Leslie Klinck

MY ADVICE:

1. Don’t be afraid to share your budget with your designer. Even if you have never done this before and have no idea how much it costs, sharing how much you want to spend helps us to know how to design for you. Without it, we have no idea where to begin.
2. Don’t minimize the importance of having a well organized and functional closet. You spend the beginning of your day and the end of your day in your closet. If your space is a constant stressor and source of frustration it is time to do something about it! Not one of my clients has ever said they wish they hadn’t done their project.
3. If you think your closet is too small, too messy, too neat, too big, too oddly shaped, it isn’t. It’s just being under-utilized. 

“We needed closet organization in our condo and were desperately short of space. From the outset we were so pleased. We thought about our needs and Leslie advised us on some we had missed. She came and talked to us and measured the spaces available and helped us come to a decision about what would go where. Our spaces were utilized to the very max. The installation was professional and knew exactly what to do and where. The results were such a relief. Finally, we could find a home for our things. 

We went further and had an office niche built in each our two bedrooms. We are delighted with them. We would recommend Leslie to anyone and thank her for her professional advice. The results are great!”

– Bill and Georgina B.

MY FAQ’s:

 “How do you first approach a space? In other words, what’s the first thing you think about when you first see a client’s closet space/storage problem?”

The first think I think about are the problems in the current space. I do this by asking the client what is not working for them specifically. I take notes, and ask a lot of questions until we have uncovered everything.

 “What is the biggest design obstacle you’ve overcome? i.e. awkwardly angled walls, electrical sockets in bizarre places, big collections in small spaces.”

The biggest design obstacle I’ve overcome on many projects is dealing with windows in the closet. Some people like them, some people hate them. They always present a unique challenge in planning the sections because it always seems they are not in the spot you want them to be in to best accommodate the optimal width for a section.

 “Since collaboration is such an integral part of the design process, how do you like to engage or connect with clients in order to help them realize their vision for a space?”

When I first meet with my clients, I explain that I will be asking them a lot of questions about their organizational needs, how they want their space to look, and how much they’re looking to spend. If they have any pictures from Houzz or Pinterest, I like to take a look at those too. That gives me an idea of their style and what they are thinking.  Showing them a design and explaining the “why” behind it, I feel, allows me to ensure we are all on the same page. I want my clients to love their design and get the space that works best for them because they are the ones who have to live with it every day.

 “How are you inspired by a home’s existing décor? Is there anything specific that you look for during an in-home consultation?”

Because I have a background in interior decorating, I am always looking around at colors and existing decor. If I notice the style of the client’s home is contemporary, I am not going to suggest we create a traditional looking space, and vice versa.

 “What are some ways a custom designed home office can improve productivity? In other words, how does the right type of home office help people do business?”

I know I feel more productive and calmer in a environment that is clean and well organized. I imagine that my clients have called me because they are needing a space where they  feel that way as well. People are more productive when they can find things because there is an organized place for them. It’s important to have files and office supplies that are easily accessible, desk space that is big enough and usable, and the right lighting.

 “What are some modern organizational trends, or what’s a trend you’re looking for?”

One of the most prominent modern organizational trends I’m seeing is that people are downsizing. It’s not just happening with the older population who are now empty-nesters, it’s happening with another population of people who want a simpler life and are choosing to live in much smaller places. In either case, having great storage solutions is extremely important, and that is what we do best!