Tamra Lenz

MY ADVICE:

• In a vertical section, put your hanging rod BELOW your shoe shelves. Your shoes will be at eye level, so you won’t need to bend down in the dark to find them.

• Before collaborating with me, build your own lookbook of photos from websites such as Houzz. Chances are that I can recreate elements from multiple photos and design a project that’s uniquely yours!

• Consider built-in lighting. It could be task lighting for your office, reading lights for your Murphy bed, or up-lighting for your china cabinet. Not only will it be beautiful, but the function will be greatly enhanced.

“Tamra and her team did a wonderful job designing and building our built-in bookcases and window seat. Tamra’s meticulous attention to detail and the many, many questions she asked me, ensured that the design and final product would be exactly what I was looking for. An area of the house that at one time had caused me embarrassment (an old contractor had erected an awful looking bookshelf – in a prominent part of the living area) now gives me pleasure – everyday. We called Tamra back to do another project. Another beautiful job! Thank you, Tamra.”

– Beth from LinkedIn

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?”

When I first approach a space, I consider my clients’ lifestyle and how they function. I’m a bit of a psychologist, asking many questions to get to the real “why” for them calling us, as well as how I can improve the quality of their lifestyle. Clients are often surprised that I can really incorporate so much of their input into the design.

 “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 obstacle I’ve encountered was designing for clients who lived in a Cape Cod-style home and wanted to add closet storage in their attic. There were very low knee walls and angled ceilings. The design was so intricate that once it was submitted for production, my computer wouldn’t let me reopen the file! I didn’t know computers could get tired!

 “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 through their own lookbook. By exploring photos they’ve saved, I can see their vision for the priority project, as well as projects they have in mind for the future. After all, Closet Factory is addictive…in a good way!

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

When meeting with a client, I look at the style of the house, along with their furniture, paint, and home accessories. It usually provides a starting point for the design. And, because we have such a wide range of products and colors, this information helps me to streamline my client’s selection process for material and accessories.

 “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?”

Does your home office give you energy? Or does it suck the energy out of you? No matter whether you’re in your office five hours a week, or fifty, if you have to tidy your work space BEFORE you can begin work, there is a problem! Many things increase productivity: open spaces and colors that foster creativity; proper lighting; correct countertop height, depth and material; a sufficient number of drawers and trays; doors to hide clutter; consideration of whether you’re right- or left-handed. All of these elements can be designed into your new home office to make your time there well spent.

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

Minimalism is a popular trend. Lately, clients ask for simple lines as a way to bring calm into their home. They might add an interesting element like contrasting trims, but the design is uncluttered. Clients are also interested in textured woods, laminates and melamines.