Donna Siben of Closet Organizing Systems, Bartlett, IL, is a finalist in the 2015 Top Shelf Design Awards competition with her project “Master Closet Geometry Puzzle” entered in the Closet: Laminate Over 18 linear feet category.

Project Description: This project was a very large master closet in new construction that turned out to have a compound angled ceiling. The client wanted to use the ceiling height to make it more efficient and appealing. This involved a desire for a full height center Island (108”). Upper storage cabinets were a must that meant custom tapering panels to the pitch of the ceiling on most of the walls.

Project Construction Details: This was both an Engineering and Design Challenge. Once the design and the flow of the space were approved to fit the clients’ needs, it was very important to try to have a balance in the upper doors for a more consistent eye appeal without sacrificing the function in the system below. Most of the lower areas were to be open for their clothing except one Wardrobe Cabinet to house Formal Attire. Shoe fences (the woman was petite) and Tie Butlers (the husband had an extensive collection) were on the client’s Wish List. Once again, they wanted them to be exposed for easy access to support their busy lifestyle. Because of connecting at the corners, some cabinets needed to be blind cabinets but still provide a uniform appearance. Engineering every panel to the pitch of the varied ceiling heights was a definite skill in itself. The client wanted the system entirely backed which created its own set of tolerance issues. It’s never easy from a design standpoint to allow hanging above drawers but the client was insistent and promised to hang only very narrow items.

Materials Used: Glazed Ivory Melamine with Extra Large Glazed Crown, Base, Classic Raised Panel Profiles for the Doors and Drawers complimented the home and existing trim color providing the cheerful glow the client wanted in the space. Oil Rubbed Bronze rods, accessories and Venetian Bronze Hardware completed the “old world” look of their beautiful new home. Multiple jewelry inserts were included in the design.

Equipment and/or Software Used: Cabware was used for the conceptual design before Engineering converted the design into Cabinet Vision to allow for screen to machine production.