A day in the life of Carrie Bradshaw takes the viewer from chic socialite events across New York City (arguably Sex And the City/And Just Like That's most steadily captivating character) to the privates spaces inside her own homes — where over the decades we've watched her toil with words, gab with girlfriends, and make questionable choices (ahem, not naming any names) with a bevy of love interests.
If you're like us, you can't get enough airtime spent inside her glorious closets, and you're constantly craving more glimpses of storage solutions seemingly sent from the gods. Her latest closet oasis in Gramercy Park would no doubt delight yesteryear's Carrie of West Village fame.

So, you might ask — how would you go about weaving such a beautiful creation into your own life script? Our advice: Let California Closets direct your home narrative by following these simple steps — tried and tested, and ready to make your wildest organizational dreams come true, anywhere in your house.

Understanding the Process

California Closets is the most recognized brand name in the industry. Whether a relocation, downsize, family addition, professional shift or other life change, most have a felt need when they call in for a consultation and have been dreaming of their ideal.

The initial two-hour consultation can take place in one's home or a California Closets showroom. (Although it's not a requirement to ever visit the showroom, it's recommended so folks can see, feel, and experience products.).

The process can be as collaborative as the customer wishes; they can sit beside the designer's computer during the planning stage, or they can offer direction and then come together later to be delighted by the plans. All designs are done by a proprietary CAD program that brings products to life in 3D and shows prices as you go, giving full price transparency.

Once paperwork has been signed and deposits made, an installation date is set. The systems are meticulously fabricated (nothing is pre-made), and any third-party items are inspected. California Closets Installers — all employees of the business — come into your home or business to expertly install your furniture and storage systems.

Of note: Although the name is 'California Closets,' the company can work throughout the whole home. A combination of nationally and locally (Tualatin, OR) exquisite custom-manufactured parts, the local California Closets is comprised of Oregonians.

Chatting With The Pros

For more of a behind-the-scenes glimpse, here's a Q+A we had with some of the local design experts. 

Amy Bodi / Bend, OR / 9 years

Q: What's your favorite part of the process, and why?

A: My favorite part of the process is approaching each project like a puzzle: understanding the client’s wants/needs, evaluating the possibilities in the space(s), and creating the design using our beautifully curated palette of finishes.

Q: What's a favorite design project you've completed, and why?

A: I had a client with a hobby of completing LEGO builds, but they were littered all around her house, so we created a display system for them in her craft room.  It felt special because she was able to see her LEGO builds all at once, in the room she spends the most time in, which brought her so much joy!

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Amanda Walsh / Vancouver, WA / 4 years

Q: What do you prioritize during the initial consultation?

A: Getting to know the client, their needs and wants; I want to create a space that is not only functional but reflects their style and personality.

Q: What's a favorite design project you've completed, and why?

A: Some of my favorite spaces have been smaller ones; creating the right organization in a small space can be very impactful on how useful it becomes. A few that come to mind would be a storage closet I helped my client turn into a wine cellar, a corner-shaped pantry, and a small walk-in with slanted ceilings. These projects stand out to me because of how much of an impact they made for my clients every day, and how happy they were with the finished result.   

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Karina Guasso / West Linn, Oregon / 12 years

Q: What's your favorite part of the process, and why?

A: I love the design process, creating solutions with my client’s collaboration to achieve the best possible outcome for their space or project.

Q: What's a favorite design project you've completed, and why?

A: It’s difficult to choose one project because each has unique qualities, as every project is specifically designed for a client’s space and needs. Creating spaces that function better for how people live is the most rewarding aspect.

William Sedlar / Portland, Oregon / 11 years

Q: What do you prioritize during the initial consultation?

A: I focus on three areas: 1 – Function: Who’s using this space?  What’s driving you crazy about it now?  What do you wish it could do? 2- Aesthetics: Is there a particular style or palette that you want to work with? Do you have any inspiration photos from our website? 3 – Budget: These projects can run an amazing range. There’s no right or wrong. Everyone has their own jam that we can deliver to, from simplicity to elegance. It literally comes down to levels of detail. Is this a forever home and the closet of your dreams? Is this for a growing adolescent? Are there any mobility issues?  Are you flipping a house and looking to distinguish the space? How do you want to feel when you walk into this space?

Q: What's a favorite design project you've completed, and why?

A: Two favorites are both my largest and smallest spaces. The large project was so fun and gets referenced in our national Standard Product Guide. The client’s mantra was, “Light it up!” It’s a large walk-in wardrobe, all hidden behind doors of glass and wood and lit with warm lighting from light-up drawers, uplighting, toe-kick lighting, ribbon lighting for the hanging sections and puck lights hiding each purse and handbag behind glass doors. The clients were so fun and excited, and they loved the final product.

When you are ready to imagine your own swoon-worthy closet, call 503.885.8211 to set up a complimentary in-home consultation. You can also either visit us at www.calclosets.com, or stop into one of our local showrooms located in the Pearl in Portland, West Linn (exit 8 off of 205), Vancouver at Grand Central, and down in Bend on Newport Ave.