By Carter Seaton
HQ 116 | WINTER 2022
As Virginia Woolf opined in her famous 1929 essay, every woman should have a room of her own. For some it’s a study where they can write, for others a studio for painting, for others a room for arts and crafts. But for some women who love fashion, nothing beats a great closet. Whether it’s a large walk-in or an entire room dedicated to their clothes, shoes, handbags and more, a well-designed space is essential. With that in mind, we set out to find some of the coolest closets in the region. What resulted were the following selections that offer both style and substance.
(Above photo) During a trip to New York City, new homeowners Dr. Rick Compton and wife Jennifer Ransbottom happened upon a Hans Krug showroom. The couple was so impressed with the style and quality of the cabinetry that they hired the company to design Jennifer’s dream closet. “The experts there gave me some great ideas such as lighted closet rods,” said Jennifer. “I love having my own space with all of my things finally in one place.”
The owners of this cool closet asked to remain anonymous. When the couple purchased their home six years ago the main closet only had wire racks. “I wanted a more finished look as well as a lot of storage,” said the wife. “I also wanted it to be an extension of the design in our bedroom.” She then called on Affordable Closet Systems in Hurricane to design her dream closet. “I like the size of it obviously, but I like being able to ‘see’ everything so organized. The island is great for not only storage but for putting accessories together with outfits. I love that it has pocket doors that allow me to close it off if need be.”
Annette Grover had help from cabinet builder Daphne Hollingsworth when she needed to create her special closet. Based on her requests she was able to have her dream realized. “I wanted a place for boots, clothes and shoes that was visible to reduce searching — a personal space that was all me.” The closet is almost the size of a room; but as Annette wished, it’s all her own. “I don’t share the space. It’s a dry, cool place to get ready after my shower. To sit and fix my hair and makeup surrounded by my silly interests, listening to my favorite music makes it special. The attached laundry room is probably the best part. Easing life’s tasks in a comfortable, enjoyable space completes my dream.”
Staci Alberico loves shoes. When she asked Chris Sizemore to help design her closet, she made sure he allowed the means for easy viewing of her collection. Add a crystal chandelier and a tufted ottoman, and she had the perfect space for assembling each day’s outfit. “My goal was to efficiently use the space I had with an aesthetically pleasing design. This is my closet, and my husband has his own as well. What I like most is that it’s spacious. I love the rotating Lazy Susan shoe shelf. I like having drawers and an enclosed closet with a mirror for dressing, and I love my window seat.”
With every move Jessica Kern Huff and her husband Coach Charles Huff have made, she has custom-designed her own closet. “I believe in function and flexibility. In the coaching world and the world of athletics you never know when you have to pivot,” Jessica said. “The Container Store is my absolute go-to store for DIY projects. They have virtual sessions and are so user-friendly to get what you want and within budget. I love clean lines and clear views. Clutter equals chaos in my book. The coolest part about my closet is it’s my sanctuary — music, yoga, meditation, fashion and style just for me. The thing I love the absolute most is I am able to achieve any look I want with time to spare. Let’s not forget, ‘An Organized Woman is a Free Woman.’”
When Maribeth Hetzer and her boyfriend Casey bought their home, the closet was a major part of their decision-making process. “I share the closet with Casey, so I really liked the idea of having a male side and a female side that are both secluded,” Maribeth said. “The middle section is for shoes and other storage. One of my favorite aspects is the cabinets to store big luggage with a space on top for folding clothes and packing for vacations. The colors of the cabinets and carpeting are crisp and clean. There’s plenty of space for any type of storage, clothes or miscellaneous items.”
