Contact Gerry Ayala at Closet Works 630-936-2712 or [email protected]
Languages: Gerry is fluent in English, Spanish, Italian and French.
HOUZZ REVIEWS:"I am very satisfied with Gerry`s professionalism on knowledge of their product, promptness and patience with the changes we had to make on design. Everything from scheduling to application, things went the way he said they would. Access to Gerry was also very commendable, if he didn`t answer his phone he returned the call promptly."
"I had called closet works last year and Gerry, came to the house on two occasions and measured the space for the jobs. He is so friendly and professional. Once the job was complete Gerry came by the house to inspect the work. When it was all complete, my bedroom closets were awesome, the open pantry was great for my husband … and MY shoe closet made me smile. Since, then we have purchased another property and I searched for Gerry … My Closet Works EXPERT!" — Thanks Gerry :)
Contact Gerry Ayala at Closet Works 630-936-2712 or [email protected]
Languages: Gerry is fluent in English, Spanish, Italian and French.
Gerry has been personally recognized on HOUZZ by his clients for his willingness to consistently "go the extra mile," providing unmatched service and attention to detail for every project.
Gerry is veteran Closet Works designer, certified by the ACSP, Association of Closet and Storage Professionals — the industry's top professional organization.
This unique solution to insufficient closet space devotes an entire wall to custom closet and closet oganizer storage. Gerry created a custom wall unit with hidden storage for everything you could want in your bedroom closet, but might not want anyone to see.
DetailsThis reach-in closet is a creative display of transformation for a reach-in closet under stairs with closet organizing accessories. Simple additions of closet accessories including a valet pole and jewelry organizer give this closet more purpose in addition to the overall charm of the design. Also purposeful and definitely practical, the closet has a deep return with bonus hanging and shelving under the tricky slant created by the staircase.
DetailsThis is one section of a fabulous master closet design. A floor based wardrobe unit has doors for dust free hidden storage of items used less frequently. A plethora of shelves organizes shoes, sweaters and other folded items neatly and conveniently. Securing the hanging rods at different heights creates the correct space to hang clothes of different lengths, without wasting any space in this closet organizer system.
This custom walk-in with Bella drawer faces has a beautiful and warm aesthetic that naturally compliments the varying tone of the wood floor. A 360 Organizer provides this closet with luxurious organization.
DetailsThis custom closet organization system includes an efficient wall mount hanging system, and the 360 Organizer® to handle the shoes and shelving needs. All closet organization pieces coordinate with the existing home decor and are done in a dark slate laminate.
This custom closet is high on style, while packing in all the amenities a homeowner could wish for. The dark wood tone for the body of the system with contrasting light wood tone doors and drawer fronts creates a distinctive look similar to art furniture. A sit down vanity is incorporated into one wall.
Gerry designed this master walk in as one of a kind — using both practicality and a unique aesthetic. The customizations for this closet included being designed to fit along a brick wall and also the stylistic decisions such as the Chino laminate, matte gold Moderne handles, and frameless rain glass doors. A drawer ironing board also pulls out for added function.
In addition to the stylish nature of this walk in closet, the bonus organization features really set it apart. A drawer ironing board conveniently folds in and out to keep clothes neat and tidy and allow you to iron right from your closet!
This custom closet design increased usable storage space in this small walk-in closet by almost 50%. Having the closet rods at different heights allows full use of the vertical space as well as the horizontal footage. Rather than wasted space at the bottom of the long hang section, the rod is hung a little lower and extra shelves are added for storage of folded items. A shelving tower in the corner handles all the shoes and still allows room for a pull-out laundry hamper.
Designing for a space that is very tall and narrow can be a challenge. Gerry maximized the amount of usable storage in this closet by including a rolling ladder. The biggest advantage of having a rolling ladder is that they are a great space saving idea and a perfect solution for small living spaces. Rolling ladders do not take any valuable floor space and you can always tuck it away when not using it.
DetailsThis design is not only a walk-in, it is a walk-through. An outer unit borders an entryway to the hidden inner beauty of additional storage space. The all-encompassing system provides an array of cabinets and drawers for wardrobe staples. The overhead lights shining on the frosted glass cabinets are a sight to see and a proud display.
