Linda Bartels

MY ADVICE:

• Before designing I always determine the problem for the client so it makes it easier to come up with the solution. Clothes on the floor? No room for shoes? Handbags stashed in a corner?
• Keep it SIMPLE! Options can be a good thing but oftentimes can be overwhelming. I take clues from the client’s style and work from there.
• Take a collaborative approach. This is a big investment and many times clients enjoy being involved in the design process. I work with my clients at any level they choose.

“Dear Linda,

Thanks a lot for helping us get two closet re-models that we really love. Jane and I have filled our closets with ‘stuff’ that we couldn’t even begin to have a place for before.

Your second installers did a great job of making my closet work so that the drawers open without hitting the sliding doors.  I’m really glad that you helped us complete that project.

Jane and I can be ‘tough’ customers and you always made us feel good about expressing our concerns and getting the work done correctly. 

Thanks again for working with us and providing us with a really useful closet design.

Please take care and know how much we appreciate your talent and staying with us throughout  the process.”

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 thing I think about when I see a client’s space is where I see the best opportunity for improvement. More hanging? Better shoe storage? Taking advantage of vertical space?

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

One of the biggest challenges I’ve had was fitting 100+ pair of women’s shoes in a very small master closet that also had every wall already filled with hanging clothes. But I did it!

 “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?”

I like to engage with clients by asking them key questions up front. Many times if a client has photos from social media sites like Houzz or Pinterest, I can easily gauge that they know what they want but need my help making it happen. Discussing the budget is always an important topic and makes design consultations easier.

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

 “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?”

If a home office is cluttered and disorganized, the client is more than likely stressed out, behind on projects, and has a difficult time focusing. Bringing organization to a home office can literally change someone’s life. Being more productive will make a client feel better and more successful.

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