Asheville Custom Closets by Amanda

Parade of Homes 2014

2014-07-31T22:08:00.001-04:00

We are preparing for the 2014 Asheville Home Builders Parade of homes. This will be a great opportunity for consumers to see whats new in the home building industry. Make plans to attend in October.

Introducing the Desk Bed

2012-10-31T09:00:00.000-04:00

Want a desk and a bed in a very small space - look no more.

The desk becomes a full size sleeping bed by folding down.

See More Space Place Asheville to order yours today!

Multi-purpose your space with a Panel Bed and disappearing desks

2012-10-25T13:40:00.001-04:00

Pilot's lounge

Two desk space with storage

Queen Panel bed

This pilots lounge provides multi-purpose space for two persons to operate and sleep. The look is very industrial to match up with the aircraft theme of the lounge. The two drop-down desks provide ample space for paperwork or for dining. The other cabinets provide nightstands and storage for clothing. When ready to relax, they close up the desks and pull down the queen size panel bed for comfy sleeping quarters.

designed by Amanda Ballew, More Space Place 828-665-9665

Have you seen my YouTube Account?

2012-07-28T15:26:00.002-04:00

People wander into the showroom occasionally and recognize me from my videos. Flattering for sure. Have you seen my YouTube Videos?

Take a quick tour of the Asheville showroom and see how the Murphy Bed works?

Email me or Twitter @AVLCUSTOMCLOSET me for more info.

Email from Satisfied Murphy Bed Client

2011-11-04T15:41:00.000-04:00

The following is an email I received the other day bragging about More Space Place Asheville from the service provided during design to our excellent installers. We have many satisfied clients who never take the time to write such a nice review, so I wanted to share this with you.

Dear Amanda,

This e-mail is a follow up to our phone conversation regarding our recent purchase of the Murphy bed for our home in the Fitzgerald.

As you know I have kiddingly complained about your interaction with us. We seriously came in just to look at a Murphy bed as a possibility for our home and left having purchased one. The main reason for our decision was the excellent service you gave us during our visit. Not only is the product very handsome, but your ability to answer our questions, come up with solutions to our concerns, and give us a very nice, detailed drawing of the project were primary in our decision. Your follow up call on a few odds and ends was also wonderful and demonstrated you had done your homework and were prepared to help us with what additional needs we had.

Additionally, during the installation I was at the site all day long and, in fact, observing the installers in ever aspect of their work. No only did they never come into my home with shoes on, but they were totally respectful of our home. This included one of them holding the vacuum hose while the other one drilled to minimize any potential sawdust. They clearly were expert in their work, often not even talking with one another while working cooperatively to complete the project. They were fast, fastidious and fussy about their work...(how is that for some prose). Truly they were expert, worked hard and were very particular about how the end project would come out. They were the best crew I have observed in many years.

We now have an excellent addition to our home which is beautifully designed, expertly installed and gives us functional space which we did not previously have.

Thanks,
Tony & Jill

An Inspiring Book Releases Today

2011-09-01T15:42:00.000-04:00

I am so excited to about the launch of my friends book:
The Collected Tabletop by Kathryn Crisp Greeley.

Kathryn Greeley, or Kathy as I have referred to her for many years, was my first Interior Design mentor. She has been a huge inspiration in my career life and also personal life. I am so excited about the release of her book featuring inspirations for entertaining. Kathy has combined her love for elegant chinaware, fun entertaining, and beautiful books creating a masterpiece all her own. I can't wait to get my signed copy in my hands and add it to my collection of beloved design books.

The Collected Tabletop will make a great gift, coffee table book, or if you need inspiration in your entertaining life. Order via : The Collected Tabletop website

Custom Garage Cabinets for Asheville Summer Fun

2011-06-21T16:42:00.000-04:00

I am a little late posting this for Father's Day, but Spring and Summer really bring out the need for the garden tools and the workspace needs for the garage units. I wanted to share some of the custom garage storage units we have installed in the Asheville area. Garage storage needs can range from closed cabinetry, shelving, workspaces to wall hanging slatwall units. The units shown above are in a carbon fiber look melamine which is very durable and has an edgebanding created for ultimate durablilty in garage cabinets. So, if you are ready to create an amazing man-cave or ultimate garage for yourself call Amanda for an appointment.

visit the showroom at 1025 Brevard Road Asheville NC
Monday - Sat 10-5 828-665-9665

Asheville PWB Beer Tasting Scholarship Fundraiser

2011-06-02T10:43:00.001-04:00


Coming up June 9th

The Professional Women In Building Council of the Asheville Home Builders Association offers a scholarship to students in the construction field. This beer tasting and tour along with silent auction is our fundraiser for the year. Thank you for your support.

