How to Commission Custom Joinery for Stunning and Functional Storage

Understanding how to successfully commission custom joinery can significantly enhance your room's design.

Custom joinery maximizes available storage and display space, but it also adds much more to your interior decor. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, it can highlight the room's finest features and improve its overall proportions.

In this guide, experts share their insights on commissioning custom joinery and the advantages it offers.

Steps to Commission Custom Joinery

If you're exploring built-in storage solutions, commissioning custom joinery can be a worthwhile investment.

'Well-crafted joinery can create a dramatic effect in an interior, utilizing light and shadow to add depth, while framing openings and key features,' explains Bruce Hodgson, founder of architectural joinery specialists Artichoke Ltd. 'It also plays a crucial role in adjusting proportions.'

'Designing period-style joinery is a highly skilled art, but if done poorly, it can lead to uninspired results,' he continues.

'Contemporary joinery is generally quicker to design and produce, while traditional styles may intimidate some designers. However, as awareness of material waste grows, there's a strong push towards investing in durable pieces. After two decades of significant technological advancements, society is increasingly returning to hands-on craftsmanship,' he mentions.

Planning the Details of Custom Joinery

'The beauty of custom joinery is that it's tailored to your specific needs,' states interior designer Henriette von Stockhausen of VSP Interiors.

First, carefully consider the materials: if sustainability is a priority, opt for wood from sustainable sources, but remember that substitutes like MDF can work well in certain environments, such as damp areas like bathroom vanities.

'Be sure to specify where you want outlets or charging drawers from the start, as retrofitting them can be costly,' Henriette advises.

Lastly, avoid following trends. 'You might tire of a scalloped edge quickly. Since this is a long-term investment, I recommend sticking with classic designs,' she suggests.

Exploring Custom Joinery Throughout Your Home

'To us, effective joinery is both functional and beautiful,' says interior designer Fran Hickman. 'It reinforces the building's structure while also reflecting the personal touches we want to incorporate into the room.'

'We create bespoke joinery for all our projects. This made-to-measure approach is crucial for optimizing usable space, applicable to nearly every room. A recent example involves designing storage in a client's young son's bedroom. He doesn't need much hanging space, so we crafted a compact wardrobe with drawers and a small hanging area, plus three drawers beneath the bunk bed we designed.'

'Joinery can subtly enhance a room's ambiance and style. If you have oak flooring, we often use oak for the joinery as well, as it visually occupies less space and is easy on the eyes.'

Commissioning Custom Joinery for Small Spaces

Smart bathroom storage solutions are invaluable, according to interior decorator Irene Gunter of Gunter & Co.

'I enjoy designing proportionate vanity units that suit the room's style and scale while concealing everything else. I prefer using discreet mirrored cabinets set into recesses. In a recent project, we implemented this idea to create a recessed towel cabinet.

'When planning a bathroom, making the most of every inch of wall space is crucial for bespoke joinery, as it helps keep the beautiful surfaces and fittings free from clutter, creating a serene and restful atmosphere.'

Commissioning Joinery for Bedrooms

Bedroom storage solutions can be eye-catching. 'Joinery doesn't have to be understated,' Fran Hickman notes. 'We've recently created a wardrobe for a client with striking wide doors in reeded walnut, which are quite bold. A vibrant paint color can make a big impact, especially when budgets are tight.'

'When budgets allow, we prefer to line wardrobes with cedar since it's great for preserving clothes. It keeps them fresh and also deters moths: they dislike cedar! A larger budget also lets us incorporate additional details, like using veneers in the recessed handles of cupboards.'

'Careful planning is essential for joinery. For instance, in a bedroom shared by two people, consider when you both get dressed in the morning and where you want your belongings. It can be frustrating if you haven't planned accordingly and find yourself frequently crossing the room.'

Commissioning Joinery for Home Offices

While some may hesitate, many guest bedrooms are now doubling as essential home office spaces. This can be accomplished elegantly by including a traditional dressing table or writing desk in the design.

'Alternatively, consider building a mid-century style desk with a soft leather finish into a larger joinery piece in the bedroom,' suggests interior designer Tara Bernerd.

It's essential to first determine the primary function of the room: will it be used more as a guest room or an office? If it's the latter, think about incorporating a daybed into the joinery, as Tara did in her recent redesign of a suite at the Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown.

'By positioning the desk by the window, we were able to include a luxurious daybed in the joinery unit, which could occasionally serve as a child's bed while taking advantage of the stunning views.'

Creating Floor-to-Ceiling Storage

Carefully consider storage during the planning phase of a design project, ensuring that every nook and cranny is utilized, especially in children's bedrooms.

One effective strategy is to maximize wall space, allowing fitted joinery and display shelves to enhance available storage, suggest Katie Glaister and Henry Miller-Robinson of K&H Design.

'We encourage clients to calculate the total linear meterage of items that need storage, including shoes, clothes, and books, to ensure the design accommodates everything.'

Avoiding Common Mistakes When Commissioning Bespoke Joinery

Scale can often be misjudged, according to Mark Hollis of Hollis Rouse London, a residential construction and renovation firm.

'More frequently, joinery ends up being oversized rather than too small. Trying to fit in too much storage can result in imposing furniture that makes the room feel cramped.'

Ensure you allocate enough time for the commissioning process. 'Planning ahead when commissioning joinery is crucial,' Fran Hickman advises. 'Joiners need time to schedule the work and source materials, which can be particularly challenging in the current climate. I recommend allowing three months for the entire process, from initial discussions and measurements to design, planning, and installation.'

Attention to detail can distinguish between great and exceptional furniture. For illuminated joinery, consider the appropriate light intensities and color temperatures; invest slightly more in the 'jewels' of joinery such as hardware and handles; and think carefully about any painted finishes.

'A factory finish requires careful transportation and installation to avoid damage. On the other hand, hand painting on-site can be time-consuming and must be executed well,' Mark adds.