Elongated cabinets with shelves behind delicate glass reveal the gift of spaciousness and organizational capability in this design. The custom unique structure marries the wall and creates a dynamic layout despite its square-like features and straight lines. There is considerate space for all wardrobe essentials including folded clothing, hanging items, undergarments, and shoes.
This design is functional for various organizational purposes. There is a section to hang clothes, shelves in multiple sizes for folded clothes, shoes, and linen. The system is clean-cut and straight to the point in its mission to conserve space and simplify organization.
This High Gloss Arctic wardrobe style closet was created for ideal organization in high fashion. There are cabinets that open up to reveal the wonderous features. A towering shoe shelving unit is illuminates the pairs of shoes to be seen as clear as day. Shelves and drawers are offered for all folded clothing. This showy design is one to brag about.
DetailsThis design is a calm breeze- a haven where all of your belongings will have a proper place. The sun shines in and reflects off of the white laminate revealing the expansive nature of this walk-in closet. With shoe cubbies, shelves and drawers for folded clothing, and a hanging section, this unit provides all of the essentials for ideal organization.
This custom walk-in closet in the cool River Rock laminate has a tranquil sensibility with its beautifully weathered look like a worn stone in nature. The wide open space is brimming with commodious features to reinforce stress-free organization. Drawers, shelves, cabinets, and various hanging sections all offer abundant storage potential for a substantially-sized wardrobe. A valet rod for hanging a separate outfit or bag has been added as a bonus convenience to this thoughtful design.
This custom walk-in closet is in an elegant Cocoa laminate with contemporary Metro brushed chrome handles for a modern touch. The unit provides generous hanging space and a dresser for all folded clothing. An added perk of this design is the Elite valet rod as just the right accessory for someone to plan ahead the perfect outfit.
Amazing how such a small closet can pack so much organization and style. With the help of custom drawers, shelving, and designer handles this small linen closet was given next level fashion and function!
Adorned with full-length mirrors, this multifaceted design reflects vanity, versatility, and functionality. As a labyrinth of storage solutions, this organization system includes shelves, cabinets, drawers, and hanging sections to complete the elegant, traditional design.
This four panel mirrored door is a lavish finishing touch to this robust design. Situated in an alcove, this custom fit cabinet maximizes the space while being an aesthetically pleasing and added bonus to always ensure you look your best. The doors are doweled together to open as one, but create the illusion of two cabinet units for a more involved design.
This client had envisioned something for her son's bedroom that would keep all of his toys, games, books, and clothes organized that would also serve as a canvas for her to personalize with fun decor. Gerry proposed this multifunctional wardrobe/wall unit with special built-in features that would take care of playtime, storytime, getting dressed, and more.
DetailsThis walk in is cool and sophisticated in a soft River Rock laminate. The 360 Organizer has been customized to perfection — adorning a mirror, shelf, arrangment of Elite hooks, and abundant storage for folded clothing. This panel of the 360 Organizer has been fully covered in felt fabric.
The cooling demeanor of this closet is relaxing as you walk into a wellspring of organization. The design has five piece Bella drawer fronts, Brushed Chrome Square handles, and Contempo base molding.
Spare rooms are usually used for storage and the occasional overnight guest, but that doesn't mean the room's decor should ever be neglected. This spare room is a great example of taking pride in extra space with a beautiful wardrobe design in a clean white with Frequency countertop. The doors are doweled together for a clean aesthetic. The alcove created by the sloped wall becomes the perfect space for a small television to keep your guests comfortable.
Don't let small spaces fool you. This compact linen closet has been elevated and maximized to it's fullest potential with the use of custom drawers and shelving. As an aesthetic preference, the suspension rail has a custom shallow box soffit to cover it up.
This elegant dressing room and closet is more than a place to store clothing. The black laminate lends an air of sophistication that complements the luxurious space.
DetailsThis formidable wardrobe closet is positioned opposite the bed and sets the tone of the whole bedroom, creating a forceful presence for the space. Clothing is hidden behind frosted glass doors that conceal an assortment of shelves, drawers, pull-outs and hanging rods.
