hidden depths

YOU'VE GOT TO LOVE A CONCEALED DOOR. IT INCREASES A SENSE OF SPACE AFTER ALL 

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1 Modern slats

Slatted walls are popular contemporary finishes, but they can also perfectly conceal a door; a discreet horizontal cut is the only giveaway that a doorway even exists. In this Sydney home, the doors conceal the pantry and powder room, and have been installed to flow up to form the staircase balustrade." Victoria D'Alisa, director, Porebski Architects

2 Secret ensuite

Another prime candidate for a hidden door is an en suite leading from a small bedroom. For one of her projects, interior designer Alison Lewis created an en-suite door in a built-in cupboard. Given the small footprint of the home, maximising storage was paramount. Rather than breaking up the rectilinear cabinetry with a hinged door, I carried the cabinetry through to maximise above-door storage and show that practical can also be playful.' Alison Lewis, founder, Alison Lewis Interiors

3 Classic tricks

Concealed doors aren't just for modern spaces they can also be adapted to more traditional styles, especially through classic panelling. If space is tight in a little corridor, but you don't want to waste the opportunity to create some pretty storage, it is such a great idea to get your joiner to make a door that mimics the tongue-and-groove walls. Paint everything the same colour and you have a secret storage space or even a WC. Helen Parker, creative director, deVOL

4 Paper dreams