Client Stories: As Seen in the Media

Extraordinary Custom Solutions for Design Executive Kevin Sharkey

client: Kevin Sharkey

location: New York City, New York, USA

design consultant: Carolyn Musher

Kevin Sharkey standing in front of his custom book shelves with rainbow colored books

What He Wanted

As Martha Stewart’s trusted right-hand, Kevin Sharkey appreciates the importance of details. Over his illustrious 20-year career at Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, Kevin has brought his design expertise to everything from editorial projects to product development. At home, Kevin approaches design with the same level of careful consideration; an avid entertainer and collector, he needed sophisticated storage that would elegantly organize and display his impressive collections.

Kevin knew California Closets New York’s Carolyn Musher—who’d transformed his closet years earlier—would be the one to help him achieve his vision: a multi-wall bedroom library that kept his Manhattan skyline view intact and a statement China cabinet to meticulously house a myriad of silver, china, linens and glassware.

Kevin Sharkey standing in his custom dining room with his collectible china in cabinets | California Closets

Custom bedroom for with library wall for designer Kevin Sharkey

How we did it

For the bedroom, Carolyn designed floor-to-ceiling shelving that framed the wall of windows and included a custom bed flanked by two bedside tables. Kevin, who likes his books arranged by color, completed the room’s vibrant appeal. In the dining room, Carolyn took careful stock of Kevin’s collections to ensure every item would have a proper and accessible place. Knowing the cabinet would be fully visible while entertaining, she designed the unit with clean-lined doors, striking backpainted glass, and a rich black finish that flows seamlessly with the dining room table—a custom solution that aligns effortlessly with the space.

For me, being in a place that’s really beautiful is a place where I can contemplate things. I can acknowledge where I am and process all the beauty that’s around me. Being in that state of mind is where I’m at my most honest with myself.

Kevin Sharkey

Final Result

Custom designs that capture Kevin’s vision down to the details. A single shelf designed with a lower height provides a spot for small books on his bookshelf; pull-out shelves and drawers corral the tiny treasures of Kevin’s china collection; and his custom bed flows perfectly with the bedroom library. All completed in a dramatic black finish, each solution ties together for a true style statement.

Photo Credits: Stefan Radtke