Hi Carl, you are right about the possibility of hazardous material but unfortunately our budget just doesn't extend to replacing them (at this stage). We have a few more pressing issues to deal with first (leaky sunroom roof, subfloor ventilation system not ideal, drainage problems in the yard) so cosmetics come last. However, I didn't think of replacing the doors or altering them so that's good news. They are actually handmade ( by their old neighbour who was a carpenter) so I am hoping that they're actual timber and not particle board. I know the two in the other rooms are (I'll upload a photo when I take one, they're quite beautiful) but this one looks like maybe it was added in at a later time and maybe not made by the guy next door. I'll have to think more on it. Hard when we haven't moved in yet - I'm just going on photos at the moment! The memory nook is a lovely idea. My daughter would love it. Thanks again for all the suggestions. I also like the idea of using the space between it and the wall.

When deciding on the right closet wardrobe, the best advice is to have a plan and design it for your lifestyle. For instance, do not just use a "cookie cutter" system or design, as I guarantee you that you will regret it in the long run. And also do not fall into the trap of designing the male side the same as the female side, again this will be a big mistake for you. Think about it and plan it, such as design the space for the ratio of categories, such as trousers, skirts, long jacket and dresses etc. Men & Women clothing ratio and catergory sizes are very different, and you will just waste precious space if you don't still to a ration plan. If your going to create the right closet space, get it right and spend the time and prepare it, get the advice from professionals that do design and installs daily. If you do it right, it will create amazing value to your home that you will reap the rewards for many years to come.... A closet is a real investment these days and home buyers are treating them like a room all on their own and judging the space that way too.

I had this same issue with a clients old pantries. I found by opening up the whole face of the unit we were able to put in 2 sets of bifold doors with a new facia around the outside edge designed to house the bifold system. The new doors and frame were in MDF and painted. By opening the area up it allowed for easy access to storage and the ability to reshelve where required for customised storage areas. The onsite work was done by my installer and requires a high level of workmanship

There are a number of challenges here that arise frequently, namely: The space is tight, and budget seems an issue. Door options: 1 sliding cavity door into robe- problem: people rarely bother to close them so often a pointless result 2 Hinged doors on the cabinetry-problem the galley you have is only 2000mm wide or even 2200mm. This will make it very tight if you plan to have hinged doors with both sides at 600mm carcass depth leaving either 800mm or 1000mm aisle. This will mean you don't have clearance for you and a door swing, assuming a door width of 500-600mm . You will find it very claustrophobic, and impossible with two people using it. 3 Sliding doors-these will limit your access to the interior and most people dislike them, however probably a workable solution- if you go this way, put the door track at 660mm not 600mm to clear suit jackets. 4 Enclose only one side of the wardrobe with doors and have the other for hanging which tend to be neater than the shelf items.(choose the side that is most visible from the front door. Depending on your ratio requirement of hanging to shelving/drawers, you might fit all hanging on one side then you can have drawers all along the lower section with shelving above with upper doors only. That way, the swing of the doors is easier as you don't need to clear your feet, only your upper body. Then gain bonus space in the area by making the enclosed cabinets only 400mm deep externally. Folded clothing folds to 360-380mm so don't waste the space with 600mm depth. Any additional hanging required on the enclosed wall is positioned distant to the entry and will be mainly out of view. This will save on doors, space and look tidy. It requires a custom build, the cost of this walk in robe in gloss melamine was around $7500.00 including design. Best of luck. The walk in below is 2000mm across, the first section on the left is 400mm deep for his shoes and drawers, the section on the right is 620mm deep. The distant section on the left is 600m providing space for hanging. That way the aisle in the first part is more generous and this tight space feels generouson the left we have his shoes behind doors and drawers below-at 400mm deep this makes the aisle more generous to cope with doors the photo below shows with door near the entry to conceal the"mess"from the walk way(see the appearance from the doorway in top photo), the hanging at the end is not visible at the entry we made the most of the full depth for shoes in our custom drawers