Creating storage the way YOU want it . . . and setting the stage for much more than organized closets!

Whether it's an organized closet, expanded pantry, re-purposed guest room, or remodeled laundry room, we have what you need to conquer any storage challenge!  For example, take a look at this large libray / home office project that was completed in 2011.

 

               window areas and angled ceilings                                   angled ceilings, doorway, and alcove corner                                                      previous work space

BEFORE:  (above)   This client and his family had recently moved to the Philadelphia area for job-related reasons, and had left the dream home they had built in New Jersey.  The move created stress that weighed heavily on the family, and an unexpected catastrophic failure to their new home's basement forced drastic changes to be made.  As the client's office had been in the basement, and he was in the midst of writing a book, his need for a "gentleman's library" brought this project to life. The family decided to move his office to a second floor spare room, but as you can see in the "before" photos, that room had architectural challenges to overcome.

PROBLEM:  The choice of space to redefine into a gentleman's library was a cavernous room with multiple windows, doors, angles, and alcoves.  The client is a passionate opera fan and has attended performances in theatres around the world.  His collection of almost 7,000 classical CD's and videos needed to be accomodated, as well as his numerous treasures and artifacts that have been collected over the years.  His request for a writing area and also a comfortable space to enjoy his music and videos gave this project a multi-dimensional challenge.  To create a library that would organize the sheer volume of CD's, books, framed art, and treasures while utilizing every are of the room was a huge task!  The client's requirements were to have the space be as beautiful as could be, but keeping within an insurance-driven limit.  Our furniture-grade, melamine laminate fit the restrictions, however, the client also wanted a sophisticated look.  (no problem!)

SOLUTION:  The large room, windows, doors, and agles were the challenge and dictated the design of all the furniture which was built to follow the angles, take advantage of height, and create unusual and beautiful storage nooks and seating -- both for enjoyment and work.  Window seats and desk space all came together to create that warm, intimate yet practical "gentleman's library" that the client wanted.  The work space for writing gives storage for files and office supplies, but also a beautiful area for showcasing mementos.  Our use of furniture-grade laminate in a Rustic Cherry finish, with coordinating glazed doors and drawer fronts, exquisite handles and knobs, and task lighting for visual exposure, has provided the client with that perfect "gentleman's library" -- a space that he now doesn't want to leave!

AFTER:  The long window wall with angled ceilings has undergone dramatic changes!  Because of the vast number of CDs that needed to be stored, and the desire to keep the library flexible enough to change to book or other storage in the future, staggered depth of shelves was created.  CDs could be on multiple levels, but all still visible for viewing titles.  Deep storage shelves created in the side recesses of the windowed alcove, along with a bookcase under the window, make for a functional space that flows back into the rest of the room and becomes part of the library.

With bench seats under the windows, cozy nooks for reading were created. 

However, one challenge we encountered were heat registers under both windows on the long outer wall.  Creating a curved toe kick allowed heat and air conditioning to flow out from underneath, and gave us the "curve" element that the client's interior decorator followed in the window treatments.

Special cabinets were built in order to have the speakers "elevated" from the floor but not on a wooden surface (cinder blocks were used).  The cabinet we designed has a special bottom opening to allow the speakers to sit on the cinder block with adequate "air" surrounding them for maximum efficiency and sound quality.

Some of the challenges encountered by the client's interior designer was incorporating the many pieces of art and collectibles he had accumulated over the years.  The artwork on this "memory wall" includes framed pieces that combine photographs of Wagner with unique 19th century documents hand written by the composer.  The assortment of framed pieces is rounded out with photographs of famous performers -- all collected during the client's many trips to attend operas.

Many thanks go out to the client's interior decorator, Kathy Appel, of Hearth & Hedgerow, Ltd. in Quakertown, PA for inviting Closet City to work with her on this fantastic, award-winning project!  So far, this remodel project has earned Closet City, and our design consultant Janet Stevenson, the "2012 Contractor of the Year" award (Interior Design/Space Planning category) from the Bucks Mont chapter of NARI (Nat'l Association of the Remodeling Industry)  In a joint entry for the IDA's (Interior Design Awards) sponsored by the Philadelphia chapter of IFDA (Internat'l Furnishings and Design Association), Janet and Kathy won first place in the Furniture Design category.  And we're not done yet!  We submitted an entry in the Top Shelf Design contest sponsored by CLOSETS magazine, and awards were announced and presented at an annual trade expo in late February 2012 in which Closet City won an award for the home office portion of this project. (One of three awards presented to us that day, read all about it here.)

Visit Bucks Mont NARI's site for photos and info on all of their award-winning categories.  For photos and details on our award-winning projects from 2011 and 2010 (also NARI CotY), click here.  Visit these pages for more information and photos to inspire your dream LIBRARY or HOME OFFICE.

Contemplating your own remodeling project? 
By all means, give us a call (215) 855-4400, or fill out our easy-to-use contact form.  We look forward to hearing from you soon!