thinking outside the box ...

Pictured above: 7am’s new Slim Shaker door, a modern take on the classic shaker profile

When it comes to home storage, especially wardrobes, a little ‘outside-the-box’ thinking can go a long way so it pays to put on your creative hat and spend some time really working out what your storage needs are and the best way to integrate storage in keeping with your home’s look and feel.

There’s no question that customized built-in, floor to ceiling wardrobes are the best way to add organized, out-of-sight storage to your home.

Gone are the days of the only option being the classic mirrored sliding door and the flat-panel timber door. Now there’s a whole range of door finishes, profiles and handles to make your built-in storage an attractive feature in your home and not just somewhere to hang your clothes and store your stuff.

The best thing about custom-built storage is that it’s designed to suit your needs exactly. If you really have no idea what you need and what kind of look will best suit your home the 7am Wardrobes team is happy to work with you to help you plan and design your dream wardrobe.

There are two main points to consider when you’re planning built-in wardrobes. Firstly, where will the wardrobe go and is there definitely room for it? The second point to consider is what type of wardrobe will the room accommodate? Walk-in, sliding or hinged door? This will mostly be determined by the available space. Sliding doors are functional, economical and generally the best solution for small or tricky spaces, while hinged doors deliver a more premium look and feel. A walk-in robe is the ultimate storage solution and will give your bedroom a luxe hotel-like feel.

Once these questions have been answered it’s time to consider layout and this is where you need to think about what you own and what you need to store. The sky really is the limit here and this is where you get to design storage that is perfect just for you. Maybe you’re a shoe lover so a shoe tower is right up your alley - or maybe you own a lot of dresses so extra-long hanging space is exactly what you need.

Another point to consider is incorporating a study nook into the design. With working or studying from home the new norm it can be tough for everyone to find the quiet workspace they need. Dedicating just a small space, corner or part of your wardrobe can offer a highly-functional study or work area.

Next step is to decide what kind of finished look you want to achieve and consider how this will fit with the style of your home. There are lots of ways to make your built-in robes tie in seamlessly with the surroundings.

If your home has a breezy/Hamptons feel then a v-groove door profile is a great choice for keeping the look breezy and fresh. For a modern take on the classic and much-loved shaker profile, look no further than 7am Wardrobe’s new Slim Shaker door. With its clean lines and fine geometric edges, it manages to successfully bridge the gap between minimal and classic. Use it on a sliding door to create a next-level designer look. A character home will always look great with a classic shaker profile door and the ever-popular mirrored door is great for making a small space feel larger and brighter.

Handle choice is another great way to personalise your storage and give it a designer finish. Choose from classic black or beautiful handmake oak handles, perfect for a clean ‘Scandi’ look.l Or add some glamour with elegant elongated handles in brushed gold.