Leigh Robinson, Author at Walk In Wardrobes Geelong

How Much Does A Walk In Wardrobe Cost?

February 5, 2024October 9, 2023 by Leigh Robinson

How Much Does A Walk In Wardrobe Cost?

The cost of a walk-in wardrobe can vary widely depending on several factors, including the size of the space, the materials used, the level of customisation, and your location. On average, you can expect to spend anywhere from a few thousand dollars to several tens of thousands of dollars for a walk-in wardrobe. Here are some key factors that can influence the cost:

Size and Layout:

The size of your walk-in wardrobe is a significant factor. Larger walk-in wardrobes with more square footage will naturally cost more. Additionally, the layout and design can affect costs. Complex layouts with multiple corners, angles, and custom features may be more expensive to design and install.
Materials: The choice of materials plays a substantial role in cost. Walk-in wardrobes can be made from a range of materials, including laminates, hardwoods, MDF, and various finishes. High-quality materials and finishes will generally cost more than basic ones. Our wardrobes are made from high quality 18mm melamine.

Customisation:

The level of customisation you desire will impact the cost. Customised shelving, drawers, hanging racks, and accessories can increase the price. If you opt for built-in lighting, mirrors, or specialty hardware, these will also add to the overall cost.

Labour Costs:

Labour costs, including design and installation, can vary based on your location and the complexity of the project. Hiring professionals for the installation is typically recommended to ensure a quality result.

Location:

The cost of materials and labor can vary significantly by location. Urban areas with higher living costs tend to have higher prices for custom home improvement projects like walk-in wardrobes.

Additional Features:

If you plan to add extra features like a dressing area, an island or seating, a built-in safe, or a vanity, these will contribute to the overall cost.

Accessibility:

Consider the accessibility of the space. If it requires significant modifications to existing walls, floors, or electrical work, these additional costs should be factored in.

Quality and Brand:

The brand and quality of materials and fixtures you choose will affect the final cost. Higher-end brands often come with a premium price tag.

To get an accurate estimate for your specific walk-in wardrobe project, it’s recommended that you consult with Leigh Robinson. They can assess your space, discuss your preferences, and provide you with a detailed cost estimate based on your individual needs and specifications. Additionally, obtaining multiple quotes from different professionals can help you make an informed decision and ensure you get the best value for your investment.

All in white melamine

A wardrobe this size would be approx $3,000AUD

A larger wardrobe like this one would be almost double the price at $7,000AUD

7 Big Walk In Wardrobe Mistakes

September 5, 2023 by Leigh Robinson

7 Big Walk In Wardrobe Mistakes & How To Avoid Them

Designing a walk-in wardrobe can be exciting, but it’s important to avoid common mistakes that could lead to functional or aesthetic issues. Here are seven big walk-in wardrobe mistakes and how to avoid them:

1. Insufficient Planning:

• Mistake: Not thoroughly planning the layout and storage solutions can result in wasted space and inadequate storage.

• Solution: Take time to assess your storage needs. Get Leigh Robinson to help you measure the space you have then choose the right layout storage combinations with Leigh. Utilising an experts knowledge can save you from walk in wardrobe disasters.

2. Ignoring Lighting:

• Mistake: Neglecting proper lighting can make the space feel dull and make it difficult to see and organize items.

• Solution: Incorporate a mix of ambient, task, and accent lighting. LED strip lights, pendant lights, and well-placed fixtures can enhance visibility and ambiance. Get this organised before your walk in wardrobe is installed.

3. Neglecting Ventilation:

• Mistake: Poor ventilation can lead to musty odours and damage to clothing and accessories.

• Solution: Ensure proper air circulation through vents or windows. Consider adding a small exhaust fan or dehumidifier to maintain optimal humidity levels. This may not be an issue with smaller walk in wardrobes but we have come across problems like this in older homes and larger walk in wardrobes.

4. Overlooking Accessibility:

• Mistake: Not considering the ease of accessing items can make the wardrobe frustrating to use.

