Building or Renovating? Don’t Forget Your Closet
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B Y C A R R I E M C C O N K E Y, W W W. C A R R I E M C C O N K E Y. C O M
NE OF THE MOST exciting benefits of building or renovating a home involves customizing the floor plan. Kitchens and bathrooms may hog the spotlight when it comes to personalization, but putting thought and energy into closets and storage spaces can reap exponential rewards. Chris McKenry of Closets by McKenry discusses the importance of preplanning the primary closet in a renovation or new build with two fellow pros, Judy Gooch and Todd Richesin. Closets Gaining Ground Judy Gooch, IDS, owner of Judy Gooch Interiors, weighs in on the growth of the primary closet’s role. She relates, “In today’s homes, the well-designed primary closet has become a ‘value added’ feature that ranks closely to the kitchen and primary bath for selling homes.” Clothing previously stored in large bedroom dressers and chests has now moved inside the primary closet, and his and her separate spaces have become an attractive design feature. Blueprint Review Chris McKenry describes some of the simple adjustments that can be made during the planning stages to provide more space. “Don’t put the closet door in the corner; you’ll end up with unused space behind it.” Place the door at least 20 to 24 inches away
Bath designed by Judy Gooch with closet designed by Chris McKenry.
Interiors and Bobby Todd Antiques, reminds us that every inch of space can become a storage possibility - even the toe kick underneath cabinets. He explains, “Those drawers can be about two inches tall… and if you can get about five of those in a kitchen or closet, you effectively have given yourself one more complete bank of drawers.” They’re the perfect fit for scarves, out-of-season belts, and any other small things that get lost in a larger drawer. All three designers emphatically agree that placing effort into storage planning during a new build or renovation is well worth the time. They recommend starting by taking an honest inventory of your clothing, purging while you’re at it so you’ll have a fresh start in your new space. Consult a professional and experience beauty and order in your primary closet - call Closets by McKenry today.
Symphony Showhouse Craft Room décor, including wallpaper and chandelier, designed by Todd Richesin.
from the wall so shelves can be installed behind it. If you must have windows in the closet (they take up valuable space), place them high to allow for storage below. Creative Solutions Todd Richesin, owner of Todd Richesin
A Toast to Larsen Jay
Closets by McKenry
201 Center Park Drive, #1070 Knoxville, TN 37922 865.249.6382 2019 Closets Designer of the Year – Interior Design Society
L
ARSEN JAY, Founder/CEO,
has announced his professional exit from Random Acts of Flowers, and he commemorated the announcement with a special milestone delivery marking the 500,000th person served nationwide. “I delivered the first Random Acts of Flowers bouquet in 2008, and I’m proud to deliver the 500,000th bouquet of flowers 12 years later. I never imagined how far reaching this would be when we started Random Acts of Flowers,” said Larsen Jay, who was moved to give back after suffering a near-fatal accident and personally experiencing the healing power of flowers he received during his recovery. Larsen believes Random Acts of Flowers has an incredible team with a dedicated and passionate Board of Directors, and he has expressed his full confidence in their ability to take the organization to the next level while maintaining his original vision and mission of serving those most vulnerable in the healthcare community. To c e l e b ra t e a n d h o n o r L a rs e n ’s accomplishments, there will be a “Toast to Larsen” on October 21 from 7 to 8 pm. This will be a virtual celebration of how 14
EVERYTHING KNOXVILLE October 2020
500,000th delivery
Arrangements ready for delivery
Larsen’s simple idea of sharing flowers and a personal moment of kindness blossomed into the Random Acts of Flowers movement, with active workshops in Tampa Bay, Indianapolis, and Knoxville. Learn more about this event and how to become a sponsor at www.rafknoxville.org/events/ special-events. “I started Random Acts of Flowers for one simple reason: To help improve people’s physical recovery by positively impacting their emotional health,” said Larsen. “I had no idea it would one day serve half a million people and inspire other similar organizations across the nation. I’ve always
known that this day would come; it’s been my goal to pass the organization onto new leadership while remaining an ardent supporter and cheerleader for Random Acts of Flowers.” Random Acts of Flowers improves the emotional health and well-being of individuals by delivering recycled/re-purposed flowers and personal moments of kindness to those in local healthcare facilities that most need a smile. Please call 865-633-9082 or email info@ rafknoxville.org with any questions on how you can support our mission.
www.RAFKnoxville.org