For some, a new home means a sparkling gourmet kitchen or a cutting edge home theatre, but for many of us we instantly think – ‘walk-in-robes big enough to house a small family…’. Think Carrie Bradshaw and that unforgettable closet… A place for everything and everything in its place!
Montpellier on display at Selandra Rise, Clyde North
Your walk-in-robe, let’s call it a boudoir, sounds a lot more romantic, is really a blank canvas ready for you to customise to suit your storage needs. Instead of struggling to find your wow outfit for the day in a dark dungeon with piles of clothes and shoes, be ready to be instantly inspired by easy to find items! Getting your boudoir design right can mean not only making the outfit selection process easier, but also motivate you to change your ‘old house’ habits and stop leaving piles of clothes and shoes on the floor.
Danielle and Tamara share some ideas on creating the dressing room, boudoir or walk-in-robe, whatever it is called in your new home, to be the envy of your friends.
1. Hanging space
Designing the right amount of hanging space is a very individual concern. It really depends on your collection of clothing, i.e. volume of long dresses, long pants versus shirts and blouses, and also the height of the homeowners, half-height hanging is great for business shirts and jackets and an efficient use of space.
2. Shoe storage
What is the use of having an amazing shoe collection if they are all tucked away out of sight! If you are a shoe collector then you probably need to design your robe around your shoe shelving. This storage function can often get left to last, but it really should be the starting point. Ideal design includes specialised shoe shelving set at a slight slant for optimal viewing and to keep your investments in immaculate condition.
3. Shelving and drawers
There are literally hundreds of shelving and drawer design combinations for walk-in-robes, really depending on individual taste. Drawers can be good for loose items such as socks, perfumes or even include a specialised jewellery compartment, and can be great to keep an ordered look. Shelving can provide more flexibility as baskets can be purchased to turn them into drawer features, so it’s the best of both worlds.
Milano on display at Greenvale Gardens, Greenvale
4. Seasonal clothing
You may like to consider specialised space in your robe to store seasonal clothing such as heavy winter jackets or ski wear. However, another option for these items is additional hanging rails within laundry cupboards or building in some hanging options in your garage once you move in.
5. Lighting
If your home design includes a window to your walk-in-robe you will be fortunate to have your boudoir space bathed in natural light, which is ideal when colour matching for that killer outfit, but you may need to consider blinds or window frosting for a bit of privacy! You can choose soft feature pendants for a romantic feel or opt for task-oriented lighting for a more focussed approach. We are starting to see an emerging trend with LED strip lighting used to illuminate darker corners or high shelves to ensure every square centimetre of your robe space is maximised. For those looking for an automated approach make sure you check out sensor options, great for those early morning work days!
Vaucluse on display at Somerfield Estate Keysborough
6. Cupboard doors
If you are wanting a walk-in-robe that is easier to keep tidy, you may consider using doors on some areas to shut away your items and keep a uniform look to your space.
Sorrento on display at Berwick Waters, Clyde North
Matisse on display at Warralilly Coast Estate, Armstrong Creek (Geelong)
7. Bench space and Mirrors
What is a boudoir without a dressing table to place those special mementos, jewellery boxes or the sneaky glass of Moet while getting ready for a big event? If you can include a benchtop in your design then it is definitely priority number one! An alternative is to place a large ottoman in the middle of your robe, which is perfect for laying out your new outfit and can also do a pretty good job at holding a tray with a cup of tea and biscuits! A mirror in some format is an absolute must in a walk-in-robe, if no wall space for a full length mirror, consider using mirror on your cupboard doors for a multi-functional option!
Montclair on display at Greenvale Gardens, Greenvale
Sanctuary on display at Somerfield Estate, Keysborough
For the absolute Carrie Bradshaw die-hards with a bedroom adjoining their master suite robe, it might be an option to create the ultimate walk-in-robe-dressing room-boudoir-parlour with a design extension! Well, at least we can dream!
To experiment with themes and find your perfect signature interior style make sure you check out our new Inspire by Carlisle. Be prepared to lose track of your time while you customise your home by choosing paint colours, bench tops, tiles and much more AND see it change in front of your eyes with Visualiser! Explore the Carlisle Collections to get the low down on feature items for each of our unique display home themes, and build your own Moodboard to create a visual diary of all the ‘must haves’ for your new place. And, because we promise you, you will be coming back for more, you can save all your favourites in your own Inspiration Book to share with friends and continue to refine, over and over again!
For a behind the scenes experience and to get the scoop direct from the design team, be sure to follow us on Instagram, @Carlislehomes.
