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Dream Spaces: Plan a Robe to Trump All Robes
A place where all of your clothes are beautifully displayed and ordered
Wardrobe design is often the forgotten part of a bedroom suite. I’m sure many of you can relate to having a simple built-in robe, the type where you quickly half throw/half hang your clothing behind the doors and shut them with the hope of one day having a more practical use of space. Perhaps you even use your current robe as a way to conceal any potential clutter or mess that may enter the room. But why neglect your wardrobe when designing the space can offer so much to the finish of a room and may even help you get out of the door a little faster if it is well organised. There is nothing more rewarding than having a luxurious robe that is organised beautifully.
Now I’m not talking of the flat-pack variety here – I’m talking about bespoke and tailored to your personal requirements. And for anything like that it’s going to cost money, and if you can’t afford it right now, well, I hope this article provides you with the creativity to dream.
When dream robes come to mind, I always go back to those images from television shows or films where the characters walk into those extravagant, stunningly designed walk-in robes. You know the ones where everything is perfectly positioned (and folded), and even where the doors and drawers are controlled by remotes – think Carrie Bradshaw’s shoe closet from Sex in the City.
The key to a great designed robe is to plan how you want it to function. Perhaps note how you currently use your robe – are you always wearing similar garments, like a uniform, or do you always seem to be scrambling to find a scarf that will perfectly finish your outfit? By understanding what currently works in your robe and what needs to be improved, you can determine what design features will make your robe more functional.
It is important to list out the exact number of clothing articles you own, along with shoes, purses, handbags, suitcases and jewellery. That way, when you’re in design mode, you’ve got a list of requirements that need to be incorporated.
Function works simultaneously with the aesthetic of a space or robe, so to make your robe luxurious, choose fixtures that complement the space it is in. The design of robes has dramatically changed and the images throughout definitely show the potential your robe can have. Whether you just want to reorganise your wardrobe or are in the process of designing a new one, with the inclusion of a few of these design features, your robe will definitely trump the rest of the robes.
More: Dream Wardrobes for Dudes
More: Dream Wardrobes for Dudes
Clothing that lifts away
Often we are restricted by our body’s height as to what we can hang or place in a wardrobe, and the last thing you want to do is get on a chair to reach those garments on the highest fixed rail. But the design of ‘robe lifts’ allows you to use the full height of the robe (ceiling height) by having a pull down mechanism. You simply pull on the easily reachable handle and the rail moves down to your level. Another simple push of the handle takes the clothes back up to their original position.
Often we are restricted by our body’s height as to what we can hang or place in a wardrobe, and the last thing you want to do is get on a chair to reach those garments on the highest fixed rail. But the design of ‘robe lifts’ allows you to use the full height of the robe (ceiling height) by having a pull down mechanism. You simply pull on the easily reachable handle and the rail moves down to your level. Another simple push of the handle takes the clothes back up to their original position.
A house for your shoes
Shoes always seem to be found at the bottom of a wardrobe under the forest of hanging clothes above. However, to really create a sense of luxury within a robe, why not install a shoe rack, drawer or compartment? You could even place them on a shelf for display … the choices are endless. Not only will it keep them organised, it will keep them looking their best, too.
Shoes always seem to be found at the bottom of a wardrobe under the forest of hanging clothes above. However, to really create a sense of luxury within a robe, why not install a shoe rack, drawer or compartment? You could even place them on a shelf for display … the choices are endless. Not only will it keep them organised, it will keep them looking their best, too.
It’s a nice design trick to have shelves, whether fixed or pull out, on an angled position. Doing this enables you to get a better view of your shoes, so you’re not fumbling around trying to find matching pairs. For shoes that are seasonal, like snow boots or gardening boots, these can be stored in clear plastic boxes so they are kept protected, but you can still see clearly where they are.
Bits and bobs (ties/ belts/ jewellery/ scarves)
Those accessories that make all the difference to an outfit definitely deserve their own space in your robe, too. There are so many different options to choose from, including ties, belts and scarf hangers that attach to rods, racks that pull out and drawers with compartments.
Those accessories that make all the difference to an outfit definitely deserve their own space in your robe, too. There are so many different options to choose from, including ties, belts and scarf hangers that attach to rods, racks that pull out and drawers with compartments.
Visually displaying your jewellery will also add to the luxury of your robe. You could install drawers with felt inserts and glass tops to achieve that ultimate high-end look.
Each solution will allow you to organise these pieces in a functional and aesthetic manner. But don’t forget about the little ones, either – everything needs a perfectly designed spot for it to live in, otherwise it will be shoved in a drawer never to be seen again.
Beauty in the finishes
The finishes within a space can either make or break its aesthetic success. A robe should not look disconnected from the overall space. Ideally you want the robe, ensuite and bedroom to read as a suite, an entire space.
The finishes within a space can either make or break its aesthetic success. A robe should not look disconnected from the overall space. Ideally you want the robe, ensuite and bedroom to read as a suite, an entire space.
The continuity of the finish, from the exterior to the interior of the robe, is essential when creating a robe that oozes luxuriousness. The use of timber veneer is a favourite, and gloss finishes can be equally as beautiful.
By adding emphasis to these details you can create a robe that becomes a piece of furniture in the room and looks like it is meant to be there, not an afterthought to the design.
So have a good, hard think about incorporating beautifully finished robe doors, handles and benchtops for your freestanding dressers. Don’t skimp here; really picture the visual appeal as an equally important part to the function of the robe.
Lighting
Lighting can determine the mood you desire within a space. When you think of a walk-in wardrobe, you often imagine it with a beautiful pendant light hanging in the middle of the room over a dresser or a cushioned seat.
Lighting can determine the mood you desire within a space. When you think of a walk-in wardrobe, you often imagine it with a beautiful pendant light hanging in the middle of the room over a dresser or a cushioned seat.
This immediately creates a sense of luxury. But how about extending this luxury with the inclusion of recessed LED strip lighting? Illuminating the kickboards or even the robe hangers (like in the picture) will soften the space with the use of indirect lighting.
The lighting you choose for the space can even highlight features that you want to be display. You can make those pieces appear as art within the robe. And, of course, from a function point of view, you want the lighting to run its course and present you with the best outlook possible. If you are using recessed LED strip lighting in the robe, make sure the position of the strip will light up the clothes below. If it’s located too far back into the shelf, it is a waste of good lighting.
TELL US
What does your dream robe look like? Do you have one already?
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TELL US
What does your dream robe look like? Do you have one already?
MORE
Stylish Storage: Design a Wardrobe That Will Serve You for a Lifetime
12 Clever Ways to Rein Your Wardrobe In
Stylish Storage: Walk-In Wardrobes That Wow
24 Dream Wardrobe Ideas for Fashion Lovers