DetailsOwning a lot of designer footwear is an investment that deserves maintenance and care, including proper storage. This shoe closet provides specialized and organized shoe storage for all those Jimmy Choos, while blending in with the elegant décor of the room.
DetailsGerry designed this impressive decorative wall unit as a way to showcase the well-travelled client's collection of books and artwork. He strategically designed the piece using the rule of thirds to create a balanced and harmonious composition while also remaining practical with convenient features such as soft close bottom drawers and custom lighting. The entire design has an overall feeling of good energy, or "qi", which is defined as a circulating life force of positivity and strength.
DetailsThis fireplace surround design is glowing with great design! The unique arrangment is in a Ginger Root laminate with accents of Cocoa, custom LED lighting, and Slab Melamine cabinet drawers. The mantle piece is in a 3 inch thick Cocoa laminate and the backlit TV mount piece is in Ginger Root.
DetailsWhether this family is just talking or watching movies together, these beautiful fireplace bookshelves surround the fireplace and large screen TV, framing a hub of family activity with artful organization. Even the youngest members can get in on the organization act by using the integrated bench with toy storage below.
DetailsSpanning an entire wall, this wall unit houses media equipment and many other items that need custom closet storage. Rather than stopping the custom closet and media center system at the sofa, upper cabinets were continued, creating a built-in alcove to surround the sofa. This niche makes the room especially cozy and inviting. Additional wardrobe style closet cabinets continue on the other side of the sofa to continue this inviting storage solution.
This library includes a pass through into the family room that is flanked by traditional style custom shelving. What a great place to showcase family photos and treasures in addition to books, adding true personalization to the room. The traditional style and moulding blends seamlessly with the home décor. Running the shelves up to the ceiling and the inclusion of transom shelves over the doorway maximize the amount of available storage space while echoing traditional transom windows that are often a feature of interior doorways in classic homes.
All kinds of treasures can fit into this spacious wall unit with its generous offering of cabinets and drawers. Practically any clutter or miscellaneous items can be stored in this organization system, making the room pristine and spotless. Customized to fit under the sloped ceiling, the unit strays from leaving any awkward space and fits like a glove along the wall. There is a convenient hutch perfect for personalization with photographs, a small television, an aquarium, or artwork.
This design offers a unique home theater experience and includes strong design elements as it floats below the television. The unit includes mesh door speakers to conceal unattractive chords and lights for a more clean and polished look. The large cabinets can hold a wide array of things making certain the room will be clutter-free.
This entertainment center looks as if it came directly from the Museum of Modern Art. The design is so simple yet speaks volumes. The unique unit has head turning features: A high gloss stylite Arctic white countertop, Contempo drawer faces, flip-down doors, smoked glass inserts, and mesh speaker doors. With plenty of storage space for unsightly clutter, the sleek and clean design will keep the room looking sharp.
This unique credenza design has been created as a convenient buffet station and extension of the dining room. With interior pull-outs for silverware and napkins, this custom piece of furniture provides the extra bit of organization this home was missing. Matching the warmth of the hardwood floor and painting on the wall, the unit is in a Corretto Cherry laminate to be a rich pairing with these other key features of the room.
Lights, glass shelves, glass doors and a warm fire — this design has transformed this living room into a private sanctuary. Harmony open frame doors with Rain glass inserts, glass shelves, warm LED puck lights, Emerald handles, and Windsor crown moulding are just a few features integral to the elegance of this fireplace surround.
Spanning the wall of this guest room and home office combination is this beautiful, multifunctional wall unit. The design is perfect for extra storage in the home but also for extended-stay guests to feel comfortable by having somewhere to put their things (including their dirty clothes!). With a unique style, the unit is in an elegant Ivory laminate with a Tea for Two countertop, Strap handles, and as an added bonus — a 30 inch Synergy pull-out hamper.
As a display of Gerry's versatile design skills, this kitchenette design combines beautiful window bench seat storage and wainscotting using custom Bella panels. The custom bench seat uses a one inch countertop and gracefully wraps around the corner of the room.
Customized is only putting it lightly — this staircase shelving design by Gerry is a display of pure talent, precision, and the perfect example how storage can be maximized even in difficult spaces. The skills used to create this design resulted in a seemingly effortless, unique shelving unit for this family to admire everytime they use the stairs.
