What's happening in our wardrobe space: wardrobe design trends
What's happening in our Wardrobe space: Wardrobe Design Trends
Wardrobe design has evolved beyond mere functionality; it can be a reflection of personal style and a statement of individuality. Blending style and functionality, the humble wardrobe has the power to transform your bedroom and make your mornings easier. Let’s dive into the top trends that we are seeing shaping the landscape of wardrobe design in Auckland.
High-end Retail Wardrobe Design
Borrowing from high-end retail spaces, boutique-inspired wardrobe design exudes luxury and sophistication. Think glass shelving, stone benchtops, striking LED placement, and elegant accents. These designs create gorgeous displays, allowing your clothing and accessories to become the stars. Retail-inspired wardrobes transform everyday storage into a curated collection.
Freestanding Wardrobes
Viva, Boston Wardrobe’s freestanding wardrobe range, is having a moment in the spotlight. For homes that lack in-built wardrobe space, Viva offers a customisable wardrobe solution without the need for building work. Homeowners can achieve tailored storage and complex configurations while maintaining a considered aesthetic in any room of the house. This freestanding solution is fixed to the wall, ensuring a sturdy, durable and premium wardrobe. Match or accentuate your interior decor through panel colour, door panel detailing and handle choice.
LED Lighting
LED lighting is becoming a must-have for new wardrobes, offering energy-efficient illumination with endless design possibilities. Integrated LED strips create a soft, diffused glow, ensuring every item is visible and easily accessible. The direction of the LED strips is up to the individual, but we are loving the vertical placement of this beautiful Luxe walk-in at our showroom.
Colour Trends
Colour plays a significant role in defining the aesthetic of an interior space. Currently, woodgrains and dark colours are dominating the wardrobe design space, evoking a sense of modern chic. There is also a common thread of continuing cabinetry colour and style throughout the whole house so that kitchen, bathroom and wardrobe spaces work together to create the overall mood. Additionally, designers are incorporating pops of colour through accents and hardware, creating visual interest without overwhelming the space. You can view our colour options here, here and here.
Handles
Handle choice is a small yet impactful component of wardrobe design, capable of enhancing or completely transforming the overall aesthetic. Pairing woodgrains with complementary metallic finishes is the cornerstone of this part of the wardrobe design process, but we are seeing an increase in bold choices resulting in sharp contrast and playful combinations. Choosing a handle option that goes against the expected silhouette can also modernise a traditional design. At Boston Wardrobes, we collaborate with any handle supplier to put the finishing touches on your wardrobe design.
Shoe Storage
Shoe storage is often a challenge in wardrobe design, due to the volume of shoes typically owned and the lack of available space. However, it is one of the components of wardrobe design which can make the biggest improvement in the owner’s daily wardrobe interactions.
We love a vertical shoe tower where space allows for it, giving you instant visibility and showcasing shoe collections as a focal point within the wardrobe. The addition of glass pivot doors transforms the collection into a striking display. Another current favourite shoe storage solution is our pull-out shoe drawers, allowing you to tuck your shoes away for maximum tidiness and order, while still making them easily accessible when you need them.
Drawer Tower Islands
These central islands can feature a combination of drawers and shelves, providing additional space for clothing and accessories. Drawer Tower Islands offer tailored storage solutions for everything from jewellery to folded garments such as underwear, activewear and knits. Incorporating materials like glass or stone countertops adds a touch of luxury to the wardrobe space, transforming it into a stylish dressing area. Drawer tower islands not only enhance organization but also level up the overall impact of the wardrobe.
From boutique-inspired luxury to practical storage solutions, each of these wardrobe design trends reflects our understanding of current lifestyle and design preferences. Curious about what elements of wardrobe design you need to consider for your space? We would love to discuss your wardrobe project! Contact us today to book an appointment with one of our design consultants.
Other articles
What’s happening in our wardrobe space: wardrobe design trends
We're diving into the top wardrobe trends that we see shaping the landscape of wardrobe spaces in Auckland
The value of wardrobe storage in multi-unit residential interior design
A well-organised space is crucial to a sense of serenity at home, so creating the ideal storage solutions in multi-unit residential builds needs an expert hand.
