The One Room Closet Designer Lisa Adams Will Never Forget

Interior designers and other experts in the home industry work on an impressive number of spaces throughout their careers. But even if some of the makeovers and redesigns start to blend together after a few years, there are some rooms that are just truly unforgettable. 

So, to give designers a chance to revisit their favorite projects—and to bring you plenty of inspiration for your own home—we’re sharing the one room these pros will remember forever. For some, there’s a sentimental connection, for others, there was an obstacle they never thought they’d overcome. But no matter what, these rooms are worth remembering.

Lisa Adams, CEO and Lead Designer of LA Closet Design, knows her way around a functional wardrobe. The Honolulu native has spent the past 13 years perfecting the ins and outs of good closet design, creating everything from plush seating areas to cosmetic refrigerators for her clients. When it was time to design her own closet and dressing room, she created a fashion-forward sanctuary that felt playful but chic.

"As a designer, it’s always a particular labor of love when designing for yourself," Adams says. "What stands out is the opportunity it presented for me to be more playful in the design of the closet, and take a few design risks. It’s much harder to convince a client to test out new ideas in their space, but when you have free rein over your own home, the possibilities are endless."

Endless possibilities can also be overwhelming, even for designers. Adams wanted to make sure she "got it right," and had high expectations for herself from the start.

"You want the space to embody your vision and identity," Adams says. "Meanwhile, every day you’re seeing new inspiration somewhere, whether it’s a material sample or an inspiration image, a fixture, it’s hard not to let your eye be drawn elsewhere throughout the process, and constantly rework the design!"

Though she had plenty of inspiration and ideas, she focused on creating a "boutique experience"—complete with ceiling-mounted clothing rods and modern light fixtures—so she's able to easily shop her own closet, like one would at a clothing store.

"The design is flexible enough to evolve as my own style changes, and I think it really showcases the current pieces that I’m wearing, so that it always feels fresh and inspiring."

While most people are content with an all-white closet, Adams wanted something with a little more personality that still felt timeless. She ended up creating a custom color with Portola Paints called "Closet Cashmere," that falls in the space between a blush and a nude tone.

"The color receives so many compliments, and I like that clients see it and realize they don’t have to run from color," Adams says. "You can still do something subtle without settling for an all-white closet!"

For Adams, the most impactful part of this project was move-in day, when she was finally able to see her dream realized. Seeing her clothing and accessories finally organized in her dressing area gave her a huge sense of accomplishment and relief.

"This space was such a long time in the making, and really represented a lot for me as a designer, in terms of being able to create something beautiful (but without my clients’ budget)," Adams says. "To finally have this space, and use it daily is truly a dream."