Ty Pennington’s home makeover revealed
What Ty Pennington wanted
In New York City, space is more than a luxury — it’s a design constraint that demands precision and creativity. And it’s a challenge even TV host and author Ty Pennington and his wife Kellee faced: how to maximize limited square footage without compromising aesthetics. Their solution: bring in California Closets New York City to transform several tight, underutilized spaces into highly functional, beautifully integrated storage moments. “I’ve always admired California Closets’ work,” says Ty. “Seeing designers I greatly respect working with you and the amazing creative possibilities, it was a no-brainer.
They wanted entry storage that could handle daily traffic without overwhelming a narrow hallway, a pantry that could house multiple appliances and overflow kitchen items, and two closets that felt distinctly “his” and “hers” — both functional yet visually compelling. Importantly, none of these solutions could feel bulky, generic, or visually heavy. Storage needed to disappear when necessary and shine when appropriate. “We’ve been working on so many projects over the last six years that we haven’t been able to feel fully unpacked, organized, and settled in our home,” says Ty. Time to call in the pros.
“Ty and Kellee were such a pleasure to work with from start to finish! We instantly
clicked from the second we met in the Tribeca showroom. After an hour, we had
designed four fantastic spaces that really fit their design aesthetic.”
How California Closets designed it
Working with design consultant Keith Johnson, they collaborated on every step to create the personalized spaces they needed.
Rather than designing a floor‑to‑ceiling wall unit that would visually shrink the entryway, Keith offered a nuanced, layered approach. Base cabinets were designed to be specifically tall enough to conceal the bulk of shoe and boot storage behind clean cabinetry doors. Above the cabinets, open cubbies feature mirrored backing, a subtle but powerful design move that visually widens the space while reflecting light. The result is an entry that functions as a hardworking storage zone while still feeling open and welcoming.
The petite pantry was originally a laundry closet, but Ty relocated that need to another space to provide needed kitchen storage. Knowing the couple planned to install a pair of stunning antique wood doors to enclose the space, Keith took meticulous measurements to maximize the room’s tight dimensions. The pantry needed to house a beverage fridge, coffee maker, microwave, and additional kitchen overflow. Interior cabinetry had to be carefully planned to accommodate appliance clearances and functionality, while also visually complementing the character and craftsmanship of the antique doors. By treating the pantry as both a functional workspace and a design moment, the finished space feels intentional rather than utilitarian — a hidden gem that elevates everyday routines.
Ty’s closet was arguably the most architecturally transformative element of the project. While originally a short, standard reach‑in closet with builder‑grade doors, his vision was to remove the existing closet structure and expand both in width and height, effectively carving out a wardrobe nook within the adjacent second bedroom. Keith’s design embraces a walnut wood grain Castano cabinet finish to complement the room’s vibrant wallpaper and exposed brick wall. Leather handles introduce a tactile layer of warmth, subtly elevating the overall design. The result is a closet that feels masculine, architectural, and effortlessly integrated into the room.
Kellee’s closet was designed to be nothing short of a centerpiece. Positioned directly opposite the bed in the primary suite, it was a feature the homeowners would see first thing every morning. Keith introduced the Luxe Matte Dove finish, creating a soft, elegant contrast to the other spaces. The true focal point, however, was the center section: custom matte gold–framed mirror doors. These doors added glamour and visual interest while serving a practical purpose, reflecting light and enhancing the sense of space within the bedroom. The final piece feels luxurious without being overdone.
“This was life-changing, honestly! You don’t realize how living in clutter and disorder can have such an effect on your mental health”
Final result
The completed project is nothing short of stunning. Each storage solution functions beautifully on its own, yet together they tell a cohesive design story — one where no detail was overlooked. Different finishes, materials, and configurations were thoughtfully chosen to complement the unique character of each room. “This is one of my favorite projects that I have worked on in my seven years with California Closets,” says Keith.