Gerry designed this custom wall bed to bring comfort, convenience, and flatter the angles of the room all with a stylish appearance. The wall bed is in a soft Morning Dew laminate with Vintage accent counters and backing and also has custom warm LED puck lights.
DetailsThe wall bed design is customized in a step arrangement to maximize the angles of the room and provide the most storage possibilities. The upper shelves can be used for linen and extra pillows. Pull-out bedside shelves offer additional convenience for you and your guests.
DetailsFor this small guest room, a creative and stylish home office design was created to make the most efficient use of the spare space. In a Morning Dew laminate with Vintage accent countertops and brushed chrome Moderne handles, the design is modern and transformational for the compact room.
DetailsNever say "I just don't have room!" Gerry created this attractive and functional home office space from an tight corner that many might dismiss as unuseable space. The accomodations are tiny, but the storage capabilities in this home office are quite large through the use of upper cabinets and an enclosed wall unit with doors and drawers along the side wall that can hold everything needed to keep this homeowner organized. The space is also very high on style — featuring dark tone cabinets with contrasting white door fronts. Keeping it light, efficient and organized is key to overall ambience and functionality of this office. All the doors have glass panels to keep the space looking as open as possible. Reeded glass is used on the wall cabinet to screen any clutter, furthering the clean, open feeling.
Closet Works professional designers are experts at converting under-utilized areas of the home into beautiful spaces that add functionality and value. In this example, a new room was carved from under utilized space under the basement stairs. This home office functions as the ultimate man cave, with areas allocated for both work and hobbies. A great organization system made from cabinets and shelves was fitted into the angled recess under the stairs, maximizing available storage space and making a strong statement combining style and function.
DetailsWhat a beautiful color combination! This home office wall unit storage design by Gerry is in a sleek Moonlight laminate with glowing, gold hardware and Aspen fronts. Custom lighting give this design even more of a mysterious, twilight mood. The shelves are expansive and shelving along with convenient file drawers to stay organized.
A warm Breakwater laminate brings a touch of nature to this home office design. The corner of the room is completely utilized for maximum home office working space. The spacious desk top offers room for everything you need to be part of your perfect work space — including a printer, a lamp, desktop computer, and more.
This custom murphy style wall bed has been created in a rustic Vintage laminate with chrome Square hardware, inspiring a look that marries old and new fashion. The unit includes overhead shelving to store extra pillows and blankets for your guests' added comfort.
This custom Vintage wall bed unit houses a luxurious, queen sized mattress — premier comfort for you and your guests. The unit has been designed to leave clear access to the outlet to charge cell phones and tablets overnight.
An efficient combination mud room/laundry room like this one will keep the entire family organized, making life easier and bringing a sense of order and tranquility to both children and parents alike. This mud room/laundry center replaces the traditional back hall closet with convenient cubbies — offering separate storage areas for each member of the family with room to store jackets, backpacks and shoes, plus plenty of space to sit down and put on footwear.
DetailsImagine your back door entrance all organized with a custom closet system like this. Rather than a traditional closet with a door that closes to keep out the clutter, this mud room storage system opens up the space by removing both closet doors and walls, and utilizing hooks to hang jackets and backpacks. Designed to reference a vintage hall tree with traditional crown and base moulding, there is nothing old-fashioned about this organization system. It definitely suits todays needs with aits large collection of hooks, six shoe shelves, upper cabinets and side shelving unit big enough hold almost anything.
Laundry is generally one of the most hated chores for most people, yet it is one of life's most essential domestic tasks. This custom laundry room storage solution gets a handle on the typical family laundry mess and makes the whole room a pleasant and desirable place to spend time. The simple white finish presents a clean, bright appearance to a small space. Upper cabinets and a shelving add functional storage to this space saving and efficient laundry room design and the long countertop is great for folding clothes.
This mud room replaces the traditional back hall closet with convenient cubbies — offering separate storage areas for each member of the family with room to store jackets, backpacks and shoes, plus plenty of space to sit down and put on footwear. Each cubby includes a shoe shelf and there is a drawer above the shoes to hold gloves and small items. A second vertical shoe cupboard to the side of the unit adds even more storage for footwear. No one will ever be late for an appointment due to an inability to find their matching shoe!
