A walk-in wardrobe is an inspiring space where you can get organised and ready in the morning. Here’s an easy guide to designing one that suits your needs and style.
A walk-in wardrobe is an inspiring space where you can get organised and ready in the morning. Here’s an easy guide to designing one that suits your needs and style.
While some may consider devoting space to a walk-in wardrobe a luxury, a new generation of homeowners are seeing value in creating a well-organised and spacious dressing area. Some have even converted rooms into dedicated wardrobe spaces. Taking on increasingly elaborate forms, walk-in wardrobes have earned their place as a necessity among young professionals and the well-heeled.
“My wife and I requested a walk-in wardrobe when we were planning our new home,” says business analyst Mike Tan, who resides in a four-room HDB with his wife Sharon. “We have an extensive collection of clothes, shoes and bags, so we asked our interior designer to convert the room next to our master bedroom into a walk-in wardrobe. It’s worked out well for us, because it’s become a space which we spend a lot of time together in when we’re getting dressed. Furthermore, we don’t have to argue about who is taking up too much space in the wardrobe as well.”
Not only does a walk-in wardrobe serve its primary function of providing ample space for storing garments and accessories, but a well- designed one also becomes an inspirational space. With that in mind, the designers from local award-winning interior firm The I.D. Dept share their top 10 tips on creating a stylish walk-in wardrobe every design-conscious homeowner will be proud of.
1 A good walk-in wardrobe should be inviting and cosy, with lots of storage solutions, and a flexible design to cater to evolving needs. So make a list of all your clothes and accessories and make sure you create space for every item.
2 Use a pendant lamp in the walk-in space to add a definite wow factor.
3 Effective distribution of storage compartments and mirrors help give the illusion of a larger space. Consider where to place a fulllength mirror, leaving enough space for you to step back for a good view of your whole outfit.
4 If you have too many things to store, design sleek pull-out cabinets where you can hide clutter, and still have sufficient space for an extensive collection.
5 Don’t hide your clothes behind doors, because having a clear view of your clothing, jewellery, bags and shoes allows you to visualise and decide which outfit to wear. Place your accessories in glass cabinets to keep them free from dust.
6 Know your habits before designing — create a wardrobe that fits your organisational needs. This is important when you are planning the layout of the space.
7 A fabric mannequin adds a soft and creative touch, while serving as a useful hanger on which you can drape coordinates such as scarves, jewellery and bags.
8 For a feminine look, design a dressing table and an open-display cabinet for jewellery and accessories. Choose lighter hues, and style with furnishings such as rugs, to soften the visual effect.
9 For a masculine look, choose dark colours and textural materials to define the space, while allowing spotlights to draw attention to display shelves showcasing your watches and belts.
10 Direct sunlight will cause clothing to fade, so use track lighting instead. Ensure that they are positioned between you and the items, instead of behind or directly above them, to reduce shadows.
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