Lori Kasten

MY ADVICE:

• I love going into a client’s space and visualizing how I will lay it out in a way that is the most aesthetically appealing. I look for the focal point and that is where I will usually place the most elaborate part of my design. Whether it be a pretty drawer bank in a closet or a stone wall behind a TV in an entertainment center; that first line of vision is where I begin. From there I add in all the other components in an attractive manner while always making sure the clients’ storage needs are met.

• I always try to add one unique element to each space that I haven’t designed before. Borrowing ideas typically used in one space and incorporating them into other areas adds a surprise factor. For example, I designed a space for hats and accessories out of slat wall which up until then I had only used in garages. The matching wood tone of the closet system helped enhance an otherwise unusable wall. Another example is my frequent use of pull-out caddies, first seen in kitchens, as convenient beautiful accessory holders in closets. Flip up doors which originally debuted in kitchens are fantastic looking in home offices and entertainment centers.

• I always try to design a space that helps increase the convenience of use and function of the closet or space while also increasing its visual and physical size. Examples are keeping entrances uncrowded feeling by placing shoes or benches which are less deep than hanging near doorways. When designing an entertainment center or home office I plan for tall cabinets to be on the far side of the room rather than at the entrance allowing for a more open feel.

“Lori is the most knowledgeable, professional, and pleasant designer in the closet industry. I am an interior designer and I have done numerous projects over the years involving closet renovations and Lori’s service and product are by far the best! Highly recommend her for any closet project you may have, large or small.”

– Charles Neal Interiors

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?”

 “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 most difficult obstacle I face in closets is how to build to the ceiling and not obstruct vents if my client doesn’t want to or it isn’t feasible to move them. By planning in advance an attractive solution can be achieved. Angled walls are also a challenge. The banquette below is a good example of how I designed a seating area in a tight space. Also, we matched my client’s kitchen cabinetry with a custom built in the cabinet rather than the inaccessible standard bifold door. pantry Our skilled installers do an amazing job executing my plans.

 “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 engage the client by truly taking an interest in their needs and listening to them. By having them participate in the process they feel as if they own the new design and their enthusiasm takes over. I show them lots of pictures and look at pictures they want to show me. This along with bringing them to our showroom helps them in selecting options. It also helps me present a design close to what my clients want and need. I designed this closet for our showroom and it has provided a launching pad for numerous closets that my fellow designers and I have provided for our clients.

 “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?”

The first question I ask my clients who call me for a home office is where would they like their desk to face. I always try to honor this request and design around it. An organized home office enables a person to access files, printers, folders, and equipment with ease. Because it is a personal space it is a great place to display memorabilia, art or collectibles. This client had traveled extensively and wanted to display items he had collected from all over the world. He wanted a freestanding desk. Together we selected a wood finish stained to match Hudson cherry which was in line with the color palette of his modern home.

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

Because I love to maximize storage in a beautiful way I often recommend three-way mirrors with shelves or hanging behind the mirrored doors. I am looking for unique ways to add lighting to closets. The flat 3 way mirrored cabinet below is illuminated by recessed lights in the extended top shelves that continued throughout the whole closet.