How much will a new wardrobe cost?
Without a doubt our most frequently asked question, answered in great detail
The value of wardrobe storage in multi-unit residential interior design
The value of wardrobe storage in multi-unit residential interior design
The value of wardrobe storage in multi-unit residential interior design
A well-organised space is crucial to a sense of serenity at home, so creating the ideal storage solutions in multi-unit residential builds needs an expert hand. We spoke to Angela Amerigo of Boston Wardrobes to learn more about storage design in residential interiors.
Written by Natalie Clement at Archipro.
“We live in a consumerist culture, and most of us have a lot of stuff,” says Angela Amerigo of Boston Wardrobes.
Maximalist or minimalist, everything should have its place. A cluttered, poorly organised home is not only damaging to any aesthetic but is known to be detrimental to well-being. In the modern residence, efficient and well-planned storage solutions are essential and should be prioritised.
“A lot of us have lived in a house with inadequate storage and all the frustration that comes with that,” Angela shares. “Ask any realtor: potential buyers or tenants will be considering the storage space when evaluating a home. Properties with ample, well-designed storage will likely be more attractive and possibly even command a higher price. Storage is a key component of residential spaces, so it shouldn’t be overlooked or left to the last minute.”
The most common storage solution is the shelf-and-rail wardrobe, a low-cost option particularly common in older homes. Traditionally considered a simple, all-in-one option, the contemporary reality is much the opposite. This type of storage is rarely able to stand alone. Instead, it prompts the addition of more furniture and more purchases: chests of drawers, flimsy hanging shelves, and shoe racks, to name a few.
“This may work for a time, but a discerning homeowner wants their fixtures to be well thought out, of high quality, and of beautiful presentation, which is very hard to achieve with these makeshift solutions,” Angela explains.
The key considerations for well-designed storage
Architects, property developers, and homeowners should consider several factors when integrating storage solutions into their residential projects, including timing, the intention of use for each space, and the home’s specifications.
Most importantly, start planning storage early in the design process. “Sometimes moving a door or wall slightly left or right can be the difference between a good wardrobe and an exceptional solution,” Angela shares. “Similarly, changing the size of the space slightly or the opening of the wardrobe area can transform the space, so easy to do at the right time, but almost impossible to do once building is underway.”
The storage built within each room should be considered based on the space’s planned function and usage. For instance, a laundry and utility area will require ample, smartly designed storage fit for smaller spaces.
Where possible, storage design should also consider the occupants’ lifestyles. For instance, floor-to-ceiling shelves for the avid reader, or large, tucked-away units for the growing family with young children.
For mid-to-high-end projects, a walk-in wardrobe is a necessity for the master bedroom, for instance, the Luxe wardrobe. While additional bedrooms don’t absolutely require this, each should feature more than just a shelf and a rail. The Select wardrobe offers a robust, cost-effective solution.
The challenges of storage design
With decades of experience in multi-dwelling developments, Boston Wardrobes has developed an intimate knowledge of the common challenges faced within residential storage design in large-scale projects and how to overcome them. These include limitations to space and budget, coupled with the need to maximise functionality and aesthetic appeal.
“The challenge is always: how do we get the most out of a limited space and within budget?” Angela explains. “All jobs have budgets, be it the value-end or the luxury-end. Our focus is to maximise the appeal and functionality.”
Simple but clever configurations include placing custom storage in underutilised spaces, such as under the stairs or awkward corners, or adding additional storage in spare rooms, while the addition of lighting in walk-in wardrobes creates an impactful, functional design.
“From some dimensions and a brief, we can create line and rendered views of any wardrobe spaces, linked to preliminary estimates, to be presented with confidence to clients or included in documentation and proposals,” Angela adds.
The impact of well-designed storage
The core purpose of storage is to provide a home for valued possessions. In the context of wardrobe design, Angela explains, “Collectively, clothes, shoes, and jewellery are some of our most valuable personal assets and usually comprise a large number of items.”
When there is a place for everything, and everything has its place, the impact is felt daily. Well-designed storage ensures a calming spatial experience and ultimately protects some of the most valuable objects the occupant owns.
