Dream closet: See inside this Lake Norman home’s stunning closet addition

By Mariah Ackary | May 31, 2023

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This content was created in partnership with California Closets.

When California Closets designer Renee Haywood was asked to design a client’s walk-in closet and dressing room, she knew the result would be spectacular.

Here’s why: The closet is just one part of a full-home custom makeover, and it would be built completely from scratch as an addition — with no set budget.

The story: Stacey Huffman and her husband Curtis are in the process of renovating their lakefront home in Terrell, NC to be completely customized to their liking.

For the closet, the Huffmans wanted a functional, beautiful space that would match the rest of the home’s aesthetic and make it easy to stay organized.

The result: With a team of talented installers led by Phillip Barnett, Renee built a stunning space for the Huffmans’ clothes and accessories. It’s also a space to get ready, do laundry and make coffee.

We toured the closet and chatted with Renee and Stacey about the process of bringing the space to life.

What were your goals for this project?

Stacey: More space, organization and a modern look.

How would you describe your home’s style and your organizational skills and preferences?

Stacey: Old World European. I like to be super organized an put everything in its proper place.

How did you incorporate Stacey’s design preferences and organizational needs into the space?

Renee: Stacey and I began collaborating on this project from the blueprints stage.

The background: Stacey had inspiration photos and had already picked out the gorgeous herringbone flooring that she wanted to use. We used this as a starting point in our process.

What finishes did you use in this room?

Renee: I used our Sorrento finish layered with gold aluminum doors (from our friends at Element Designs) and bronze glass inserts.

I also used vegan leather inserts on the doors for the island and metallic slab drawer fronts on the dresser and dressing table.

What made the space come to life?

Renee: We incorporated lighting in every section of the space.

The benefits: In addition to visual appeal, the lighting makes it even easier to keep the space organized and functional.

Here’s what else: The island features pull-out drawers with vegan leather lining to hold accessories like sunglasses, ties and belts.

In the laundry section of the closet, we included hampers and an ironing board drawer.

What is your favorite thing about the finished room?

Stacey: The aluminum-framed glass doors on the cabinetry.

Renee: This is a hard question — I love it all. Between the architectural detail, the chandelier, the dressing table, the island, the laundry room, the coffee bar and the seating areas Stacey brought in post-install — it’s too hard to choose one thing.