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

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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.

Студия дизайна PlatFORM

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.

Cordony Group

“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

Stegbar

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.

Samsung Australia

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.”

Stegbar

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

Christopher Peters Kitchens and Interiors

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.

Michelle Chiu Photography

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.

YOLK on the inside

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.

Kirsty Ristevski @miss.sneakypeek

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.

Sublime Spaces

“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.

Coco Camellia

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.

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