Get Tickets from me or online at Asheville Home Builders Association

Update to March Blog - Asheville Project

2011-04-20T15:03:00.000-04:00

This is an update to the picture I posted in March of the house in framing under construction in West Asheville. We have started our part of the project there now, installing all of the Candle Light colored shelving and cabinets that you see in picture above. This week the painters are working and we will go back to finish soon. I look forward to sharing finished photos.

Under Construction in WNC - Upcoming Project in Asheville, NC

2011-03-07T20:24:00.001-05:00

Many of the projects in WNC that I work on are under construction. Above is a recent photo taken at a jobsite in Asheville where More SPACE Place Asheville will soon be installing custom built-ins and drawer units. Each side of the fireplace will have adjustable shelving and below the fireplace hearth will be drawer units for housing CD's.

If you want to learn more about custom closets, space saving Murphy Beds or other built-in ideas stop by our showroom at 1025 Brevard Road Asheville, NC for a tour. Ask for Amanda.

Twin Murphy Bed on Clearance MSP Asheville

2011-01-28T09:50:00.000-05:00

Need a hidden-bed to tuck away for those kids or secret guest space. This side-tilt Murphy bed from More Space Place Asheville will transform a small wall into a sleeping space. 80" wide x 15" deep x 50" tall expands 49" into room to reveal a twin bed.

Clearance Item is TWIN COSMOPOLITAN PANEL BED in Natural Maple Laminate Shaker style doors, includes twin mattress. 50% off clearance price is $1,540.00 cash and carry.

For more information on this clearance item or to see the bed in action stop by our showroom at 1025 Brevard Road Asheville, NC.

Other showroom items are available on clearance - come visit for a preview.

Clearance Cherry Desk From Asheville More Space Place

2011-01-28T09:36:00.000-05:00

We have a few showroom furniture items that we have priced to move. These clearance items are ready for pick up at our Asheville location : 1025 Brevard Road . If you need more information or want to see the items in person please stop by the showroom.

ALL WOOD NATURAL CHERRY CORNER DESK with file drawer and door cabinet.
55" x 65" $900.00 cash and carry price

Reflections of 2010 – Asheville PWB

2010-12-21T12:52:00.000-05:00

by Amanda Ballew – Chair of PWB Council

During 2010 I have served as the Chair of the Professional Women in Building Council of the Asheville Home Builders Association. As I reflect on all we have accomplished this year, I am proud and thankful for all that our Council has achieved. I extend a personal Thank You to the other Board members, the AHBA Staff and to the individuals who participated during the year. We have worked hard to remain a leading group within the Association and the Asheville Community. These are some of the events and activities of this past year.

PWB held on-site meetings at member locations of White Insurance and Core Installations to learn more about what our members offer enhancing the theme “Do Business with a Member.” Following the Spring AHBA membership drive, our Council held a PWB membership drive making calls to each of the AHBA members to encourage PWB membership.

The Professional Women in Building hosted multiple education classes including a panel discussion regarding Foreclosures and Quick Sales. We held a three part series class taught by Gary Charles of G Social Media on Social Media for Businesses earning over $400.00 in funds for our Scholarship and teaching over 20 new students about Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. Follow us and connect on Facebook at www.facebook.com/AshevillePWB and Twitter @AshevillePWB. We recently hosted the Free Webinar: "Think Solid: Creating Home Sales in ANY Market" as a benefit to our builder members of the Association.

This year we awarded our first scholarship in June; a $500 award to Monica Williams, a very deserving student who is pursuing her education in Architecture. The fundraising committee worked extremely hard on the Wine Tasting and Silent Auction “Wines for the Thanksgiving Table” held November 18th at Wine Studio of Asheville and earned over $3000 for the Scholarship Fund. We were also given a seperate $600 donation by Push Asheville Fashion presented during our Holiday lunch.

Thank you to the Asheville Community for your support during my year as Chair. We look forward to serving the AHBA and the community again next year.