The design style of the project should inform the integration of storage. An industrial, minimalist interior design may favour the Innova wardrobe with its sleek metal stanchions, a Victorian character home will likely favour the panelled Villa wardrobe doors, or perhaps a luxury residential design will seek a Boston Wardrobes bespoke solution.
“Ensuring that the solution is beautiful, functional and ties in with the overall decor and other fixtures within the space will add immeasurable value to the project,” Angela adds.
Investing in high-quality storage solutions also ensures the durability of products that will likely be interacted with every day. This resilience is crucial to reducing the need for replacements and add-ons so often found within the ‘shelf-and-rail’ style, therefore mitigating the need for the use of extra resources.
The future of storage in interior design
As an increasing number of people are putting ample, appropriate storage higher up their list of priorities in the property search, looking ahead, Boston Wardrobes anticipates that homeowners will seek to make storage, and particularly wardrobes, a feature of their rooms rather than hiding them in the background.
The latest emerging trends are indicative of this hypothesis, incorporating more colour, materials, and lighting to curate a storage solution that reflects the homeowner’s style and personality.
Storage is a critical component of residential spaces that should be prioritised. A well-designed storage solution enhances both functionality and aesthetics, contributing to the overall satisfaction and value of a residential project. With this in mind, Angela’s advice is clear: engage a specialist in the early planning stages to ensure the storage solutions are properly integrated into the project.
Other articles
What’s happening in our wardrobe space: wardrobe design trends
We're diving into the top wardrobe trends that we see shaping the landscape of wardrobe spaces in Auckland
The value of wardrobe storage in multi-unit residential interior design
A well-organised space is crucial to a sense of serenity at home, so creating the ideal storage solutions in multi-unit residential builds needs an expert hand.
How much will a new wardrobe cost?
Without a doubt our most frequently asked question, answered in great detail
The stress-free solution to wardrobe storage
The stress-free solution to wardrobe storage
The stress-free solution to wardrobe storage
As a feature of the home that we interact with every day, the importance of wardrobe storage should not be underestimated. We spoke to Natalie Clement at Archipro to reveal the secrets to stress-free wardrobe storage.
The relationship between organisation and mood has been thoroughly researched over the years. One study, published in the Journal of Environmental Psychology in 2016, found those whose homes are cluttered and disorganised experienced higher levels of stress compared to those who had well organised and tidy living spaces.
Since 1987, Boston Wardrobes has been guided by a belief in ‘better living through organisation’. “We know what a positive change a good storage solution can make to your home,” shares Angela Amerigo.
“It may sound silly, but a well-designed wardrobe can make your life better. Things are easier to find, your clothes are better cared for, mornings are easier. We make it easier for people to keep their homes tidy by having fit-for-purpose storage, custom designed to their needs, which in turn will hopefully make the rest of their home life better, more manageable, and less stressful.”
Fundamentally, thoughtfully designed wardrobe storage can enhance your everyday living experience. While quality wardrobe storage is evidently beneficial, it can be challenging to get right without expert guidance.
“Just like you would want an experienced designer handling a new kitchen or bathroom project, equally you will get best results when you have a wardrobe designer deal with wardrobe spaces,” shares Angela.
“The biggest issue we see people facing when it comes to wardrobes is space and access,” adds Angela. “People with existing wardrobes with hinged doors, the old poky sort, with a whole lot of inaccessible space in the side returns and on top want a lot to fit into what is often not that big a space. Shoes are also a big one — everyone wants a better way to store their shoes.”
Boston Wardrobes’ four-step process offers a stress-free solution to solve these problems. The comprehensive remedy starts with a visit to their showroom followed by a design and quote. With this agreed, the third step is a home visit, after which professional installation is taken care of.
Step 1: Visit the showroom
Located at 57 Boston Road in Auckland, Boston Wardrobes’ vast 250 sqm showroom, the largest in Auckland, allows you to visualise your new storage solution. “I think people are surprised at what can be done. Often when people visualise a wardrobe, they think of some boring white shelves and rails. But that’s not what you see when you come into the showroom,” explains Angela.
“We’ve designed the displays to inspire your imagination and get you thinking about your own perfect wardrobe. We want you to love your wardrobe every time you use it. It should be designed for your specific needs, taking into account your sneaker obsession, your designer jeans collection, or your abundance of accessories.”
