The first step towards a bespoke wardrobe is a design consultation — a conversation about your home, your storage needs, and what you want the finished result to feel like. If you have never commissioned bespoke joinery before, it is natural to wonder what the process involves.
This guide explains what to expect, how to prepare, and what you will take away from a consultation with Hertfordshire Wardrobes.
What is a design consultation?
A design consultation is an initial meeting — usually in your home — where we survey the space, discuss your requirements, and explore what is achievable. It is not a sales pitch. It is a practical conversation led by someone who designs and builds wardrobes for a living.
Consultations typically last between sixty and ninety minutes, depending on the complexity of your project and the number of rooms involved.
What we cover
Understanding your space
We measure the room — wall lengths, ceiling heights, alcove depths, and any architectural features such as chimney breasts, sloping ceilings, or windows that affect wardrobe placement. In period Hertfordshire properties, walls are rarely perfectly square; accurate measurement is essential.
We also note electrical points, existing lighting, and access routes for delivery and installation.
Understanding how you live
We ask about your clothing, your routines, and how you currently use bedroom storage. Do you need more hanging or shelving? Do you share the wardrobe? Do you want shoe storage, accessory drawers, or space for luggage?
These questions shape the internal layout. A wardrobe designed around your actual habits will serve you far better than a generic configuration.
Discussing options
Based on the space and your requirements, we discuss door types (hinged, sliding, handleless), materials (painted, oak, walnut), and scope (single alcove, full wall run, walk-in, dressing room). We explain the practical and cost implications of each option without pressure.
If you are considering a walk-in wardrobe or dressing room, we will assess whether your space can accommodate one and what layout would work best.
Answering your questions
Consultations are your opportunity to ask anything — timelines, budget ranges, how installation works, what happens if walls are uneven, how lighting is integrated. We aim to give clear, honest answers.
How to prepare
You do not need to prepare extensively, but a few things help:
- Clear the area — Move freestanding furniture away from walls so we can measure accurately. You do not need to empty wardrobes, but access to alcoves and wall runs is helpful.
- Think about storage — Note what you store and what frustrates you about current arrangements. Too little hanging? Not enough drawers? Shoes scattered on the floor?
- Gather inspiration — Pinterest boards, magazine clippings, or photos of wardrobes you admire give us a sense of your aesthetic preferences. Equally useful is knowing what you do not like.
- Have a budget range in mind — You do not need a fixed figure, but a realistic range (£10,000–£20,000, for example) helps us propose appropriate options. See our bespoke wardrobe cost guide for typical ranges.
What happens afterwards
Following the consultation, we prepare a design proposal. This typically includes:
- A layout drawing showing wardrobe dimensions and door configuration
- An internal layout with hanging, shelving, and drawer zones
- Material and finish recommendations
- An itemised quote covering design, manufacture, and installation
- An indicative timeline from approval to completion
We do not expect an immediate decision. Take time to review the proposal, discuss it with your partner, and ask follow-up questions. We are happy to adjust the design based on your feedback.
What a consultation is not
A design consultation is not a commitment to proceed. There is no obligation to accept our quote. It is also not a detailed architectural survey — if your project involves structural alterations, we will recommend appropriate specialists.
We do not provide quotes over the phone without seeing the space. Wardrobe pricing depends on dimensions, materials, and complexity that cannot be assessed remotely.
Where we work
We offer design consultations across Hertfordshire, including Berkhamsted, St Albans, Harpenden, Watford, and surrounding areas.
For broader context on planning your project, see our guide to planning a bespoke wardrobe in Hertfordshire.
Book your consultation
The best wardrobes begin with a good conversation. Our consultations are calm, thorough, and focused on understanding what you need.
Book a design consultation and tell us about your home. We look forward to meeting you.
