A design with thoughtful intention for model Alex Bonnesen
What Alex Bonnesen wanted
After three years of thoughtful planning and design, model Alex Bonnesen and her family were overjoyed to finally move into their custom-built home in Vancouver. Filled with warm light and a soft, tonal Scandinavian aesthetic, the house felt just right — except for one space: her eldest son Oscar’s room. Oscar, a determined, kind, and patient seven-year-old, was diagnosed with acute flaccid myelitis at the age of one and needed a space that supported both independence and daily care. His room wasn’t equipped to efficiently store essential medical supplies, and a bookshelf took up valuable floor space needed for clear movement in his power chair. Alex reached out to Afton Albach of California Closets Vancouver to create solutions that maintained the home’s design integrity while providing function, organization, and ease for Oscar.
“The storage brings a sense of quiet order — everything has a place, yet it doesn’t feel over-designed. It’s adaptable, thoughtful, and blends seamlessly with the rest of their beautiful home.”
How California Closets designed it
Afton and Alex began by walking the space together, discussing what worked, what didn’t, and how the room could better support the family’s everyday routines while still feeling cohesive with the home’s architecture. Afton rethought the closet, transforming underutilized areas into a clean and accessible storage system with cubbies, bins, shelves, and drawer dividers that make Oscar’s supplies easy to organize and reach — especially important for his night nurses. In place of the standing bookshelf, she designed a floating wall unit that keeps the floor clear for Oscar’s chair while providing both hidden storage and a place to display favorite items (including his beloved Sonos speaker). Integrated cord management keeps electronics neat and safely contained, helping the design feel calm and intentional.
“It somehow feels like the California Closets designs were always part of the space, and this feels like the best sign that it was done perfectly.”
Final result
A custom design that supports Oscar’s care without defining the space. With a clear floor area and storage that works quietly in the background, Oscar can move comfortably in a room that now feels calm, open, and thoughtfully tailored to his daily rhythms.
Finishes
Luxe Matte Dove
Materials
Slab fronts
Elite Modern handles in polished chrome
Fascia in closet
Accessories
Floating shelves supplied by customer
Note: Finishes and products vary by location. Inquire with your local California Closets showroom for availability.
Client
Alex Bonnesen
Location
Vancouver, BC
Design consultant
Afton Albach
Photo credits
Britney Gill
