We have designed and built our fair share of wardrobes over the years, and if there is one thing we know for certain it’s that these spaces in particular are extremely personal and are unique to the individual.
In order for us achieve to the perfect wardrobe (that is the perfect fit for our client), it’s important we understand the needs and desires of each client – this then forms the framework for our planning and design. So as long as you don’t mind us counting the number of stilettos, handbags and watches you might have or delving into how you like your trousers pressed and hung then you shouldn’t find the process too intrusive…
Today, we’re sharing some of the key questions we ask our clients when approaching their wardrobe design!
What are your goals?
Sounds obvious right?! Perhaps, but it’s probably the most important factor to establish and understand before embarking on a new wardrobe design. As designers, ensuring we understand this from the beginning of the design process is key. Your new wardrobe not only needs to look appealing but above all else it’s got to function well! Ask yourself – are you wanting to maximise space, improve organisation, making sure your clothes hang straight, allow for future growth in your shoe collection or if you are anything like me – prevent or “hide”the mess!!
What is the desired feel?
When designing a wardrobe we want to achieve a WOW factor… whether that be luxurious, sleek & tidy or minimalistic… whatever it may be, that feeling all comes down to the level of detail. The endless possibilities with materiality, accessories and playing with scale will play a huge role in the overall feeling. Additional features such as LED ambient sensor lighting will help elevate the design (and function!) and work with the materiality to boost the over all feeling of your custom robe.
Preference on Finishes?
Move past the typical builders wardrobe of whiteboard and chrome hanging rails and delve into the endless possible materials selections you can use in this space! Whether its velvet lined drawer organisers, sleek timber veneer fronts, or glazed joinery fronts to display your special collection of jewellery or even bow ties – working with a designer means picking the perfect material palette to suit your purpose and aesthetic you’re trying to achieve.
Lifestyle Factors
A custom robe needs to work with you… not against. At what time of day do you use your wardrobe, what do you need access to quickly? Are you hoping for his and hers separate spaces? or perhaps just an epic custom robe for one? Other vital information such as your height is also something we must take note of as it’s super important we organise and scale everything to suit the particular users.
Document specific storage needs
Imagine having a brand new wardrobe, only to find that your favourite winter coat does not fit in the hanging space… first work issues but still a nightmare right?! If you’re going to go to the extent of having a custom designed wardrobe, you might as well get it done right! – and that means getting personal… counting your pairs of shoes, hats, ties, measuring clothes, even future proofing the space for future purchases. There really is a solution for everything in your robe to be able to fit seamlessly.
Drawer Depths
Deeper drawers are great for any clothes that are kept folded, accompanied with some shallow drawers to house ties, belts and other accessories.
Hanging length
This is an important questions we always take note of! Assuming everybody’s clothes are the same size completely defeats the purpose of a custom robe! By accurately dimensioning the hanging space to suit your clothes means there is no wasted space sitting empty underneath that could be put to much better use
Makeup table / size
Everyone’s routine to getting ready is different – some people find it convenient to have their makeup table within their wardrobe space – understanding whether this is a necessity and how much space is required will dictate how we design the wardrobe around.
Open shelving
In most cases, people prefer concealed storage to hide any clutter, although some open shelving works well for people wanting to display any handbags or hats or even as a styling opportunity!
Shoe storage
There’s nothing worse then your shoes being stuffed at the bottom of your robe piling on top of each other… there’s so many smart design solutions out there to pick your shoes up off the floor and display them neatly within your robe.
– the list goes on!
Furniture Requirements
This is an element often forgotten about when it comes to designing a custom robe. This is more so targeted at a walk in wardrobe where you have the opportunity to completely style to space to suit you! Are you somebody that likes to pick and plan your outfits in advance? Having a stand alone clothes hanger to display upcoming outfits could be handy to you? Other furniture pieces such as a chair, ottoman or an island bench can sit beautifully in your custom robe too – the perfect way to style up the space yet add another level of function! Oh and how can we forget mirrors!!! Standing, leaning, wall to wall – you do you!
What is your budget?
This is another key question we ask our clients right at the beginning of the design process. Whilst the sky is the limit when it comes to design, your budget is not! Knowing the budget up front ensures that expectations are clear and realistic from the get go and provides boundaries as this gives us a solid guide to kick starting the design process!
