Page 83 - Dockside Magazine Muskoka, Summer/Fall 2018

A5-year dream in the which has always sat out
making has finally
become a reality for Kristin Whitehead, owner of
Closets by Design (CBD)
in Barrie. Like the shoe maker whose family went without shoes, Kristin often dreamt about having her space redesigned but, like many busy business owners, hers wasn’t high on the priority list.
Styles have changed dramatically since her office was designed ten years
ago, as have the ways that businesses operate.
“My original office furniture was a lovely but very traditional- looking dark brown colour,” says Kristin. “I really wanted something new and fresh, with a more contemporary look. And it had a lot of unnecessary filing space.”
When the office was originally designed, 10 years ago, hard- copy files were a requirement. These days, most of the files are kept digitally.
The furniture was also much more formal than Kristin wanted. “I wanted to see the style change, along with how
it functioned for me,” says Kristin. “I wanted more space for certain things, and less space for others.”
Space shifting
Kristin brought one of CBD’s senior designers, Jane Hooper-Perroud, to create the perfect design. Offices, like closets, have limited space to work with, so making the most of that space is critical.
To create the perfect space, Jane removed the filing cabinets, and instead focused on ways to expand Kristin’s desk space (where she often lays out her plans, paperwork and samples) and find a home for Kristin’s book collection,
along the windowsill.
“I have a lot of books, and I tend to refer to them for information and inspiration,” says Kristin. “But they were sitting out, which takes up a lot of space, and often means one or two topple over each day.”
Using the vacant space where the filing cabinets stood, Jane created a beautiful set of mid-height cabinets that include a right-sized set of file drawers. She also created a wall of bookshelf cabinets that float above the desk – perfect for reaching up to grab a book for reference.
Trading conventional
for cozy
As for those dark cabinets,
Jane traded them for custom cabinetry in CBD’s new luxury line of finishes, in modern greys and whites, which look
“When you design a home, you spend a lot time choosing flooring, cabinetry and countertops. Why not use the same colours, textures, and finishes in your home office? Especially when you consider that many of us spend more
from a new perspective. “There’s so much detail that went into my design,” says Kristin. “It was so much fun dreaming up my own space, and then letting go of control as I watched Jane create.”
Although it can be hard to envision your space any other way than in its current state, Kristin urges other clients
to think outside the typical office box.
“Your office makes a statement about your business. It’s part of your brand,” says Kristin. What makes CBD unique is that each of their units – whether offices or closets – are custom-made for each client. “You can’t buy these units off the shelf, anywhere. Each one is carefully designed to make you more efficient, while making your space more enjoyable.”
Whether you’re looking for
a fresh take on a traditional office, or something cozy and professional for your home, CBD is always available to answer questions, propose options and find a solution for your working style and all of organizational needs. DS
BY SHELANNE AUGUSTINE
“Your office makes a statement about your business.
It’s part of your brand.”
clean and contemporary against Kristin’s new turquoise accent wall.
Jane topped Kristin’s newly expanded desk with a stunning granite slab “Having granite in an office isn’t traditionally done, but it really gives the space an elevated, modern look,” says Kristin. “And it’s allowed me
to try out one of our new stone suppliers for myself. It turned out beautifully.”
Kristin also noted that granite desktops are great options for home offices, as they allow you to weave your home design into your formal meeting space in a natural way.
time in our office than in our bathrooms, kitchens and even closets, combined.”
To complete the space, Jane added an accent wall, in
one of the two luxury wood finishes, that now surrounds a fireplace. This adds a level of ambiance and warmth to the space.
“I have large windows in my office, so in the winter it gets chilly,” says Kristin. “It will add some coziness to the space.”
Through the eyes of a client
Being both the owner and a client of CBD has allowed Kristin to see the company