Thank you to the 2010 Board of Directors:
Chair - Amanda Ballew - More Space Place
Vice-Chair and Fundraising - Maria Aponte - Salon Blue Ridge
Secretary / Treasurer - Gina Kidder – Core Installations
Director - Jenny Brunet – Cool Mountain Construction and Realty

The 2011 Board of Directors will take office in January:
Chairman: Maria Aponte of Salon Blue Ridge
Vice Chairman: Kate Duinkerken of Duinkerken Homes, Inc
Secretary/Treasurer: Amanda Ballew of More Space Place
Director: Angela Ramsey of Hi-Tech Integrated Systems, Inc.

I Have Gift Closet Envy

2010-12-07T20:04:00.000-05:00

In discussing gifts for the upcoming Holidays, my friend was telling me about her gift closet. This past summer she began clipping coupons and has saved a fortune on groceries and other household items. She also heard about a major clearance sale happening in Asheville on toys and made a serious investment in toys that were on sale up to 70% off. My friend stocked up on toys that are for both genders and in several age groups. Most of the toys that she purchased were originally in the $20-$35 range, but she got them at bargain prices. She has been using these clearance toys for birthday parties since the summer and still has presents for nieces and nephews. She also found some larger toy items for her own children that will be quite a surprise for these little ones.

I am envious of her gift closet. I think this sounds like an awesome idea with a closet dedicated to storage of these presents. You can organize the presents based on the types of gifts with toys, games, stuffed animals for different age groups. Keeping on hand gift bags and tissue for quick and easy "wrap and run" makes you prepared to dash out the door to the next party. After Holiday sales would be a good time to start a gift closet like this. I think I will start a gift closet as well.

More Space Place Asheville on Foursquare

2010-11-08T21:31:00.002-05:00

If you are a foursquare user you can check in at More Space Place Asheville. Come see our showroom at 1025 Brevard Road Suite 7 (near Apollo Flame Bistro) and make a "visit". Ask for Amanda.

Ten Reasons I Enjoy Membership in Home Builders Associations

2010-11-03T21:18:00.001-04:00

Ten Reasons I enjoy membership with the Home Builders Associations. (not necessarily in order)

1. Maybe its obvious... but that's where the builders are. New construction and remodel builders are members of the Home Builders Associations.

2. Networking with other local businesses who are members. The moto of the industry is "Do business with a member." I have formed many friendships from my contacts at the Asheville and Hendersonville Home Builders Association.

3. Increased local exposure via the directories. If someone is looking for a closet company, they can find More Space Place via the Asheville, Haywood, or Hendersonville directories.

4. The Professional Women In Building Council is a core group of women leaders within the industry. I am currently the Chair for the Regional PWB under the Asheville Home Builders Association.

5. Establishing a brand within the industry has been key for our business. Local, State, and National associations have levels of sponsorship which companies can financially support the industry.

6. Our membership with the Association helps to establish trust with our clients. People like to do business with companies that are affiliated with Associations and are giving back to the community. We participate in the volunteer days.

7. I have received many referrals from the HBA Associates and Builder members. I regularly attend the meetings and they know me, they know I will return calls and help the clients they send to me.

8. The local and state associations have fun events. I participate in the golf tournaments, Parade of Homes, TEAM Day, 21st Century Expo, and Holiday Parties. They make being a member fun and exciting.

9. Our local, state, and national home builders all provide educational classes for both associates and builder members. Many times the classes are geared toward very current topics for our industry - like social media, the economy and green building for example.

10. The National Home Builders Association participates very actively in pushing the legislation that affects the livelihood of its members. Locally, they are working on things like zoning laws and steep slope ordinances that affect when and where people can build new houses. I participate in BuildPac yearly to help this cause for legislation.

Asheville PWB Scholarship Fundraiser via Wine Tasting and Silent Auction

2010-10-20T11:21:00.000-04:00

On Thursday evening November 18th - The Asheville Professional Women in Building in conjunction with Asheville Home Builders Association and The Wine Studio of Asheville will host a Wine Tasting and Silent Auction to benefit the yearly PWB Scholarship Award. Tickets are available thru Amanda at More Space Place Asheville or thru the Home Builders office at 299-7001.

Please join us for a fun night of networking and perhaps find some Holiday gifts!

If your business would like to donate an item for the silent auction, please contact Amanda prior to October 30.

Closets featured in 2010 Asheville Parade of Homes

2010-10-03T22:11:00.003-04:00

You may have heard that the Asheville Parade of Homes is happening the next two weekends in October. This is the premier showcase of home builders and their subcontractors in the Asheville Area of Western North Carolina. The 2010 Parade features 23 homes open for public viewing on October 9th, 10th, 16th, 17th from noon - 5pm daily at no charge. Many of the homes this year are custom homes (meaning they were designed and built for specific homeowners) so you will get a variety of styles and finish selections choices made by actual owners.