The showroom has continuously evolved over Boston Wardrobe’s 35 years in the industry to showcase the latest products and trends. Inside, you’ll find multiple life-sized walk-ins, reach-ins, and standalone wardrobes, as well as home storage solutions for laundry and living rooms. Every wardrobe and wardrobe range on offer is available to view in all its configurations, along with accessories, colour options, and a selection of handle hardware to finish your project.
“Seeing and feeling all of the different options gives you a much better idea of what to expect. You wouldn’t buy a new kitchen without first visiting a showroom! Wardrobes might be smaller, but they can be just as complex, and just as life-saving,” Angela explains. “Every single one of our customers comments on how valuable the showroom visit is to their overall experience.”
Step 2: Design and quote
At the showroom, you’ll view the extensive selection and discuss your requirements with a design consultant. “At this stage it is helpful to bring in any building plans if you have them or alternatively a hand drawn sketch of the space you are working on with measurements, maybe even a few photos, so we can get to work straight away.” Angela shares.
The thorough consultation ensures your needs are met within your budget, usually lasting around 30-45 minutes for a single wardrobe. The design consultant takes into account your storage needs, the available space, lighting, as well as matching colours and textures to the rest of the house, to sketch a bespoke wardrobe storage system tailored to your unique requirements.
“The consultant will be with you one-on-one right through the whole process, from consultation, to design, measurement on site, right up until the install date. So you will be talking to someone who knows the full picture every time.”
A new, popular solution is Viva, designed for homes that don’t have in-built wardrobe space. The premium unit is complete with back panels and doors, and can be installed by the Boston Wardrobes’ team with minimal preparatory work.
The cost varies depending on your design choices, but in the showroom, it’s easier to make a decision by interacting with the physical products.
The consultation can be done over the phone, but Angela recommends a visit to the showroom at some point during the process as it allows you to see every product first-hand and refine your needs. “Some people prefer to talk on the phone or have us come out to their home first, but trust me, save yourself the time and come into the showroom, it is absolutely worth the effort.” Angela adds.
Once your dream design has been prepared, a 50% deposit ensures it becomes a reality.
Step 3: Home visit
With the design agreed, the designer will complete a final in-home measure to refine the details and discuss any preparatory work.
The correct measurements are crucial, so Boston Wardrobes uses laser equipment to ensure the accuracy of the measurements. At this stage, they check door openings, flooring, and even walls to ensure the installation goes smoothly.
“This is also the time we use to pick up things that may have been missed, such as angled ceilings or walls, attic spaces and manholes, power points, and windows,” Angela adds.
The consultant will also give you a good idea of the preparation work that will need to happen ahead of the new wardrobe being installed. It can include removing any existing shelving and doors, touching up plastering and painting, preparing flooring, and assessing lighting and electricals.
Step 4: Installation
With preparation complete, Boston Wardrobes will be in touch to confirm your ideal installation date. With the aim of ensuring all rooms are done at the same time, the time they will spend varies, and can take anywhere from half a day to two full days.
Due to the bespoke nature of their solutions, there is usually some cutting and assembly required, but Angela notes this has often been cause for compliments. “Our fabulous installers are very thorough at cleaning up after themselves. We are often complimented on their tidiness, friendliness and efficiency.”
Boston Wardrobes has been reliably supplying both residential and commercial markets for decades. “We work with developers, architects and designers, helping to add value through our experience, due to the specialised nature of wardrobe design.”
For new builds and renovations, Angela highly recommends starting the storage solution process at the planning stage of the project to ensure you are working with the best space possible.
“Our experience, personalised process and 10-year quality guarantee behind our products should really give our customers the peace of mind that they are working with the best in the business.”
Other articles
What’s happening in our wardrobe space: wardrobe design trends
We're diving into the top wardrobe trends that we see shaping the landscape of wardrobe spaces in Auckland
The value of wardrobe storage in multi-unit residential interior design
A well-organised space is crucial to a sense of serenity at home, so creating the ideal storage solutions in multi-unit residential builds needs an expert hand.
How much will a new wardrobe cost?
Without a doubt our most frequently asked question, answered in great detail