• Solution: Optimise the layout for easy access. Use adjustable shelves, pull-out features, and consider installing pull-down rods for high storage spaces.

5. Overcrowding:

• Mistake: Overloading the wardrobe with too many items can lead to a cluttered and disorganised space.

• Solution: Assess your clothing and accessories and declutter before designing the wardrobe. Invest in quality storage solutions that accommodate your needs without overcrowding.

6. Prepreparation:

• Mistake: Your walk in wardrobe space will need to be fully prepared for installation. If the area is not fully prepared it could lead to delays.

• Solution: Make sure your old existing shelving is taken out, the plaster is painted and the lighting is sorted. We do NOT provide a preparation service this needs to be organised by the home owner well before an installation date.

7. Ignoring Aesthetics:

• Mistake: Focusing solely on functionality and neglecting aesthetics can result in a visually unappealing space.

• Solution: Choose a design style that complements your home’s overall decor. Incorporate colours, finishes, and design elements that resonate with your personal style. But don’t over do it especially if you’re thinking of selling your home in the future. Keep the colours neutral if you are thinking of selling. Walk in wardrobe(s) are a great selling point for the future.

Avoiding these mistakes and carefully considering each aspect of your walk-in wardrobe’s design will help you create a space that is not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing and enjoyable to use. If needed, consult with professionals who specialise in interior design and storage solutions to ensure a successful outcome.

Why A Walk In Wardrobe Is Good For You

August 24, 2023August 20, 2023 by Leigh Robinson

The Psychological Effects Of A Walk In Wardrobe

We asked a psychologist friend how a well designed walk in wardrobe can effect someone’s well being. Here’s the edited version.

The state of our physical environment can have a profound impact on our mental well-being. A cluttered and messy bedroom, for example, can contribute to feelings of anxiety and stress. The disarray and chaos that come with a cluttered space can overwhelm our senses and create a sense of unease. On the other hand, a well-organised and tidy environment can promote a sense of calm and relaxation. This is where a new walk in wardrobe can play a significant role in alleviating stress and anxiety.

When our bedroom is cluttered and disorganised, it can create a constant visual reminder of unfinished tasks and responsibilities. The sight of clothes strewn across the floor, papers scattered on the desk, and belongings haphazardly placed can be mentally exhausting. The brain is wired to respond to visual stimuli, and a cluttered environment bombards our senses with unnecessary information, making it difficult to relax and unwind. This constant reminder of unfinished business can lead to increased levels of stress and anxiety.

In contrast, a new walk-in wardrobe offers a dedicated space to keep belongings organised and neatly arranged. With its ample storage options, such as shelves, racks, and drawers, a walk-in wardrobe provides a designated place for each item, reducing clutter in the bedroom. This organisation not only promotes a visually pleasing environment but also helps to create a sense of order and control.

Decluttering

Moreover, a walk-in wardrobe encourages a regular decluttering habit. With designated storage areas, it becomes easier to assess our belongings and make conscious decisions about what to keep and what to let go of. Letting go of unnecessary items not only reduces physical clutter but also has psychological benefits. It allows us to free ourselves from the burden of excess possessions, promoting a sense of liberation and lightness.

A walk in wardrobe also enhances the functionality of the bedroom. With a dedicated space for clothing, accessories, and personal items, it reduces the need to keep these items in sight, minimising distractions. This, in turn, can improve sleep quality, as a clutter-free bedroom promotes a peaceful and serene atmosphere conducive to relaxation.

The process of organising and maintaining a walk-in wardrobe can be therapeutic. It offers an opportunity for mindfulness and self-care. Taking the time to fold clothes neatly, arrange items by category, and create a harmonious space can be a form of stress relief and a way to practice self-nurturing. The act of organising allows us to take control of our physical environment, which can translate into a sense of empowerment and calmness.

The impact of mess and clutter on our mental well-being cannot be underestimated. A cluttered bedroom can contribute to feelings of anxiety and stress, while an organised and tidy space promotes a sense of calm. Investing in a new walk-in wardrobe provides a practical solution to reduce clutter, enhance organisation, and create a serene environment. By decluttering and organising our belongings, we can alleviate stress, promote relaxation, and create a sanctuary for our mental and emotional well-being.

