In the world of closet design, Nour, our Editor-in-Chief and a connoisseur with a rich history in the field, has always been captivated by the ingenuity of Lisa Adams, the visionary behind Hollywood’s most exquisite closets. With Lisa’s book “Closet Design Bible” as a staple in her office, Nour’s longstanding familiarity with Lisa’s pioneering work sparked an inevitable interview. This professional admiration set the stage for a profound exchange, delving into the depths of Lisa’s expertise in crafting closets.
Lisa Adams, the CEO and Designer at LA Closet Design, masterfully transforms closets into enchanting, functional havens. By recognizing the untapped potential of these often overlooked areas, she skillfully eases the daily stress of her clients. Her vision elevates closets from mere storage spaces to marvelous, personalized sanctuaries that enhance the overall quality of life.
Our email conversation with Lisa offered insights into her design ethos, inspirations, and life as an innovative designer.
“Lisa Adams has a design style that is described as innovative and inspired. Lisa demonstrates resourcefulness at every turn and leaves no detail overlooked. I can trust her ideas and designs will always impress.”
— PEGGY PLATNER / ASID, Coastal Home Furnishings and Platner & Associates
Innovative and Unconventional Closet Solutions
In a tale of innovation, Lisa once faced an intriguing challenge: a client wished to transform her unused living room into a multipurpose space – a dressing room and a home office. Lisa says, “She didn’t find she was using the space and was usually entertaining in her open-concept kitchen area. The goal was to create a space that functioned as a home office, and a livable part of the home, but also incorporated all the creature comforts of a closet.” She took on this unique design challenge, which even involved removing an entry to her client’s home. During this process, she was able to create “new rooms” for her client by incorporating the storage for all the clothes and accessories, a laundry area, a 3-way mirror for dressing, and a separate home office.
Emotional and Mental Impact of Closet Design
Lisa believes in the transformative power of a well-designed closet–a respite that offers calm in the chaos of routine. According to Lisa, a closet is “the space where we usually begin and end each day, so it really sets the tone for your day and your state of mind! I believe a well-designed space makes getting ready a more enjoyable experience that calms our otherwise chaotic day-to-day lives.” This philosophy drives her to create spaces that are not just about organization, but also about providing a sense of peace and pleasure, turning the routine act of getting ready into a moment of personal rejuvenation and style expression.
“A closet can be a place of personal respite, a sanctuary. And, when you can actually find the pieces in your closet that you love, you’re able to dress and experiment with clothing in ways that allow you to really express your style as you go out into the world.”
-LISA ADAMS, on the emotional impact of a well-designed closet space
Cultural Influence in Design Aesthetic
Born and raised in Honolulu, Lisa’s design philosophy is deeply rooted in her upbringing, where fashion and dressing up embody a casual ease, starkly contrasting with the lifestyles in many of her clients’ homes. This ethos of ease and simplicity shapes her approach to closet design. She envisions spaces where starting the day is a stress-free experience, reflecting the serene Hawaiian spirit. For Lisa, a closet is not just a place to store clothes; it’s a daily retreat, a functional sanctuary where ease meets elegance, tailored to each client’s unique lifestyle and aesthetic preferences.
“The attitude toward fashion and dressing in Hawaii is so casual! (…) I think that mentality of ease and simplicity does really inform what I look to achieve in my clients’ closets, in a functional sense.”
-LISA ADAMS, on the influence of her upbringing in her design approach
Design Evolution: Pivotal Moments in Closet Design
Lisa’s approach to closet design has undergone a remarkable transformation. Reflecting on this evolution, she says, “In the beginning, I just really wanted to tap into making beautiful closets. As time has gone on, I’m seeing this as a space where clients are really looking to raise the bar, and take risks!” Her early focus on aesthetics has blossomed into creating custom, multifaceted spaces. These are not just closets but personal showrooms, blending functionality with the freedom to experiment with diverse materials and advanced technology, far exceeding the visions she had ten years ago.