DetailsThis combination laundry room and mud room is designed along one wall of the back door entrance area to create a galley style organization system. A hall tree style cubby organizes jackets, backpacks, gloves and shoes next to a washer/dryer area with upper shelves for storing laundry aides.
Plenty of laundry room storage in the form of tall, white cabinets grace this homeowner's laundry facility. With everything hidden behind closed doors, including a clothes rod for drip dry, this clean, contemporary space remains neat and organized — even between wash days.
This garage workbench/cabinet organization system packs a lot of punch in a very small space. Designed for a gardening enthusuast, this organizer system includes a lower cabinet for yard tools, upper cabinets for fertilzer and chemicals, a nice work surface for potting, Omni Track™ wall organization system above the countertop for small tools, and lower cabinets for pots and gardening containers. The light gray laminate in Rain Cloud finish tends not to show the dirt, which is a great asset in a garage.
A good garage organization system increases storage and maintains everything so that the owners can easily find what they are looking for. This system for a Chicago area home achieves just that with bonus of sharp good looks. Closet Works designed these custom garage cabinets and integrated workbench for a large 3 car garage. Omni Track™ aluminum wall track was installed next to the garage cabinetry and also in an opposing corner in order to hang all the larger tools, sporting goods and equipment that inhabit the typical garage from the walls.
DetailsA combination of the Omni Track wall track storage and several bike hoists helped these homeowners get things off the floor. It's a great solution when there are a lot of bikes, especially bikes that don't get used everyday. The bike hoist system is very simple and easy to use through the use of a cord that raises and lowers each bike. Utilizing the ceiling in this manner for storage is a good way to add capacity without taking up any floor space.
Planning and preparing three meals a day for a large family can be an enormous task for even the most dedicated parent. Eveything falls into place, however, when you are super organized. This pantry closet system helps keep its family on track by creating a place for everything where even small items are easy to find and inventory. The busy mom who ordered this custom pantry closet never finds herself unexpectedly short on an ingredient, because it's easier to keep track of what's on hand when you can see it and know exactly where it is. Custom wire pull-outs and pull-out shelves keep it all visible and accessible. Vertical tray dividers organize all the big things like cookie sheets, broiler pans, trays and platters that can be difficult to store.
This pantry closet has an ultra efficient design, largely through the use of numerous pull-out accessories. Standard pantry shelves don't provide sufficient access to items residing at the back. These pull-outs are deep but movable and offer full access to items at the back of the storage system. A well designed system like this one includes pull-out baskets for storaging bags of chips and delicate items, a pull-out bottle rack to ensure both bottles and their labels are easy to see and read, pull-out pantry shelves with a scalloped front for organizing all the cans and jars, and a set of drawers that is good for all kinds of things such as spices, towels, or utensils.
The multitude of pull-out pantry shelves greatly enhance the functionality of this pantry closet storage system. The scalloped front edge makes it easy to pull out the shelf without requiring a handle. They are perfect for organizing small items that might otherwise get lost at the back. The regular pantry shelves hold all the large items, like full cases of canned goods or bottled water. Corner pantry shelves increase visibility of foods that might otherwise get lost or forgotten in a dark alcove in the back.
This kitchenette pantry design is part of an expansive project including cabinets, wainscotting, and custom bench seat storage. The design captures elegance of the entire space with beautiful, white Bella doors and panels. See wall unit section for bench seat views.
HGTV star Alison Victoria has teamed up with Closet Works designer Gerry Ayala to create home renovations with amazing closets. These closets are featured on two of HGTV's popular home remodeling shows Rock the Block and Windy City Rehab. Rock the Block takes place in California and Windy City Rehab is filmed here in Chicago. Tune in to HGTV to see the latest episodes. Get a peak at some of Alison's astounding home rehabs featuring Gerry's innovative closet designs.
A home with a rear entry that connects the garage to the house was rennovated to streamline activities for all family members, making it easier to keep everyone organized. A traditional coat closet was removed and the space was reallocated for use as a mud room hall tree/lockers. New laundry room cabinetry was installed to improve efficiency and give the entire space a coordinated look. Read More