Couture Closets: Smart Wardrobes & Luxe Finishes Are Making Waves
Forget dull clothes storage – seating areas, luxurious finishes and high-tech extras are taking wardrobes next-level
Georgia Madden
22 August 2020
Could the humble closet soon be a thing of the past? Luxury inclusions such as customisable lighting, audio, cosy seating and artwork are turning this once-practical spot into an appealing space that you’ll never want to leave. We spoke to three experts to find out what’s happening in the world of couture closets to help you incorporate the latest trends into your own storage space.
Living the dream… in your very own wardrobe
“Social media is really the driver behind the rise of the ‘couture closet’, as we can now see inside celebrities’ homes. There are even reality TV shows that give us a peek inside their closets,” says Kate Leabeater, interior designer and founder of Studio Oscar Lea.
“This encourages homeowners to spend time and money making their wardrobe a room within itself. Most of us enjoy the feeling of going into a store that has great lighting, large mirrors and luxurious finishes while trying on clothes, and now we can create this experience in the comfort of our homes,” she says.
“Social media is really the driver behind the rise of the ‘couture closet’, as we can now see inside celebrities’ homes. There are even reality TV shows that give us a peek inside their closets,” says Kate Leabeater, interior designer and founder of Studio Oscar Lea.
“This encourages homeowners to spend time and money making their wardrobe a room within itself. Most of us enjoy the feeling of going into a store that has great lighting, large mirrors and luxurious finishes while trying on clothes, and now we can create this experience in the comfort of our homes,” she says.
“The wardrobe is a place where you spend time morning and night – it’s a very personal and intimate space,” says Jeff Lack, a fashion and style commentator and creative director. “Stepping inside a beautifully appointed wardrobe just feels good – the investment really pays dividends.”
Dreaming of a luxurious wardrobe? Find a specialist on Houzz to help make it a reality
Dreaming of a luxurious wardrobe? Find a specialist on Houzz to help make it a reality
Stegbar Galleria wardrobe range
Smart robes
One of the stand-out new styles is Stegbar’s Galleria smart wardrobe range. It features built-in Bluetooth-controlled audio and lighting, allowing you to ramp up the atmosphere via an app on your smartphone or tablet when you’re getting dressed.
You can curate moods, zones, and displays instantly or with timed presets, creating an atmosphere to suit your mood – whether it’s low lightening and ambient wake-up music for those early morning starts to dance music when you’re getting dressed to go out.
Smart robes
One of the stand-out new styles is Stegbar’s Galleria smart wardrobe range. It features built-in Bluetooth-controlled audio and lighting, allowing you to ramp up the atmosphere via an app on your smartphone or tablet when you’re getting dressed.
You can curate moods, zones, and displays instantly or with timed presets, creating an atmosphere to suit your mood – whether it’s low lightening and ambient wake-up music for those early morning starts to dance music when you’re getting dressed to go out.
Samsung AirDresser, which retails for AUD$3,999
High-tech clothing care
No time to take your favourite dress to the dry cleaner? Today’s new couture closets offer a solution. The clever new Samsung AirDresser, a narrow unit that fits inside your wardrobe, is part of this new cohort of clever closets. It refreshes clothes, smoothes wrinkles and reduces up to 99 percent of germs in between washes using a combination of steam and air flow. And it doesn’t just work on clothes – you can use it for bedding and outerwear too.
It’s wifi-connected, so you can start and pause cycles on your smart phone, and it takes 20 minutes to get clothes back to looking and smelling their best. It’s also gentle enough to handle delicates, says Lack. “Think silks, linens, cashmere and even leather. The unit will even suggest the right cycle based on the fabric type.”
High-tech clothing care
No time to take your favourite dress to the dry cleaner? Today’s new couture closets offer a solution. The clever new Samsung AirDresser, a narrow unit that fits inside your wardrobe, is part of this new cohort of clever closets. It refreshes clothes, smoothes wrinkles and reduces up to 99 percent of germs in between washes using a combination of steam and air flow. And it doesn’t just work on clothes – you can use it for bedding and outerwear too.
It’s wifi-connected, so you can start and pause cycles on your smart phone, and it takes 20 minutes to get clothes back to looking and smelling their best. It’s also gentle enough to handle delicates, says Lack. “Think silks, linens, cashmere and even leather. The unit will even suggest the right cycle based on the fabric type.”
Stegbar Galleria wardrobe range
Practical inclusions
“Having assessed hundreds of wardrobes in my career, light is usually the biggest downfall,” says Lack. “Modern luxury wardrobes include strip lighting and mirrors that are not only functional but sexy.”
“Lighting can be quite a simple and cost-effective way to take your wardrobe to another level,” says Leabeater. “Simply add LED strip lighting to each shelf or to highlight those items you want to display.”
Browse more beautiful walk-in wardrobes
Practical inclusions
“Having assessed hundreds of wardrobes in my career, light is usually the biggest downfall,” says Lack. “Modern luxury wardrobes include strip lighting and mirrors that are not only functional but sexy.”
“Lighting can be quite a simple and cost-effective way to take your wardrobe to another level,” says Leabeater. “Simply add LED strip lighting to each shelf or to highlight those items you want to display.”
Browse more beautiful walk-in wardrobes
Other impressive new inclusions in today’s couture closets include hidden pull-down and foldaway compartments that help maximise out-of-reach spaces, says Lack. “You can also specify voice-activated systems that answer your calendar and weather questions, which can be very helpful when you’re deciding what to wear in the morning,” he says.
