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Creating Rooms That Evolve With Your Life

The home is a dynamic environment, constantly needing to adapt to the changing lives of its occupants, from work and play to exercise. Instead of costly renovations or relocation, thoughtful design with flexibility and versatility in mind can allow rooms to evolve with needs, particularly as children grow. California Closets of Oregon specializes in creating custom rooms that prioritize both functionality and design, offering solutions that adapt to these evolving demands. Sales & Design Consultant Lauren Shafer and General Manager Nicole Kypreos highlight the concept of designing kid spaces that mature alongside the child. Shafer initiates designs with fundamental elements like drawers, shelves, and cubbies, then collaborates with clients to foresee future requirements, ensuring spaces are adjustable and flexible. For instance, a child's closet can feature a clean design with sophisticated finishes, guaranteeing its relevance as the child ages. A built-in closet structure might include solid doors concealing adjustable shelving, drawers for smaller items, and tall doors hiding an integrated hamper with internal dividers, teaching children about laundry sorting. Kypreos emphasizes starting with a neutral finish for the basic design, allowing for easy incorporation of specialty items to create varied aesthetics. Since everything is custom, elements like drawer faces can be changed over time, offering new looks. A glossy white finish in a playroom, for example, is durable, easy to clean, and compatible with diverse decorating styles, with facings that can be swapped to refresh the room's appearance. An organized closet significantly reduces stress. Kypreos notes the benefit of having items within a child's reach, citing her daughter's use of valet rods to lay out clothes, simplifying morning routines. A recent nursery closet installation demonstrates the "for the ages" design principle: one section holds current clothing, while another accommodates future sizes. As the child grows, pole positions can be adjusted, eventually suiting adult needs. Boxes and bins can transition from holding diapers and onesies to Legos, sports gear, and more adult possessions. Shafer also integrates desks within closets, with sliding doors that can conceal or reveal the workspace, optimizing bedroom space and providing a dedicated study area. When designing children's spaces, Kypreos advises a long-term perspective, considering changes in height and interests. Minor adjustments to poles, shelves, and drawer faces can maintain the space's relevance as the child matures. Recognizing children as "temporary tenants" who will eventually establish their own homes, Kypreos stresses that every design aspect is adjustable and multi-purpose. As family needs shift, a few simple modifications can transform a playroom into a welcoming guest room, a dedicated hobby area, or even a private space for an aging parent. The design process at California Closets begins with assessing the physical space and the items needing storage. These built-in structures are custom-designed to complement the home's architecture and meet the current occupant's specific requirements. The design consultation typically lasts one to three hours, depending on decision-making speed, and installation scheduling is flexible to accommodate the customer's timeline. California Closets offers free design consultations at their showrooms in Portland's Pearl District, West Linn, and Bend, or online.

39 months ago

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