A shared dressing room often involves compromise. For this project, the challenge was to create an elevated, elegant space that satisfied two very different requests. The husband’s goal was simple: “I don’t want to see her stuff all over the place. I want to get in and get out, and no clutter.” The wife, meanwhile, wanted the room to feel “classic and elegant, like the home.”

The resulting project, “London Luxury,” earned an Honorable Mention in the Wood Closet (over 18 linear feet) category at the 2025 Top Shelf Design Awards. Designer Janet Stevenson, JBS Closet Storage Design, navigated a space that was previously a bedroom but lacked the functionality the clients required.

European influence

The design inspiration came directly from the client’s past. “She then shared a photo of a small 4-foot wardrobe she had created in her London home, a typical European approach,” Stevenson noted. “Her small London ‘wardrobe’ became the focal point of the look and feel.”

The space presented significant architectural hurdles: two windows, older heat radiators that had to remain, and fixed ceiling air conditioning vents. Stevenson’s solution was to “separate and conquer” the space, creating a “his-and-her side” at the turn of the room.

To achieve the requested “elevated look,” the project was built with a focus on high-quality materials and traditional craftsmanship. The construction features maple veneer cabinetry with full backing and solid maple doors and drawer fronts in a shaker style. The interior reveals 5/8-inch maple dovetail drawer boxes, while the exterior is finished with maple crown molding and a furniture base.

To provide a “perfect softness,” Stevenson coordinated with the client’s designer to select a paint color that complemented the new carpet being installed in the closet and hallway.

Strategic solutions

To manage the client’s collection of philanthropic event attire, Stevenson used Designs of Distinction's single diamond satin brass decorative grilles to strategically showcase beautiful dresses. Where depth was limited, she utilized KV1NP16 sliding clothing carriers to maximize hanging space.

Security was also a priority. Stevenson integrated a MyCube fire-rated safe and a specialized locking system to eliminate the need for frequent bank trips.

“For her jewelry, I provided a small personal safe within a cabinet, along with four drawers below, all equipped with a ‘Stealth Lock’ locking system,” Stevenson explained. “This eliminates the need for ugly and noticeable drawer locks that accentuate, rather than minimize and ‘hide’ the jewelry drawers’ location.”

The feedback from the homeowners confirmed the project’s success. As Stevenson recalled, the husband told her, “You really did listen to what I wanted and executed it perfectly.” The wife added, “I walk into this dressing room with a smile on my face. This room couldn’t be more beautiful; it now ‘fits’ our home. And I have never felt so organized!”

Stevenson has over 38 years of experience in the closet and storage industry. To learn more about her award-winning projects and designs, visit jbsclosets.com.

Resources

Hinges: Hettich | hettich.com

Sliding Clothing Carriers: Knape & Vogt (KV1NP16) | knapeandvogt.com

Bottom-mount Clothing Hampers: Rev-A-Shelf | rev-a-shelf.com

Decorative Grille (Single diamond satin brass): Designs of Distinction | brownwoodinc.com

Fire Rated Safe: MyCube | mycubesafe.com