Well-designed wardrobes

Press, 21 November 1981, Page 10

Well-designed wardrobes

In vogue

Paula Ryan

We all own clothes, shoes, luggage, and various accessories, but it is only recently that special design abilities have been employed to achieve a really functional wardrobe. According to interior decorator George Chimirri a wardrobe plan is very much a part of creating a liveable, modern, built-in closet for those who don’t possess the luxury of space for a walk-in wardrobe-cum-dressing room. Most of us find our clothes are squeezed behind doors, or into drawers. Ask yourself these questions. Has your dressing routine become an act of frustration? Do you dig into your wardrobe wrenching wrinkled clothes from a packed and

jumbled closet of wearable and old, disgarded clothes? Are your shoes lying in a heap, or jewellery scattered in an unorganised box? If your answer is yes in the main, then maybe it’s time to consider a neatly organised arrangement of garments and possessions. Not only is it time-saving, but you will probably be more likely to look your best most times. Wardrobe re-organisation starts with a fresh, thorough, objective appraisal of your clothes. Firstly, you need to prune your wardrobe of all inappropriate items — out-of-date clothes, garments or shoes beyond repair, or clothes that no longer fit or never did (that is — purchases made during an overoptimistic moment of future weight loss!) This ruthless prunning procedure also serves as a method of discovering potential dressing combinations or new approaches with older clothes. Once these garments are out of sight — the area they occupied will be surprisingly spacious. But instead of returning them to face the same problem in the future — consider a few alternatives. These may necessitate some minor internal carpentry alterations. Lighting is another area

that can determine correct colour harmony. A small, fluorescent tube that automatically switches on when the wardrobe door is opened is one asset. Sectioning a wardrobe (see illustration) is another. With this method all space is utilised. Drawers for smalls and folded garments can cleverly

harmonise beneath or alongside rack space which is sectioned to suit individual needs. Shallow drawers can be designed to accomodate rolled belts, neckties, and scarves. A super-shallow drawer, velvet flocked and partitioned works well for jewellery, cuff links, and other tre’asurable items.

Dampness in footwear can be aired 'away by elevating shoes into sliding, plasticcoated wire vegetable baskets. Trays with a clear perspex front can be used for knitwear, allowing easy recognition of the desired garment. Most hanging rails are geared for one length of

garment. forcing long dresses to drag or developing wasted space under shirts or jackets. In a sectioned wardrobe plan drawers or boot and briefcase spaces take up all unemployed areas. But wardrobe sectioning must be designed by the individual for the individual. Sporting-clad life-styles

demand space shape needs, different from the business suit and briefcase life. One section could be devoted entirely to sporting clothes, alongside equipment. Those who use extra folded knitwear may choose to install open shelves on adjustable mounts, for example. An area with a peg board can be useful for hanging odd shaped equipment like curling tongs, razors etc. Another area could be designed for vanity purposes, complete with mirror, cosmetic shelf and shaving plug. The combination is endless. But whether your wardrobe revamp involves a streamlining of contents, or a modification of closet space with the help of an interior, decorator, or simply a clever person with nails — the end result will outstrip the effort or small investment required. Not to forget an assured pleasure at seeing your clothes looking their very best, all of the time.