Luxe finishes
Luxurious textures and materials are being used to up the glam factor, says Leabeater. “Beautiful textures and materials will enhance the sense of luxury, whatever the size of your wardrobe.
“Consider specifying plush carpet, marble-topped display cabinets and glass display shelves to set an opulent tone.
“If you are renovating or building your home from scratch, go big when it comes to the wardrobe. Today’s luxe spaces are large enough to accommodate display areas for clothes, seating and more,” she says.
Luxurious textures and materials are being used to up the glam factor, says Leabeater. “Beautiful textures and materials will enhance the sense of luxury, whatever the size of your wardrobe.
“Consider specifying plush carpet, marble-topped display cabinets and glass display shelves to set an opulent tone.
“If you are renovating or building your home from scratch, go big when it comes to the wardrobe. Today’s luxe spaces are large enough to accommodate display areas for clothes, seating and more,” she says.
Take a seat
“If you have the space, create a seating area by adding in an ottoman, bench seat or lounge chair. This creates a lovely spot to sit and really enjoy the process of choosing your outfits,” says Leabeater.
“When it comes to shoe storage, specify open shelving so you can display your favourite footwear.
“Finish off by accessorising with a cosy rug, a beautiful chandelier, flowers and artwork – it will make your walk-in wardrobe feel warm and luxurious, and create a space you’ll want to spend time,” she says.
“If you have the space, create a seating area by adding in an ottoman, bench seat or lounge chair. This creates a lovely spot to sit and really enjoy the process of choosing your outfits,” says Leabeater.
“When it comes to shoe storage, specify open shelving so you can display your favourite footwear.
“Finish off by accessorising with a cosy rug, a beautiful chandelier, flowers and artwork – it will make your walk-in wardrobe feel warm and luxurious, and create a space you’ll want to spend time,” she says.
Add a dressing area… and more
“Adding in a space to sit and do self-care tasks, hair and make-up elevates your walk-in wardrobe to the next level,” says Leabeater. “If you have the opportunity to connect your bedroom and ensuite using the walk-in wardrobe as the joining space, you can create the ultimate luxurious master suite.
“Also look to include space to store and display items other than clothes in your wardrobe, such as jewellery and handbags.
“Adding in a space to sit and do self-care tasks, hair and make-up elevates your walk-in wardrobe to the next level,” says Leabeater. “If you have the opportunity to connect your bedroom and ensuite using the walk-in wardrobe as the joining space, you can create the ultimate luxurious master suite.
“Also look to include space to store and display items other than clothes in your wardrobe, such as jewellery and handbags.
“If you want the space to feel truly high-end, be bold with your colour and material choices. Consider using deep colours on the walls and the same colour on the ceiling to create a moody feel. Add to the atmosphere by using smoked mirror on your horizontal surfaces.
“And remember, cabinetry doesn’t always need to be squared off – consider curved cabinetry clad in timber veneer or laminate for a designer edge,” she says.
“And remember, cabinetry doesn’t always need to be squared off – consider curved cabinetry clad in timber veneer or laminate for a designer edge,” she says.
Your turn
Are you keen to take your wardrobe upmarket? Tell us in the Comments below, like this story, save the images for inspiration, and join the conversation.
More
Want more on storage? Don’t miss this Pro Reveal: Secrets of 6 Great Kids’ Storage Set-Ups
Are you keen to take your wardrobe upmarket? Tell us in the Comments below, like this story, save the images for inspiration, and join the conversation.
More
Want more on storage? Don’t miss this Pro Reveal: Secrets of 6 Great Kids’ Storage Set-Ups
Related Stories
Storage
An Insider's Guide to Walk-In Wardrobe Measurements
Take a look at essential wardrobe measurements, along with some considerations to guarantee your 'robe is well designed
Full Story
Storage
Renovation Insight: How to Choose & Work With a Cabinet Maker
Custom joinery allows you to tailor a space to suit your needs – here's how to choose the right firm for the job
Full Story
Bathrooms
Room of the Week: A Luxe Bathroom & Wardrobe for Busy Parents
See how a designer created a magnificent parents' retreat in a 100-plus year old home with no ensuite and poor storage
Full Story
Most Popular
21 Walk-In Wardrobes You'll Never Want to Leave
Our coffee-break escape offers you five minutes' worth of images to inspire and delight. Jump right in...
Full Story
Houzz Around The World
The Most-Popular Wardrobes From Around the World
By Houzz AU
A glance at Houzz users' favourite closets from 2021 shows that clever design thinking pays in even the smallest spaces
Full Story
Picture Perfect
35 Dreamy Dressing Rooms & Walk-In Wardrobes
Our coffee-break escape offers you five minutes' worth of images to inspire and delight. Jump right in...
Full Story
Organising
7 Simple Steps to Organised Wardrobe Bliss
Follow these organising rules to whip your wardrobe into shape and say goodbye to clutter
Full Story
Before & After
An Unused Room Becomes a Stunning, Open-Plan Master Suite
See how an empty room was transformed into a master bedroom, ensuite and walk-in wardrobe that blends old and new
Full Story
Storage
7 Door Ideas for Your Built-In Wardrobes
Do you have built-in cupboards with less-than-lovely doors? Step this way for seven stylish fixes
Full Story
Hi Georgia, lovely looking storage ideas but is it energy efficient?
I do think style has to go hand in hand these days with a number of other considerations.
Houzz does appear to keep in mind somewhat with a few exceptions.
Take a seat wardrobe concept ❤️
You've never had a walk in robe I'm guessing??