5 Top Wardrobe Door Options

June 20, 2023 by Leigh Robinson

5 Top Wardrobe Door Options

Many time clients have come to us to look at their wardrobe doors that no longer function well. These doors are often a sliding system that gets stuck and made of cheap materials. Wardrobe doors take up such an enormous amount of wall space it’s a good idea to make sure they look great in your room. Here are a few options to help you out.

A100 Sliding Doors with Bottom Roller Track

A popular choice for wardrobes, A100 sliding doors offer a sleek and modern look. The bottom roller track ensures smooth and effortless sliding motion, allowing easy access to your clothes and belongings. These doors are space-saving, as they don’t require any additional clearance for opening. With a wide range of materials, finishes, and designs available, A100 sliding doors can complement any interior style.

A600 Pivot Doors

A600 pivot doors are a stylish and functional option for wardrobes. These doors pivot on a central hinge, allowing them to swing open smoothly. Pivot doors provide full access to the wardrobe, making it easy to reach all areas. They can be customised with different panel configurations and finishes to match your personal style and enhance the overall aesthetics of the room.

A800 Folding Doors

A800 folding doors are a versatile and practical choice for wardrobes. These doors fold and stack against each other when opened, providing full access to the wardrobe’s interior. A800 folding doors are available in various configurations, such as bi-fold or opening from the middle out, allowing you to customise the door opening size based on your needs and space constraints. With a wide selection of finishes and panel options, you can create a unique and personalised wardrobe design.

Athabasca Narrow Framed Doors

Athabasca narrow-framed doors offer a contemporary and refined look to wardrobes. These doors feature slim frames that provide a sleek and minimalist appearance. Despite their narrow profile, Athabasca doors are sturdy and durable. They can be combined with different materials, such as glass, melamine, or mirrored panels, to create a striking visual impact. The narrow frames of these doors maximise the visible area of the wardrobe, allowing you to showcase your clothing and accessories effectively.

Alicante Folding – Sliding Doors

For existing wardrobes we have the Alicante frameless wardrobe door system giving you a choice of folding or sliding with 95% access. This stylish wardrobe door is frameless but each door is 18mm thick give you a sleek contemporary look, light in weight but very strong.

The choice of wardrobe doors plays a significant role in the overall aesthetics and functionality of your wardrobe. Whether you opt for A100 sliding doors with a bottom roller track for a space-saving solution, A600 pivot doors for full access, A800 folding doors for versatility, or Athabasca narrow-framed doors for a sleek and contemporary style, there is a door type to suit every taste and wardrobe design. Consider the specific needs of your space and your personal preferences to select the wardrobe doors that best complement your interior and make a statement in your room.

Contact Leigh Robinson to upgrade your reach in wardrobes look. He’s been in the door game almost forever! Ph: 0412 525 137

7 Things To Consider BEFORE You Buy

June 1, 2023May 5, 2023 by Leigh Robinson

7 Things To Consider BEFORE You Get A Walk In Wardrobe

Here are seven things to consider BEFORE getting a walk in wardrobe installed:

Space Availability: Assess the available space in your home to determine if it can accommodate a walk-in wardrobe. Consider the dimensions , layout, and any structural limitations that may affect the installation.
Storage Needs: Evaluate your storage requirements, including the number of clothes, shoes, accessories, and other items you want to store in the walk-in wardrobe. This will help determine the size and configuration of the wardrobe.
Customisation Options: Look for customisation options that suit your personal style and needs. Consider features like adjustable shelves, hanging rods, shoe racks, drawers, and accessories organisers to optimise the functionality of your walk-in wardrobe. And don’t forget colour options.
Lighting: Adequate lighting is essential for a walk-in wardrobe. Consider options such as natural light sources, windows, skylights, or artificial lighting fixtures to ensure good visibility and create an appealing ambiance.
Accessibility and Ergonomics: Pay attention to the accessibility and ease of use of your walk-in wardrobe. Consider the height of hanging rods, ease of reaching shelves, and ergonomic design to ensure maximum comfort and convenience.
Organisation and Layout: Plan the layout of your walk-in wardrobe carefully to optimise storage and organisation. Consider separate zones for different items, such as clothing, shoes, accessories, and a dressing area if desired.
Budget: Determine your budget for the walk-in wardrobe project and prioritise features accordingly. Research prices, compare quotes from different suppliers, and ensure that the cost aligns with your desired design and functionality.And the bonus point now you’re in walk in wardrobe mode is to call Leigh Robinson to get more advice and book in a free measure and quote.And the bonus point now you’re in walk in wardrobe mode is to call Leigh Robinson to get more advice and book in a free measure and quote.

