DRESS TO IMPRESS

Well-designed dressing rooms strike the right balance between practical storage and stunning decorative details

- ARABELLA YOUENS

MAKE SPACE

Unlike in America, British houses rarely come with walk-in wardrobes – there just often isn't the footprint. This is especially true of the Victorian terraces found in towns and cities up and down the country. One solution is to sacrifice a bedroom, creating a walk-through wardrobe and en suite bathroom in the process – and that is what interior designer Polly Ashman did here. 'We didn't want the dressing space to feel too cold with lots of painted joinery, so we added simple grasscloth wallpaper to the front of the doors,' she explains. 'This helped to soften the space and add another layer of texture.'

SET THE TONE

A his-and-hers dressing room needs to strike the right tone decoratively – neither overly feminine nor masculine. In this example by Elicyon, it's the mix of materials that establishes equanimity. Using textured glass introduces a sense of lightness, preventing the cabinetry from feeling too imposing [there is no natural light], while the timber elements ground the design. 'The result is inviting, sophisticated and versatile,' says Elicyon founder Charu Gandhi.

SHINE ON

Lacquer paint has both practical and decorative benefits. It adds a touch of glamour, setting the right tone during preparations for going out, and also helps brighten the room. Interior designer Rebecca Hughes used it here to great effect. 'The glossy look reflects light, creates an illusion of spaciousness and adds a sense of sophistication, transforming an ordinary surface into a luxurious detail,' she explains.