RENOVATION WISH LIST

Built-in furniture and s tructures are increasingly popular when it comes to renovations. We’re not surprised, as they are tailor-made to your design specifications and maximise floor space, too. We take a closer look at four coveted design features!

This simple design by Museum Homes makes use of a corner in the bedroom, zoning the sleeping area off from the rest of the space.

PLAT FORM BED

These are popular for smaller bedrooms, as storage can be built underneath the platform; and movement around the bed is improved as well. Platform beds raise the floor level, which lets you take advantage of windows — better view, natural lighting and ventilation! However, the low height of the bed might make it difficult for older folks to climb in and out of.

The otherwise unutilised bay window is cleverly integrated into the design of this platform bed, which also accommodates pull-out storage underneath, by Cube Associate Design.

Designed by Space Sense, the sleeping area is raised signifi cantly and enjoys better views through the windows!

This bedroom, designed by White Corporate, features a platform bed that also combines a low lounging area and sideboard.

WHAT TO CONSIDER

Mattresses come in standard sizes, so be aware of the dimensions of yours before you design the frame to accommodate it. When you change your mattress in future, you have to keep to the same size. Ergonomics is important; as you’ll step on and off your platform every day – it is recommended not to exceed a 22cm rise height. If you don’t have a high ceiling, make sure the height of your platform is kept as low as possible — steer away from a multi-tier design. For those who like to watch TV or read in bed, place your mattress against the wall, as you won’t be able to have a bed headboard to lean against.

Super Safari’s platform bed design is understated, but integrates lots of hidden trapdoorstyle storage within the structure.

Concealed underfoot storage, wall display shelving and a wardrobe are all effi ciently incorporated around the platform bed, designed by Free Space Intent.

• For a sleeker profile and less bulky looking frame, design a base that is smaller than the frame so it appears to be floating.

• Integrate hidden storage within the platform, either with “trapdoor” or pivoted panels on the surface, or large drawers at the side.

This compact but effi cient dressing area, designed by Axis Point Design, makes use of a modular system installed along the wall on one side.

WALK - I N WARDROBE

The must-have for many women (and men, too!), a walk-in wardrobe resembles the set-up in a fashion boutique, and lets you see everything at a glance so you can get dressed efficiently!

Rezt & Relax designed this boutique-style walk-in wardrobe, complete with a central counter for additional storage.

WHAT TO CONSIDER

Choose from L-shaped, U-shaped or walk-through layouts. Your options are modular systems (supplier-installed standard modules that are professionally designed and measured to fit), pole systems (multiple supporting poles with adjustable shelves and cabinets of various lengths and heights) or custom-crafted (designed and built to your exact specifications). If your space does not have natural lighting, install glass panels, rather than solid ones, to enclose the space, to allow light from the rest of the bedroom in. Any lighting you install should be between you and the wardrobe carpentry, not behind you, so you don’t cast a shadow on the contents of the wardrobe. Include shelves, drawers and hanging rods to organise the contents better, You should be able to stand at least 90cm away from your fulllength mirror so you can look at your reflection properly. Include an ottoman or chair to place garments on while dressing or to sit on while putting on shoes.

Cube Associate Design installed mirrored panels over the cabinetry to conceal any clutter, as well as make the narrow walk-in wardrobe appear roomier!

In this home designed by ICIA, the access to the bathroom is through the walk-in wardrobe, which features customised cabinetry in a rich, warm wood tone.

• To hide clutter, integrate a vanity area that can be concealed behind a large sliding panel.

• To keep certain items dust-free, add glass panel doors to your display shelving.

As seen in the home of The Vintage Parlour’s founder, this is a sleek and simple fl oor-toceiling feature wall that accommodates the TV and hidden storage.

TV CONSOLE FEATURE

This doubles as a unique feature wall – both a practical and decorative focal point for your living room!

designed this living room to include a TV console-feature wall that allows the homeowners to conveniently hide the TV behind a sliding panel when not in use.

WHAT TO CONSIDER

Ensure you have enough distance between the TV and the sofa – it depends how large your screen is – for comfortable viewing. When you’re designing storage compartments for the audiovisual equipment, make sure appliances such as your set top unit will be able to be detected by your remote control.

The eye-catching form of this TV console that combines display shelving mirrors that of the roof structure of this home, designed by White Corporate.

• Design a panel which gives you the option to conceal the TV, for those who entertain and have guests over frequently.

• For discreet storage, design the console such that the storage for books and DVDs is at the side of the cabinetry.

This TV console, designed by Rezt & Relax, is set against a built-in structure with a bold design that draws the eye up to the ceiling.

Designed by Cube Associate Design, the dark-tone feature wall incorporates a wall-mounted TV, in-built speakers and hidden storage for all the audiovisual equipment.

A standing workstation is stylishly hidden within this contemporary-style TV console-feature wall, designed by Werkzmethod.

Dan’s Workshop’s creative and unique design of this storage display is a refi ned take on the industrial style.

STORAGE DISPLAY

These are good to customise, to make use of odd corners that would otherwise be wasted space. Have some specific display items to show off? You can mix and match open shelving and cabinets, sizing them exactly to what you want to showcase and store.

Plenty of storage space for shoes, stored in open drawers, is hidden behind full-height panels in this entrance foyer, designed by Cube Associate Design.

In this home office designed by Rezt & Relax, a clean-cut design is made interesting with the bright splash of colour in the cabinetry – also designed in different sizes and proportions to store all sorts of things.

WHAT TO CONSIDER

Weight is a factor – if you’re storing or displaying heavy items, such as a lot of books or a collection of vases, ensure proper reinforcement is done when it comes to the structure and wall fixing (using the right brackets for the weight to be supported, for example). Use the correct material and thickness for the shelves so that they do not sag.

White Corporate designed the builtin structures in this living area as defi ning features, as well as to accommodate both hidden storage and open shelving.

Free Space Intent designed a storage display to partition off the staircase — a practical and decorative feature.

This L-shaped built-in cabinetry, designed by E&A Interiors, combines open shelving display, cabinet and drawer storage, and even a bench – all in a corner! t

• If the storage unit goes all the way up to the ceiling, add a library ladder, which would provide easy access to items you use less frequently stored up high; it also looks more interesting!

• The height and depth of shelves don’t have to be the same. Vary them to suit the different items you are planning to store and display.