10 Reasons To Invest In A Walk In Wardrobe 2023

April 23, 2023February 23, 2023 by Leigh Robinson

Here’s why a walk-in wardrobe is such a great investment! Here are seven reasons that I think you’ll find compelling:

Increased storage: A walk-in wardrobe provides ample space for all of your clothes, shoes, and accessories. With designated shelving, hanging space, and drawers, you’ll have everything organised and within easy reach.
Improved organisation: A walk-in wardrobe provides an opportunity to create a designated space for each item, making it easier to find what you need when you need it. This will save you time and frustration in the long run.
Adds value to your home: A walk-in wardrobe is a desirable feature for many homebuyers, and it can add significant value to your property. It’s a smart investment that can pay off if you ever decide to sell your home. You will be surprise the thing that gets a home buyer over the line.
Luxury feel: A walk-in wardrobe adds a touch of luxury to your home. It’s a feature that many people dream of having and can make your space feel more high-end and sophisticated.
Enhanced privacy: With a walk-in wardrobe, you can keep your clothes and personal items out of sight, providing a level of privacy that you may not get with a traditional wardrobe or closet.
Increases lifespan of clothes: A walk-in wardrobe allows you to properly store your clothes, which can help extend their lifespan. With designated hanging space and shelving, your clothes will be protected from wrinkles, creases, and other damage.
Saves time and money: Finally, a walk-in wardrobe can save you both time and money in the long run. With everything organised and easy to find, you won’t waste time searching for items, and you’ll be less likely to buy duplicates of things you already have.

So, there you have it! Seven great reasons why a walk-in wardrobe is a smart investment. Call Leigh today to go through your options. Ph: 0412 525 137

How To Design A Walk In Wardrobe

February 15, 2024December 14, 2022 by Leigh Robinson

How To Design Your Walk In Wardrobe – Where Do You Start?

The way you start working out your walk in wardrobe from the beginning is looking at the size of the room you have. In a “normal” sized home you often don’t have the luxury of a vast space to fill but rather about a quarter of a small bedroom. This means a U-shaped configuration or an L-shaped layout.

The trick here is to allow 800mm or the size of an average door to walk into the wardrobe to access the contents. Almost immediately this will determine what you can do with the space you have.

The three images below show you a U-shaped, L-shaped and a larger room enabling plenty of wardrobe choices but this is quite rare.

Your Walk In Wardrobe Layout

This is a start for you before Leigh Robinson comes to measure up. The first thing Leigh will discuss with you are your storage needs and go through examples of other walk in wardrobes.

If you choose a drawer bank with 4 or 5 drawers then this is usually the starting point for most smaller walk in wardrobes. The rest of your wardrobe choices surround the drawer bank based on functionality and storage requirements.

This depends on whether folded clothes shelves and shoes are your focus or hanging clothes options or an equal blend of both. There are plenty of choices here with three hanging options double, single and full length hanging. With folded items and shoes we also have options to allow you to choose different shelves and shelf heights. In fact all our shelving options have height adjustments.

Walk In Wardrobe Plans & Elevations

Once you have decided on your wardrobe layout plans are drawn up and sent to you showing top and front elevations. Not forgetting choosing the wardrobe finish from our colour swatches or just deciding on the popular white finish.

