ROOM DECORATING IDEAS
SPACES DEDICATED TO STORING AND DISPLAYING CLOTHES, SHOES AND ACCESSORIES ARE BACK IN LUXURIOUS FASHION. FOLLOW THESE COUNTRY CLOSET DESIGN IDEAS...
Store and display with these dreamy dressing rooms
1 Go bespoke
A made-to-measure dressing table can prove more spatially efficient than a freestanding version and can be worked around architectural features, such as an original sash window. ‘For those short on space, sometimes fitted is often the best, or the only way to enjoy a comfortably sized dressing table,’ says Simon Tcherniak, Senior Designer, Neville Johnson. ‘Work with your designer to create a table that’s tailored to your needs. We often include baize-lined trinket drawers for jewellery and built-in sockets for a hairdryer and straighteners.’
2 Into the loft
Extending upwards into attic spaces is a great solution for master suites with dressing and bathing spaces. Sloping ceilings and uneven flooring can be a challenge but commissioning built-in pieces will allow you to achieve a cohesive look across wardrobes, drawer units, shelves and dressing table. ‘The results can be exceptionally elegant and filled with beautifully built storage and luxury touches, such as upholstered seating,’ says Stephanie Dedes, Design and Marketing Manager, Charles Yorke.
3 Open access
If your dressing room has an external door that means it is not visible from the hallway or bedroom, there’s really no need to have wardrobe doors at all. In fact, you’ll find it faster and easier to get dressed and go if everything you need can be seen at a glance. The open-plan approach does require a tidy nature though, and try not to fill hangers to bursting, or your dressing room will quickly descend into chaos.
4 Island life
No longer the domain of the kitchen, islands are becoming the trend piece for a dressing closet. ‘Bespoke island units form the perfect centrepiece in a dressing room, and are something we’re being asked for more and more,’ says Antonius Wubben, Managing Director, Kaizen Furniture. ‘Aside from appearing luxurious, they provide a wealth of storage.’ This island, made of rippled sycamore with a pearlised gloss-lacquer finish, features drawers at both ends and a removable laundry basket.
5 Look inside
Meticulous planning of storage is the secret to a well-ordered dressing room. ‘Firstly, take a look at the type of clothing, shoes and other items you wish to store. A simple audit will reveal the ratios of hanging, drawer and shelving you’ll need,’ says Ashleigh Hanwell, lead Creative designer, kindred. Also look out for specialist internal components, such as sock drawers and belt racks.
6 Suite dreams
If your new dressing room is to be part of a master suite that includes an interconnecting bedroom and bathroom, try to take a holistic approach to its design. ‘In this dressing space, we used the same decorative floral wallpaper as the adjoining bedroom, which really allows the rooms to flow naturally and connect,’ says emma sims Hilditch, director, sims Hilditch. ‘the colours align with those in the bathroom, so that the three rooms take on the high-end feel of a luxury hotel suite.’
7 Vanity fair
There’s something very decadent and comfortingly ritualistic about sitting down to an elegant dressing table to do your make-up. ‘A beautifully designed dressing table should co-ordinate with the rest of your dressing room furniture and be perfectly proportioned,’ says Emily Wallbank, furniture Designer, The Secret Drawer. ‘Tailor-made inserts in the drawers, for make-up, brushes and jewellery, add a touch of opulence, as well as offering practical storage, and you can also incorporate luxurious texture with an upholstered dressing-table stool.’