Wardrobe Design: The Ten Commandments

Inside Story: The framework of a wardrobe is its soul while the exterior is the physicality. So focus on the soul because that’s where storage nirvana lies. Make an assessment of your storage needs. A detailed study — not a casual configuration of requirements. What you really need to do is make a list of all the various items you need storage for — yes, even your ties and belts — and then work out an average quantity for each. Work on the premise that you would limit your quantity to cater for a five-to-ten-year storage plan. Once you have the list ready you can then move on to the next step

Organise your storage: Once you know what you need storage space for, you can then work on planning the kind of storage. For example, what do you need in a hanger module? What compartments do you need for drawer space? What is your requirement for bags and shoes?

Decide your accessories: Since good hardware doesn’t come cheap and inexpensive options are usually short-term gains, it is important to figure out what kind of accessories you need to allow for better storage. You could check out some options online through catalogues or you could do a market survey of brands and products available.

Figure out the carcass: Sometimes if you already have a niche created for wardrobes, as is the case with many apartments, you do not really need a full carcass wardrobe. You could tile the interior (to prevent seepage) and use high quality fittings with the money that you save on the carcass.

Assess quality specifications: Most of the money spent is on hardware from hinges to sliders, so assess your requirements and find something that will fit your budget. Hardware is an essential component that does not merit compromise, but at the same time you need to understand your budgetary restrictions.

Façade design: Choose the design of the door panels keeping in mind that they will be a visible element and must integrate with the room and not seem like an eyesore. Finish and styling will greatly affect the visual of the room

Material specifications: Once you have all the various design and storage elements in place you can decide on the material you would like to use to construct the wardrobe. There is a plethora of options, so you can find something to fit your budget. A word to the wise — wardrobes are a long term investment so opting for high quality raw materials always works in your favour.

Lighting and accessories: It is important to have a lighting system installed for a wardrobe so that you can clearly see your storage space. The larger the wardrobe the more important this becomes. The kind of lighting will be dictated by the wardrobe design and space. Handles are important accessories. While this is often given little thought, the right choice of handles and the correct placement can really make a lot of difference.

Read the full feature on Prismma Magazine (click here)

Tags: interior design india, wardrobe design

Category: Inspired Home, Wardrobes