Storage that's stylish, luxurious and a pleasure to use

Do you prefer to store your tee shirts and shirts folded in a drawer, stacked on a shelf, or on coathangers? Do you own an extensive collection of ties or scarves, shoes or handbags? Maybe you have a preference for long dresses. Or perhaps you would like to have your business suits separated from weekend gear.

All these questions, and more, are part of the discussions that Neil Robinson and his wife and business partner, Marie, and their team have with their clients every day of the week. The pair are the co-owners of Innovative Interiors, a leading designer and supplier of custom-built storage and wardrobe systems.

The other big and equally important discussion point is around the style and ambience of the space. For some, a wardrobe is a practical place where your day gets off to an efficient start, and sound, practical storage, and access are essential criteria. Others may have a slower, more considered start to the day, enjoying a luxurious experience as they select their outfit and dress at leisure.

With at least 30 years of experience designing and building cabinetry and joinery for homes and businesses, Neil Robinson knows more than a thing or two about what good storage should look like and what makes it effective.

"For most people, a wardrobe is a very private place, but with good planning, it can also be a very attractive feature in the home. Shoes, handbags, perfume, even your clothes – the way they are displayed can become quite a work of art," says Neil.

“We had a client with a huge collection of beautiful scarves and ties, so we designed a series of shallow, wide racks to cover one wall of the dressing room. With the scarves and ties rolled up individually and placed on the racks, it created an amazing wall of colour – very effective and a real feature in the space.”

Innovative Interiors specialises in customising style and storage for each client, working with homeowners, architects and interior designers to create the best possible solution. This is where Neil’s background in cabinetmaking and joinery is valuable, as he knows from experience what will work and what won't.

Colour and texture are key features of many wardrobe designs at the moment, Neil says. Cabinetry can be made from Melamine or Melteca, rusticated boards, natural timber veneers and painted finishes. At the same time, other materials such as glass, acrylic and mirrors can also be added to the mix. Because all the cabinetry is custom-made, Innovative Interiors can create the required style, whether to match existing finishes in a house or recreate a look in a new home that a customer has found on Pinterest or ArchiPro, says Neil.

“Our process is very consultative; we work collaboratively with homeowners and designers to truly customise the space for your needs. We listen really carefully to understand the style you are after, and what you want to store, because to be useful, storage should be designed for the specific needs of the owner and for a specific purpose," says Neil.

“The space also has to be accessible. There is no point in lots of storage if your clothing or other items don't fit in it or if you need to get a ladder out every time you want something. Clothes that aren't easy to get at or see are often forgotten, and you won't wear them."

As part of its process, Innovative Interiors assesses the purpose of the storage and provides creative solutions that use the available space effectively.

“For example, if the ensuite bathroom has a small vanity with only one drawer, it may be practical to plan a mirror and keep fragrances and cosmetics in a beauty station in the dressing room.”

Innovative Interiors tailors its cabinetry designs to suit the way clients like to store their clothes, whether in drawers, on shelves or hanging. “So, if you fold your tee shirts in a particular way, we can include drawers of the most appropriate width,” says Neil.

“And, of course, wardrobes aren’t only used for clothing. Items such as jewellery and sunglasses can be stored safely or displayed, whichever is preferred. We make felt-lined trays to protect and display items like watches, cuff links or belts. Some clothing needs to be stored in a particular way to protect it from dust and damage.”

The amount and type of lighting in a wardrobe also needs careful consideration. Innovative Interiors ensure its designs take account of clients' waking and sleeping hours, with features like muted LED lighting so an early riser can access and use the wardrobe without disturbing their partner, as well as stronger lights for mirrors and other areas.

The principles that apply to wardrobe storage are just as pertinent in other parts of the home. Innovative Interiors also customises storage solutions for other parts of the home, including home offices and living spaces.

Innovative Interiors provides a complete service for its clients from design to installation, with all stages done in-house by the company's team of qualified cabinetmakers, joiners and other trades. "This is one of our strengths," says Neil. "Our staff care, they see the product being created, and they are proud of the work they do. To be part of our team, they have to take on our values and ensure every job is completed to the highest standard."

Discuss your storage requirements with Innovative Interiors before embarking on your next renovation or new home project.

Learn more about how you can incorporate storage solutions into your next project.