Custom Closets by Amanda Ballew at More Space Place Asheville can be viewed in the following homes during the Parade:

Biltmore Farms Homes

Biltmore Farms Homes has a new Cottage Collection in Biltmore Lake, NC featuring custom closets throughout the home.

This home features his and her master closets with drawer units, shoe storage, and hanging. This product is our Wild Cherry Melamine made from eco-friendly materials.

Redtree Builders, Inc.

Redtree Builders has a custom home featuring a organizational closet systems in the pantry and the master closet. With double dresser units in the master in our Chocolate finish with maximum efficiency of space. The Pantry features corner wrapping shelves and pullouts for cans in White.

Wright Family Custom Homes

Wright Family Custom Homes has a custom home in the Ramble of South Asheville.The homeowners ordered a built-in linen storage and shoe storage in the foyer to their master closet. All closets in the is home feature our Antique White Melamine. The master closet features Hafele Wardrobe Pull-downs to maximize the hanging space available in the 10 foot ceilings.

Other homes on the tour that are still under construction but have plans available on site for what they will receive once the construction process is far along to install:

Bass and Royster

Bass and Royster Builders have a custom home in the Ramble. The homeowners are having More Space Place Asheville install a garage system and a custom storage room complete with wrapping station in the bonus room.

For a tour guide book / magazine for the 2010 Asheville Parade of Homes stop by our showroom at 1025 Brevard Road Asheville, NC and pick up a copy. If you would like to schedule an appointment for a consultation, please contact Amanda at 828-665-9665. Amanda with More Space Place

The above renderings were created for the Parade of Homes Magazine by artist Lorraine Plaxico.

New Product in Asheville More Space Place Showroom

2010-09-18T19:57:00.000-04:00

I am pleased to present to you the newest item in our Asheville showroom. More Space Place Asheville now offers replacement doors for closets. The doors are available in sliding as shown above and also in bifold. They come standard with the aluminum frame and frosted glass, but the look can vary with a change of the melamine. We chose to showcase the black melamine to coordinate with our contemporary New Yorker Panel Bed. We think they make a stunning pair.

Come visit our showroom at 1025 Brevard Road, Asheville NC or call for appointment 828-665-9665 Amanda

Asheville Green Home Tour Call For Entries

2010-09-06T16:04:00.000-04:00

Hafele Interviews Asheville Interior Designer

2010-08-22T14:55:00.001-04:00

I was recently interviewed and featured in the Hafele Co. Closet Spotlight Newsletter published for August 2010. The newsletter goes out to closet companies and other cabinet vendors around the world who use Hafele products. The purpose of the interview was to allow peers to get a perspective of how things in other areas. Below is my interview:

1. Which areas of the home (closet, home office, home entertainment, garage) are your customers most looking to improve?

Amanda: "I think clients are looking to save space in almost every area of their homes. Multi-purpose rooms that are functional and beautiful are still in demand. We achieve this with our Murphy bed and panel beds creating rooms that act as offices or craft areas when the guests aren’t there."

2. Do you find that you are closing more projects in certain areas of the home? If so why?

Amanda: "The master closet continues to be the most important aspect for my clients. An organized master closet can free up space in the master suite as well as save time and frustration during the morning routine."

3. What have you found to be the best method of reaching customers today?

Amanda: "Nothing will every replace a referral from a happy client, however, constant and consistent local advertising is important for our business. Consumers today are more tech savvy, so I think the current and future method of reaching clients will be via social media outlets. I try reaching people via several different platforms (blog, YouTube, Twitter) so that I am present in their world when they do need my services."

4. What new trends do you see regarding your business?

Amanda: "The trend in housing is to build more efficient, smaller homes that have more amenities packed into them. This is a natural fit for the custom closet industry as homeowners want to maximize space and multi-purpose rooms."

5. What is the most unique customer experience that you have had?

Amanda: "A couple came to my showroom for a closet proposal presentation, the wife wasn’t feeling very well so she laid down and fell asleep on one of the Murphy beds in the showroom. Meanwhile the husband and I continued to review the plans, made changes, and completed a sale for the closets. The day of the installation I went to check on the job and the wife was embarrassed that she didn’t recognize me as she had slept thru the entire sales process; fortunately she was thrilled with her “surprise” closet."

