Designing the Perfect Closet

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Judith Sutton ABR CRS IDS PMN ASP IAHSP SRES GREEN

Judy@JudithSutton.com   908 803-0472

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Invited Guest Contributor:  Lotte Brouwer

Stylish fitted wardrobe designs that will maximize space in your bedroom
 Built-in wardrobe ideas really utilize every square inch of your closet

 
 
 
Take inspiration from some of these super stylish built-in wardrobe ideas – because wardrobes aren't just for keeping the clutter at bay, they can be beautiful focal points in your bedroom. Featuring paneled doors, upholstered doors, wallpapered doors, plastered doors...it's all here. But we also cover what's inside the wardrobes, the configurations of hangers to shelves, drawers to cubby holes, to help you design a built-wardrobe that not only looks stylish in your bedroom but suits you and your lifestyle too.


 
'From a practical and aesthetical perspective, fitted wardrobes offer the most effective and efficient way to make use of the space within your bedroom. Before exploring wardrobe options it's worth being clear about your requirements, budget, and desired style.' 

 

'There are many solutions to choose from yet, despite appearances, not all what you see are equal.  It is important to take into consideration how each design makes use of the area and the types of construction used before committing.'

 

*Choosing a reputable company that employs expert designers and consultants will make all the difference in the planning and purchasing process. Their experience in working in houses that present similar challenges can help you to arrive at a design which meets your preference in terms of style as well as making the layout work for your unique needs.  On the other hand, many of these suggestions may be adapted yourself- with a little planning and some informative talent.



 
 
1. FIRST ASSESS YOUR NEEDS
   

 
Before we get into all the lovely built-in wardrobe ideas, you first need to assess what you actually need. Think about what type of clothes you have the most of – do you need more hangers than drawers, do you want a shelve for your ever-expanding shoe collection, and do you want plenty of space for more bulky items like coats?

 

'A sensible place to start is by assessing your storage needs. We all organize differently so think about: the volume of clothes and shoes that you have, whether you might need areas for future purchases, etc.


'Once you have considered the capacity, start to think broadly about the design elements of the interior fit-out and what you might like to include. There are many options for personalizing a fitted wardrobe, to ensure it works perfectly for your lifestyle, for example combining hanging rails with pigeonhole shelving, internal drawers and shoe storage will help keep you organized while allowing easy access to the clothes you need, when you need them.'

2. MIX OPEN AND CLOSED STORAGE 
   

While a wall of doors might suit your style if you are trying to close off the view- blend your built-in wardrobe into the room. Mixing both open and closed storage gives you the opportunity to turn your storage into your style, too.

 

3. ADD CHARACTER TO PLAIN DOORS WITH PANELLING
   

 
Paneled doors are a really popular option with built-in wardrobes because they add interest, texture and create the illusion of original features in a bedroom.  Floor-to-ceiling wardrobes were designed to match some existing original paneling. In reaching the very top, there's a ladder that doubles up as rustic design to be kept handy propped against a wall. 

 

4. PAINT KIDS' WARDROBE DOORS IN CHALKBOARD PAINT
   

5. CREATE A RUSTIC LOOK WITH SHUTTER DOORS
   

6. BOUNCE LIGHT AROUND SMALL OR DARK ROOMS WITH MIRRORED DOORS
   
 

7. ADD WARMTH TO A GREY SCHEME WITH NATURAL MATERIALS
   

 Utilize the entire wall space while designing them with the same timber tones as the floor creates a calm and cohesive scheme.

 

8. UPHOLSTER BUILT-IN WARDROBE DOORS FOR A LUXE LOOK
   

Upholstery can lend a soft touch to plain wardrobe doors, instantly elevating them from ordinary to extraordinary.

 

9. ADD A PLAYFUL TOUCH WITH A CURTAIN
   
 
 A curtain adds a nice softness to a built-in wardrobe and breaks up the solid wall of storage.

10. FAKE TONGUE AND GROOVE WITH MDF
  
 
Built-in wardrobes in this master bedroom is made with pre-grooved MDF boards and painted in the same shade as the walls. A really easy way to cheat a more expensive look. The top of the built-in wardrobes offers space for displaying personal collections.

11. PAINT YOUR WARDROBE TO MATCH YOUR WALLS
   

Wardrobe doors are clad in a pre-grooved wood which gives the room texture and charm.  Walls and wardrobe doors are painted the same shade of porcelain pink. A sheepskin chair can lend a luxurious, sculptural element to the room.

12. TAKE BUILT IN WARDROBES RIGHT INTO THE CORNERS
   

An awkward loft conversion space has been utilized for storage, while sleek, handle-less wardrobe doors keep things simple and clean. Built-in wardrobes line the entire wall, and continue right into the corner under the sloped roof, maximizing every square inch of space.

13. TURN BUILT IN WARDROBES INTO A DESIGN FEATURE WITH A CONTRAST COLOUR
 

 

14. DECORATE WARDROBE DOORS WITH WALLPAPER
  
  

15. OR OPT FOR A DELICATE MURAL
   

 

16. UPDATE OLD BUILT IN WADROBES WITH PAINT 
   

 
If you've inherited built-in wardrobes that are just a big blah, rather than starting from scratch just update with a lick of paint and some stylish new hardware. 

17. GO FOR WHITEWASHED WOODEN DOORS FOR AN AIRY, RELAXED LOOK
   
 

18. INJECT LUXE TEXTURE WITH SUEDE UPHOLSTERY
   

19. DISGUISE BUILT-IN WARDROBES WITH DECORATIVE PLASTERWORK
        

20. USE WARDROBE DOORS TO CONCEAL A BUILT-IN VANITY AREA
   

 

21. USE RAW, WEATHERED WOOD DOORS FOR A RUSTIC EFFECT
   
 Made from reclaimed wood, it adds lots of lovely texture to a boho style bedroom.

 

22. GO FOR GLOSS FOR A BOLD LOOK
   
 
Lacquered walls are on trend right now, plus this is a look that can work really well in a small bedroom as it helps bounce plenty of light around the space.

23. OR GO FOR GLOSS WOOD DOORS FOR A RETRO LOOK
    

24. SPLIT IT UP INTO TOP AND BOTTOM SHELVING
   
 
Built in wardrobes are split into floating top and bottom bedroom storage, creating a shelf area in the middle to display treasured items or have things easy at hand.

 

DOES A BUILT-IN WARDROBE ADD VALUE?


Practical storage is always going to add value to a home and is very appealing to potential buyers too. Lack of storage space is in fact one of the most off-putting aspects of a home when you come to sell, so turning those awkward spaces like alcoves or under the eaves into easy to use storage, or adding a wall of built-ins to a bedroom is going to make your home more attractive when you sell!
 

Need more options?  Snagged for ideas?  Call me-  With my Interior Design background I can help get your home ready for sale.
  

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Judy@JudithSutton.com

908 803-0472
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