LISA ADAMS Formulating The Perfect Closet Space

| BY HELÉNE RAMACKERS

Thecreative force behind L.A. Closet Design, Lisa Adams empowers her clients to have the perfect closet space, creating captivating wardrobes with meticulous panache. Upscale Living spoke exclusively with her about what it takes to fashion a space that is stylish yet practical.

Lisa, tell us a bit about yourself.

I was born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii, and now am based in Los Angeles, California. Aside from my passion for designing and closets, I love sports, traveling, and all things fashion. I love waking up to a cup of coffee and playing the New York Times’ games; on the weekends, you’ll find me running, playing tennis, golfing—and watching sports.

Did you have an influence in your youth that shaped your career path?

I’ve always loved the sciences — I actually had a past career as a chemist. For me, this influence really helps shape my approach to closets, as I exercise both parts of my brain. I get to tackle design challenges from a very analytical, methodical perspective, while creating beautiful, aspirational spaces for my clients.

What made you decide to start your full-service luxury closet design firm, L.A. Closet Design in 2007.

At the time, I was working on the operations side of a luxury kitchen and bath company. I really recognized that closets were not on the radar for many designers. It seemed like a niche market that could benefit from the same level of detail and discernment as other areas of the home. So I took the leap!

What does your job entail?

Ultimately, we are here to provide a service at the highest level. A lot of the job involves managing expectations, and relating to clients on a personal level, to best understand their needs. I always want to make sure the clients’ needs are met, and mitigate as much of the headache as possible throughout the construction process, as there are always lots of moving parts.

I assume in your line of work, you have to be super organized?

It certainly helps! In our line of work, every detail matters, and it takes a certain level of an innate Type A personality to make sure the design process is smooth and efficient.

There surely is a transition to a fully functioning closet. I like to think good design can help anyone to be more organized. If you can see everything in your closet, you’re likely to wear those otherwise forgotten pieces. And if everything has a home, you’ll be less likely to leave things out of place.

How do you create good ‘traffic flow’ in a closet?

It’s important for me to first understand the clients’ individual lifestyles. Am I designing for someone who travels frequently? What pieces are they going for in the closet on a daily basis? Are they dressing in the closet? Do they have a styling team who needs space to work? These are all questions that inform the way we want to move through the closet, and make decisions that allow easy access to the items we’re using most. We consider access to the master suite, laundry routines, tailoring — these processes are different in every household.

How do you go about balancing the aesthetics and functionality of a closet?

Our closets represent the marriage of function and aesthetics. I strive for them to be equally as beautiful as they are functional. Ultimately, all the decisions we reach are to make the space feel highly intentional, making the dressing process easier and more enjoyable. At the same time, I want it to be a space you enjoy, and it needs to complement your personal style.

How do you solve / deal with overstuffed, cluttered and unorganized spaces?

In a functioning closet, items should constantly be coming and going. If you haven’t worn something in a year, you could likely let it go. I encourage my clients to take stock and purge the items they’re no longer wearing, to make sure they can really access the items they love. If someone is just innately a little messy, we’ll often explore areas they can have items behind doors, to keep things looking tidy.

And hoarders?

Aside from purging, many of us are limited by the space in our closets, and real estate is at a premium. For anyone who has more clothing than they have space for, we can get creative with carving out space in the closet — triple hanging, hidden compartments, using every square inch of space. I also think rotating things out seasonally can help reclaim a lot of space for the items you’re currently wearing.

You get to see what your clients have in their closets. Without disclosing their identity, have there been some enviable items you wish you had thought of buying for yourself?

Of course we usually don’t have our clients’ budgets, so it really is a treat to see some of their most treasured pieces. This could be anything from custom commissioned Cartier high jewelry, diamond-encrusted Himalayan Birkin bags, or vintage couture gowns, just to name a few.

You’ve also worked with some high-profile clients. How do you navigate your ideas/suggestions while not coming across as pushy? Regardless of the client, they are coming to us for professional guidance, and I like to treat every client with the same level of attention. Obviously some personalities are larger than others, and some clients will give more creative freedom, but the ability to reconcile the needs, tastes, and opinions of everyone in the room is the most valuable service we can provide.

Do you have to work according to strict budgets or is there wiggle room?

Budgets can be a tricky conversation, especially when there are so many variables with custom construction. We are lucky in that the customer who comes to us is typically someone who really cares about the closet, and has the means to do what they want. It’s a fun, aspirational space, and many clients are willing to splurge for something that makes them feel inspired. When you’ve accumulated a wardrobe of beautiful pieces, you’re usually willing to carve out room in the budget to give those items a home.

Is there a current trend in closets?

I’m seeing clients are being much more adventurous and creative in their closets these days. Fewer homeowners want the typical glam, white closet than before. Now, we’re being asked to design spaces with a lot more personality and a mix of materials!

I love the walk-in/open/no-doors closets. It must be quite tricky to maintain, and the client has to be super-tidy. Is it still very popular?

For someone who is inherently a little more organized, this is often what they prefer. It’s much easier to see and access your favorite pieces, and when executed correctly, feels very much like a high end boutique.

Who is Lisa Adams when she is at home?

At home, I am happiest! Because my job requires me to be extroverted, I relish in the re-charging process at home. Contrary to the shoemaker adage, you will find me organizing and purging almost daily—doing what I preach. The process calms me, and creates the clutter-less environment that I want to be in. As I am doing this, you will find the TV on with a game or match playing in the background!

What does your closet look like?

I actually like to think my closet has inspired a lot of what we are doing now for clients. At the time I designed it, I wanted to do something different, and experiment with color, texture, and custom hardware. It’s very boutique, in a custom cashmere paint color, and suspended retail-inspired hanging rods from the ceiling. Since sharing my closet, we often have clients come to us looking to recreate certain elements of it, or incorporate the paint color in their own closets, which is perhaps the greatest compliment for me as a designer.

Are you a morning person or a night owl?

I am a morning person! Surprise surprise, I am a fairly regimented person, which involves making sure I get 8 to 9 hours of sleep that is tracked every night. I love waking up early feeling rested and ready for my cup of coffee.

You have flawless skin – what are your beauty secrets?

Aw, thank you! First of all, I get 8 to 9 hours of sleep, drink lots of water (only drank Diet Pepsi up until a year ago so this is huge), and am consistent with my cleansing and moisturizing process (toner, serum, moisturizer, sunscreen religiously) using Sturm products.

How do you stay in such incredible shape?

I am blushing! I played basketball and tennis growing up, so it was instilled in me at a very young age to work out every day. I now run, play tennis and golf, and do Pilates. It makes me feel so good to exercise and do sport—inside and outside.

What to you do for fun?

Fun! I like to travel the world and explore new cultures, new restaurants, new hotels, people. Simultaneously, I live for sports, so I am happiest playing or watching it with friends.

Your plans for the rest of 2023?

I am going to Riyadh and London for work, which will spiral into a London and Edinburgh vacation. I have a Design Leadership Network summit trip to Mexico City in October, followed by a birthday celebration in Venice, Italy. I’ll cap the year with a trip to Hawaii to visit family for Christmas and New Year’s!  https://www.laclosetdesign.com/