Amanda Ballew, Interior Designer

More Space Place Asheville
1025 Brevard Road Suite 7 Asheville, NC 28806
828-665-9665
Email: aballew@morespaceplaceasheville.com
Follow me on http://twitter.com/avlcustomcloset

Asheville Chamber Event was Success

2010-08-20T09:15:00.000-04:00

On Tuesday August 17th, the Asheville Area Chamber hosted a Business Before Hours at More Space Place Asheville sponsored by BB&T and catered by Colorful Palate. Many of the participants were first time visitors to our showroom and got to experience Murphy Beds and Custom Closets up close for the first time. The food was delicious and the networking was fun.

Holly Decker, Vice President of Certified Business Services at BB&T Asheville gave a personal testimony of her experience with More Space Place Asheville and how we provided a custom built wall unit and desk for her home. Thank you Holly!

Thank you to Gary with GSocialMedia for taking these clips.

If you would like a personal tour or consulation please contact Amanda at 828-665-9665.

My experience at Asheville Pizza Wars 2010

2010-08-16T01:10:00.000-04:00

On Saturday August 14th, I participated in the Asheville Pizza Wars held at the Garage at Biltmore and presented by AskAsheville thru GSocialMedia. I bring to you some perspective of what happened behind the scenes and in the "fishbowl" we called the Judges room during the pizza wars.

My responsibilities the night of the pizza wars was to oversee the judging competition during the event, an organizational persons job for sure. Mary and I accepted and "private labeled" the pizzas to be judged as the entries were brought in. We kept the pizza company name identification secret from the judges so that they did not know who's pizza they were judging. The criteria for the judges to consider for each pizza entry judged was "appearance" and "taste" with a scaled system and separate categories for Cheese and Speciality (up to 5 toppings). The pressure was on as hundreds of people peered thru the window as they passed by curious to see and the pizza company representatives waiting anxiously for results.

The judges room was the coveted place to be for many reasons; at first the air-conditioning and then the 26 awesome pies spread out on 3 tables and no beer line. This was a beautiful site and a tummy rumbling aromatic experience as they dug in. Each of the judges took their responsibility very seriously, contemplating each pizza and savoring their responsibilities. All the judges were "full-filled" by the time they tasted a judges sample of the 13 pies from their category along with their beer or water for beverages.

The panel of judges selected for this event were awesome. I would like to thank them for their time and "sacrifice". They arrived when requested ready to help with any last minute set-up, eager to judge and devour the 26 pizzas, and support the non-profit Families Pursuing Justice. Not everyone in the room knew each other at the beginning - however, everyone has a common thread in addition to the love of pizza and beer - that is Twitter. Each of the judges have a twitter handle - you can follow them if you want to connect with them just click on the names below:

Kevin Dani Jose Anne Fitten Austin Vonciel Christopher Adam Sonia Timmy Jamie Justin

As the evening progressed and the pies were sampled and judged the group talked, mingled and enjoyed each others company. This was an extremely pleasant and desirable group of Tweeps (short for twitter peoples) who worked very well to achieve the goal of awarding the prizes to the winning pizza companies. I think all of them had fun and are looking forward to next year.

Asheville Chamber Business Before Hours at More Space Place Asheville

2010-08-10T21:48:00.006-04:00

Friends, Clients, other Professional Networkers and Asheville Area Chamber Member Businesses are invited to join us on August 17th at 8 am for our annual

Murphy Beds and Mimosas Event.

Presented by: BB&T

Catered by: Colorful Palate

Hosted by: More Space Place Asheville 828-665-9665

Letter from a happy client of Amanda's Asheville Custom Closets

2010-08-01T19:56:00.001-04:00

I want to share with you a letter I received recently from a pleased homeowner after their custom closet project with More Space Place was installed. I would be happy to meet with you regarding custom closets for your home. Call or email me for a complimentary in home design consultation.

Dear Amanda,

We would just like you to know how pleased we are with the beautiful custom closets your company installed in our new home. They are even more than what we expected or envisioned. The fine touches and workmanship comes only from a business with true professionals.

We especially appreciated your assistance since everything was handled long distance through phone calls, emails, and faxes. Your patience and suggestions were wonderful. We were really glad that we were in Asheville just as the installation was completed.

Thank you again for your personal and conscientious attantion. You are definitely in the right line of work!

Sincerely,

Pam and Herb H.
June 25, 2010