Memorable Client Interaction: The Closet Cashmere
Once, Lisa had a client who presented a unique inspiration: a Chanel makeup compact. This compact, with its elegant nude and black design, became the muse of the entire project. Lisa recalls, “From that single compact, we worked together to create a space that really embodied everything that little Chanel compact represented to her!” Every detail, from the custom carpet to the lighting, was meticulously crafted to mirror the compact’s aesthetics. The result was a modern, feminine space, bathed in a ‘Closet Cashmere’ custom nude lacquer with black pinstripe accents. This glamorous closet was a true testament to the power of a single source of inspiration in transforming a space.
Artistic Inspirations and Influences
In Lisa’s world, the lines between fashion and design beautifully blur. Drawing inspiration from the haute couture of the fashion industry, her closets are a reflection of the art seen on the world’s most prestigious runways. She integrates her closet designs with a fashion-forward outlook, saying, “Our closets have to be reflective of the pieces they hold.” This philosophy is evident in her use of custom hardware and upholstered elements, mirroring the craftsmanship, quality, and attention to detail found in high fashion. All this allows her to create spaces that are not only functional but fashion statements in their own right.
Technology: Shaping the Future of Closet Design
Lisa sees technology as a transformative force in closet design, propelling it into a future where functionality meets innovation. She explains, “Technology is changing everything,” as clients now expect closets to feature advanced systems. Her designs incorporate cutting-edge elements like device charging stations, automatic rods, hidden TVs, biometric locks, and vanity mirrors on hydraulic lifts. This technological revolution allows unprecedented customization, leveraging precision in working with materials like stone, wood, and engineered substances. For Lisa, technology isn’t just an addition; it’s a means to reimagine and redefine the very essence of closet design.
Lisa Adams’ Legacy and Lasting Impact
Lisa envisions a future where closets are no longer mere storage spaces, but areas of personal expression and detailed craftsmanship, akin to other parts of the home. She aspires to democratize beautiful closets, breaking the stereotype that they are exclusive to the affluent. In her words, “Closets are a functional part of the home that has gone overlooked for so long, and can really transform our day-to-day lives.” Her legacy lies in this transformation, elevating closets to a status where they significantly enhance everyday living, accessible and valued by all.
“I also don’t believe we should look at beautiful closets as something that is always reserved for the uber-wealthy!”
– LISA ADAMS, on what she hopes to be her legacy in closet design
A Day in the Life of a Closet Designer
In the dynamic world of closet design, Lisa’s days are a tapestry of varied and unexpected activities. “Every day is different,” she says, describing how her routine oscillates between coordinating with vendors and sourcing fixtures from behind her computer to on-site visits, hard hat in tow. Perhaps most surprising is the collaborative nature of her work, involving a myriad of tradespeople — from millworkers and upholsterers to architects, electricians, and even metal and glass fabricators. This behind-the-scenes glimpse reveals the intricate, multifaceted nature of closet design, a process involving far more professions than one might initially expect.
Is Less Truly More?
Lisa embraces the ‘less is more‘ philosophy in her closet designs, advocating for a selective approach in an era of excess. She encourages clients to keep only the items they truly love, suggesting regular wardrobe purging to maintain a collection that’s both loved and used. “The fewer unnecessary items in your closet, the easier it is,” she asserts. This minimalist approach ensures that every piece is visible and valued, making room for cherished items and brand-new acquisitions alike, fostering a harmonious balance between simplicity and style.
Inspiring Minds in Design: Lisa’s Esteemed Peers
As the interview with Lisa draws to a close, Nour presents a unique request: to name two or three design professionals she admires and pose a question to them. Lisa speaks of Kelly Wearstler, whose playful creativity in combining materials and creating contrasts captivates her. She wonders about Kelly’s sources of inspiration and favored design eras. Next, she mentions Thomas Pheasant, with whom she’s previously worked, admiring his meticulous attention to detail and sophisticated style. Lisa is curious about the consistent themes in Thomas’s work and how he maintains his distinct style while evolving with each project.
Parting Thoughts
As we end our exploration into the world of Lisa Adams, we’re left to reflect on the profound impact that thoughtful and intentional design can have on our daily lives. Lisa’s approach to closet design transcends mere aesthetics, intertwining functionality, emotional and mental well-being, and artistic expression. Her work reminds us that the spaces we live in are more than just physical areas; they are canvases for personal storytelling and respite for our mental space. In light of Lisa’s innovative approach to design, how can redesigning an overlooked closet change the way we feel and live every day?