Leigh would have also shown you accessories such as a jewellery tray for your drawer bank, valet rod, shoe storage options and much more to help with the functionality of your new walk in wardrobe.

Once you have approved everything a 50% deposit is required and your walk in wardrobe goes into production and an installation date is secured. It normally takes a few hours to install your wardrobe but this of course will depend on the size.

It doesn’t take much to get your wardrobe organised to suit your needs and Leigh is there to guide you. Check out the accessories and other installations here – to get the ball rolling.

New Geelong Wardrobe Install

December 1, 2022November 12, 2022 by Leigh Robinson

Installation In A New Home In Fyansford – Geelong

We have been installing custom walk in wardrobes in Geelong and greater Geelong for many years now and nothing is more exciting than dealing with a brand new property. This property was a boutique build where walk in wardrobes were included in every bedroom as part of the overall design.

This is a brilliant idea as it allows each room to have the convenience of a smaller walk in wardrobe that flows beautifully with the design of the home. The walk in wardrobes are alcoves and don’t look awkward or appear to take up any space within the bedroom allowing the bedrooms to look spacious.

Anyone designing a new home should consider this option as many boutique builders allow their plans to be altered to suit. Image moving into your new home with walk in wardrobes ready to go!

Highlights From These Walk In Wardrobe Installations

3 bedrooms included a walk in wardrobe installation.
A beautiful wood grain finish was chosen to compliment the rest of the colours in the home.
The master bedroom was a U shaped design maximising the space available so was slightly larger than the two other bedrooms which were an L-shaped design.
Each install included full hanging, 3/4 hanging and double hanging options.
The master bedroom included a 5 – drawer hutch unit to the floor where as the other two bedrooms have a four drawer bank installed.
One thing to note with the drawer banks is they are fully accessible (open fully) and have a soft close feature
All shelving units are adjustable to suit across the three walk in wardrobe installations.
The master bedroom wardrobe included a pant rank, jewellery drawer insert and valet rod as requested accessories.
Generally the wardrobes are wall hung and off the floor allowing them to be easily vacuumed or used as a secondary storage space. Wall hung designs are off more cost effective than wardrobes that are designed to sit on the floor.

The interesting point to note about these installations is they accomodate smaller rooms. Having a walk in wardrobe installed doesn’t mean you need a massive place to start with. Of course the more room you have the more feature and storage options you can include but you definitely don’t need a mansion.

If you are at the building stage of your home consider allowing for a walk in wardrobe for each bedroom. You’ll appreciate it for years to come. Leigh Robinson has years of experience with walk in wardrobes so contact him today for help.

Torquay & Ocean Grove Installs

October 5, 2022 by Leigh Robinson

Installing Walk In Wardrobes Across The Bellarine

For those of you who don’t know the Bellarine Peninsular is a fast growing area just outside of Geelong that includes the Surf Coast. The areas are popular holiday destination but are now bustling towns with new sub division going up yearly.

The Bellarine Peninsular includes towns such as Leopold, Curlewis, Portarlington, Indented Heads, Point Lonsdale, St Leonards and Queenscliff it then leads on to Ocean Grove and Barwon Heads. Just around the corner and few kilometres further on is Torquay and Jan Juc. The reason why I mention these is because we have installed walk in wardrobes in nearly all of these towns.

The walk in wardrobes we install are not massive and the average size of the existing room is about 2.5metres x 1.8metres. This size room will allow one drawer bank (or two maximum), Full, double or 3/4 hanging options a couple of shoe racks/shelves and storage shelves with the average cost amounting to about $3000. This of course depends on the accessories such as pant racks, acrylic dividers, wire baskets and other accessory that you find here.

People often ask for prices or quotes over the phone but its a challenge to do this without taking into consideration the choices that need to made and the restrictions of the room size.

Ocean Grove & Torquay Installations

Most of the installs we do in Ocean Grove and Torquay for example are moderately small utilising an existing walk in wardrobe that hasn’t been looked at for 20 years or more. The kids have left home and the wife has decided that the old walk in wardrobe is not good enough. This is about 90% of the situations I see around these areas. It’s fair to say that about 80% of the walk in wardrobe is for the wife and about 20% is for the husband.

