December 6, 2016

How to create a walk-in wardrobe of your dreams

Walk-in wardrobes have to be one of the most luxurious pieces of furniture in any home and we can’t get enough of them. There is a balance between clever practical storage solutions, lighting and luxury. Here we talk through how to create a walk-in wardrobe with real wow factor. We have been designing walk-in wardrobes for years now, from tiny box rooms to full-scale master suites. Once a practical luxury, they have increasingly become a must-have in interior design and a necessary part of home refurbishment.

The design

A walk-in wardrobe should offer a multitude of storage options for housing and displaying your clothing, shoes and accessories. ?Walk-in wardrobes and dressing rooms require careful planning, whether you have an abundance of space to work with or a small dark box room there are ways you can maximise space.

• Opt for floor-to-ceiling cabinetry maximising hanging, shoe storage and providing adequate drawers
• Under eaves or otherwise awkward shaped corners can be transformed into drawer and pull-out shoe storage; dressing room seats & islands can incorporate handy drawers for storing shoes or organising small accessories.
• Consider re-locating or blocking doors to maximise use of all walls

When planning a walk-in wardrobe you need to consider whether to go for an open or closed format. Some prefer the area to be an open display for shoes and clothing and others prefer things to be stored away behind doors and feature wardrobes. You could have a blend of the two – having open storage for just handbags and shoes for example.

Interiors

Well thought out interior to suit your particular requirements is key. Consider the various lengths of garments that must be stored. Double hanging space should be the norm wherever possible so there’s no dead space or areas wasted inside. Special consideration should also be given to garment lengths – dress trousers, gowns, longer cardigans and coats will require a longer 3/4 or full length drop, and the space below can be used for storing shoes or accommodating a short folded trouser rail.

Consider materials

Walk-in wardrobes involve so much complex carpentry and are a major piece of furniture, the material used wields significant influence on an interior’s overall look and feel. Too dark a wood can make a small room feel oppressive and cramped, but might work in a larger area decorated with lighter hues and neutrals. The beauty of bespoke furniture is that you can craft a walk-in wardrobe so that it can complement other striking design aspects in your room. Door panels can be fashioned to reflect the architectural features of the room from contemporary through to classic shaker, all the way to traditional raised and fielded panels. Combining timber and painted finished can create a wonderfully eclectic feel.

Smaller details

If the area of your walk-in wardrobe is small you can give the illusion of space by using large mirrored wardrobe doors which multiply the light. Lighter woods and white washed oak will also contribute to the feeling of space. Integrated LED lighting can be inset into the joinery to create a visual feature as well as produce a bright yet soft light that is both adequate for dressing yet naturally flattering.

It doesn’t take much to add a touch of comfort, luxury and glamour to the walk-in wardrobe dressing room space. Consider it the extension of your bedroom so plush furnishings, rugs, armchairs and scatter cushions in beautiful tactile fabrics will work wonders in lifting the mood of the room. Decorative doorknobs also add a nice finishing touch.