Lisa Adams reveals the secrets behind LA's best walk-in wardrobes

“To start the process of designing a wardrobe, I take inventory and fact-find with my clients, asking them questions about their lifestyle, organisational habits, storage needs, and style preferences,” says the LA entrepreneur. “I then create design concepts and start to plan based on their inventory making sure that everything has its place.”

“As a first step, I like to show my clients a floor plan (or two) along with 3D renderings, so we have something visual to talk about. Most people cannot read elevation drawings, so the renderings really help clients to visualise their new closet.”

“Well” she asserts, clearly knowing exactly what this calls for, “when organising a wardrobe, I start by taking everything out—everything! Then, I would suggest trying things on and purging the items you don’t want, cannot fit, need tailoring, etc.”

“If your closet wasn’t designed with your items in mind, then the next step would be to take inventory and determine where each item is going, and purchase storage solutions and closet accessories to help maximise your wardrobe.” “Finally,” says Adams, “organise by style, formality and colour within each wardrobe category.”

“For small walk-in wardrobes, you have to use every square inch of the space—maximising the depths and heights of the wardrobe,” she says confidently. “Where you have depth, use pull-out shelves so that you can still see everything at first glance. Use the entire height of the space by using tools such as pull-down rods to keep hanging high, and the space below for things that are reachable. Use all the corners in your closet by creating corner shelves and custom L-shape hanging rods that wrap the corners. I also like to add valet rods, and walls for mirrors and hooks!”

“Recently, I’ve been seeing (and designing) integrated desks (workspaces), vanities, and champagne bars in wardrobes,” Adams enthuses. “I love that these spaces are continuing to be multi-functional spaces—spaces where you are doing more than dressing, but working, socialising, and relaxing in! In terms of materials, I am noticing the request for light wood wardrobes, a temporary break from all white wardrobes.”