seamless look), therefore, we built a soffit around the perimeter of the closet to achieve the floor-to-ceiling look. She also requested wide hanging spaces, lights, crown moulding, lots of drawers, an island or peninsula and an upholstered bench. Also, they wanted the entire closet backed in matching wood. I worked closely with the contractor to determine the size of the soffit as well as the placement of all electrical outlets.

I used custom stained cherry veneer for all the verticals, shelving and backing and solid cherry for the trim and doors/drawers, matching closet materials to the adjacent master bath. Although she requested a leather bench, we used a faux leather since the new products are just as luxurious and more cost effective.

The tricky part was to create a double hang section 66-inch wide for a man who stands 6 feet, 6 inches. I had to use concealed brackets behind the backing to support the shelves and rods in the middle. There was no room for error due to the backing.
This design was completed in Cabinet Vision software.

Char Desmond is a designer at Cambridge Closets located in Carol Stream, IL. Her project was entered in the 2015 Top Shelf Design contest. The 2016 contest launches Nov. 2.