The homes are usually weatherboard and the walk in existing wardrobes are usually a top shelf with complimentary dead corners. It’s a good opportunity for the home owner to take out the old wardrobe and paint the room. With the newly painted room and flash new walk in wardrobe its life changing both visually and as a functioning utility.

The most common finish is white as the colourful clothes cover the wardrobe hanging areas and shelving and is the cheaper option although we have installed many woodgrain finished walk in wardrobes.

It’s easy for us to measure, quote, deliver and install on the Bellarine Peninsular and along the Surf Coast as we have done over the past. 9 months – yes it’s been busy.

Call Leigh Robinson today for a free measure , quote and drawings so you can see how your new walk in wardrobe will be laid out.

5 Walk In Wardrobe Mistakes To Avoid

October 6, 2022September 5, 2022 by Leigh Robinson

5 Walk In Wardrobe Mistakes To Avoid Today

Occasionally we come across an old wardrobe design that needs dismantling and a new one installed. In most cases there are some design mistakes that could have been avoided. Here are seven mistakes you DON’T want with your new walk in wardrobe installation.

MISTAKE No#1 – Watch Out For The Drawers

We have seen walk in wardrobe installations where the drawers can’t open properly because not enough room has been allowed in a cramped space. Most interior designers (including us) will tell you to make the drawers front and centre of your design with shelving and hanging options to the side. This will allow full access to the drawers.

Mistake #2 – Looking Out For Your Shoes

Most walk in wardrobes have shoes piled at the bottom of the wardrobe underneath the hanging areas making it almost impossible to casually and easily choose a pair of shoes at a glance. Bring the shoes up to your eye line with appropriate shelving so they aren’t buried. Another design trick is having your shoe shelving choices closer to the door way as your shoes are normally the first thing you take off when entering your walk in wardrobe.

Mistake #3 – Not Designing At All

How you choose your clothing and where its stored in your wardrobe is important. It’s not just a storage space. Work out a flow or design that suits the way you choose your clothes making it look orderly but also having a practical side to it. If you wear a uniform to work then have them easily on hand so you can pick them out without a second thought and maybe in a hurry. The same goes for your shoes, the most popular shoes are easily sort without hesitation. Remember your walk in wardrobe will be around for a long time so its a good idea to take the time to design the layout for your needs rather than treat it like a storage cupboard.

Mistake No#4 – Not Culling – No Hoarding Please.

Before you engage a walk in wardrobe expert try and cull the collection. Get rid of clothes you no longer wear, donate unwanted shoes and make sure your partner does the same. A new walk in wardrobe is a fresh start and what better time to get rid of clothing that hasn’t see the light of day in years. You could make rules for yourself such as: “If you haven’t worn an item of clothing in a year it goes to the charity bin!” This will help with a leaner, less cluttered result. Tidy wardrobe, tidy mind!

Mistake No#5 – In With The New, Out With The Old

It’s a good idea for you to organise a carpenter or handyman to come in and remove old shelving and previous outdated wardrobe components. You don’t need to spend too much on this and could possibly do it yourself. Our installers are fully qualified and would charge way too much for this kind of work as it’s not really their focus. High end wardrobe installation is our specialty so prepare the wardrobe space with a local supplier and allow for this with regards to booking in an installation. Stuff has to be remove, plaster and paint has to dry!

If you don’t select us as your supplier that’s fine but be selective and discerning with your choices. Ask these type questions:

– What is the quality of the shelving and are they adjustable?
– How will corners be treated?
– We have an air vent and powerpoint – what happens with these?
– I have hand bags and boots and other clothing items – how will they be managed?
– I struggling to reach things – what are my options?
– Tell me how to maximise my hanging options?

A successful wardrobe install requires knowledge and our man on the ground is Leigh Robinson who has helped installed hundreds of walk in wardrobes over the years. Call him today to avoid the classic wardrobe mistakes mentioned here. Ph: 0412 525 137