ROOM ELEMENTS
Freestanding wardrobes to suit every scheme
there’s so Much to consider when looking
for a new wardrobe but get it right and it will be a striking focal point for the room and a well-loved friend that makes keeping clothes tidy, and finding them quickly in the morning, so much easier.
the wardrobe style plays a huge part in the
look of the room; country favourites include a rustic distressed paint finish, tongue-and-groove panelling, a smooth, contemporary paint finish or tactile natural wood. If you’re tidy enough, or you’re kitting out a dressing room, you could dismiss doors in favour of open storage.
due to its size, a wardrobe will inevitably be a dominant fixture in the room, its position dictated by the bed and doorways. Measure carefully before ordering – unless you choose a model with sliding doors, you’ll need to allow space for doors and drawers to open. In terms of height, the taller the better, but watch that it doesn’t overpower the space. If the bedroom is small, or the staircase is awkward, a flat-pack wardrobe may be your only choice for easy installation.
the storage in a freestanding wardrobe is not as customisable as a built-in solution, although Ikea does offer a huge range of internal fittings, including extra rails, adjustable shelves, baskets and drawers, for its Pax range. If your wardrobe comes with the bare minimum, you can always add a shoe rack or set of fabric hanging shelves at a later date. Modular wardrobes are worth considering; the New Hampshire range from The Dormy House includes cupboards and drawers that can be put together in various ways to achieve the combination that’s just right for your room.
1 Shape shifter
Country cottages and period homes can be blessed with charm, but also with awkward room configurations. ‘With clever open-storage solutions to maximise the space, there’s no need to compromise on storage, even in a bedroom that’s an unusual size or layout,’ says Clotilde Passalacqua, interior design leader, Ikea. ‘By combining modules such as drawers and open shelves, clothes can be neatly sorted.’ Modular furniture can easily be customised to suit the space. Use Ikea’s online planning tool to put together your ideal arrangement.
2 Half measures
Whether you’re seeking a solution for the overflow from a stuffed-to-thebrim wardrobe, or simply adding some much-needed hanging space in a guest bedroom, it helps to think laterally. ‘Our new compact design has both hanging and shelf space as well as a handy wide drawer, and the lower height makes it an ideal dressing table surface, too,’ says Anna Trinder, director, The Dormy House. ‘You can choose a paint colour and knobs or handles from our range to customise it and make it your own.’
3 Super grain
new materials come and go, but real oak has enduring appeal for furniture-making. ‘It’s exceptionally durable and will complement any bedroom scheme,’ agrees rachel Galbraith, creative director, ercol. ‘this relaxed, modern design perfectly showcases the beautiful natural grain of the pale oak.’ Double chamfered edges on the traditional oval handles add a point of interest to the doors and drawer, while a clear matt lacquer protects the finish.
4 Rustic romance
this picturesque wardrobe might have taken its inspiration from the pages of a children’s story book.
‘I love the paint finish and heart design on this particular piece, which lend it a rustic, earthy charm,’ says Annelaure Couplet, global brand director at maisons du monde. ‘It’s not too tall or wide, so works well underneath a sloping roof. Coupled with bright accessories, it will bring a homely, traditional feel to your space.’
5 Bold gesture
strike out from the more usual neutral shades and plain woods and instead make a vivid statement with a wardrobe in a rich, dark colour.
‘our inky blue wardrobe is the ultimate centrepiece for a bedroom,’ says nicolle Jillings, buyer, the Cotswold Company. Working a large block of solid colour into a bedroom design is often challenging, but that’s not the case here. ‘the mirrored door helps to break up the expanse of deep colour, plus, the reflections from it add a little sparkle and the brushed silver hardware brings a contemporary twist to the overall design,’ says nicolle.
Make a focal point of a laundry hamper by choosing a co-ordinating French country design.
6 Country classic
A mellow style ensures that this wardrobe, though large, will be perfectly at home in a relaxed country bedroom. ‘It’s part of our Hampton bedroom collection, characterised by a traditional tongue-and-groove effect and wooden tops,’ says susie Gibson, home design manager, next Home. made from a mix of solid oak and oak veneers, with dovetailed drawers, it’s available in a choice of soothing tones, including stone, charcoal, grey and chalk. A handy full-length mirror is included on the inside of the central door.
7 Bring French influence
timeless elegance and a touch of vintage style to the bedroom with a beautiful shapely wardrobe, finished in a subtle hand-painted grey. the hand-carved rose detailing highlights the curves, while ornate handles add charm. ‘We’ve included a drawer so that it’s as practical as it is pretty,’ says Katherine mitchell, beds and bedroom furniture buyer,
John lewis & Partners. ‘All in all, this wardrobe makes a lovely addition to a country bedroom.’
In a world where you can order your favourite restaurant dinner to your door at the swipe of a finger, and supermarket dine-in deals are more delicious than ever, many of us are spending less time in the kitchen. But it’s a shame to lose out on the joys of cooking.
While social media bombards us with bonkers diets and get-fit-quick schemes, the fact remains that making nutritious meals at home is one of the best ways to kickstart a healthier routine. We’ve chosen appliances that are simple and fun to use, and are designed to save you time and give you delicious results.
As with any small appliance, it’s worth spending a little extra to get one with parts that can easily be removed for washing, and switched out for spare parts if things go wrong – rather than having to buy a whole new appliance.