Dreaming of your own boutique dressing room? Discover what’s trending, from central islands to illuminated display zones…
There is one infamous walk-in wardrobe, of a fictional character, I envy and that is Carrie Bradshaw’s from Sex and the City. Drenched in a calming blue shade, her dressing area included rails stuffed with couture, shelves decorated with colourful shoe and hat boxes, and pull-out drawers filled with accessories – one can dream, right?
Whether you’re renovating your space from scratch or planning to transform a spare room into your dream dressing area, I couldn’t help but wonder… what are some popular design features in 2025?
On display
“We are moving away from purely functional spaces and increasingly making dressing rooms almost performative spaces, rooms where you can spend time, your own personal runway and boutique,” says Philipp Nagel, director at Neatsmith, who has noticed a trend for having shoe and handbag collections on display rather than concealing them.
So, take this as your sign to put your prized possessions front and centre, from decorating open shelves with elegant shoes to adding interest to your glass-fronted cabinets with colourful clothing. To elevate your design further, add built-in LED lighting, which will add visual impact while enhancing functionality.
Open and closed storage
Floor-to-ceiling cabinetry is also on the rise, as well as maximising storage with both open and closed solutions. “We’re seeing a strong demand for full-height wardrobes with integrated lighting, plus a mix of open and closed storage so you can display your favourite items on open shelving, while hiding any messy areas behind closed doors,” says Tam Reed, designer at Tom Howley’s Brentwood showroom.
Rebecca Nokes, design director at John Lewis of Hungerford, agrees and adds, “We’re seeing a real trend of both concealed and open storage when it comes to designing dressing rooms, allowing you to neatly store what you’d rather not have on show and display special items such as handbags and shoes.”
So, storage optimisation is key, as says Matt Phillips, head of UK operations at Rotpunkt. “Keep an eye out for furniture which can be configured in different heights and widths, as this will ensure a perfect fit as well as create a modern bedroom space with boutique-style dressing area,” he advises.
Dressing room islands
Dressing room islands remain a popular feature, complete with glass or stone worktops, drawers with clever dividers, and even built-in seating. “These islands can also incorporate a dressing table, offering a dedicated spot to sit and get ready, while adding even more functional storage,” says Tam. “Our clients also love incorporating casual seating, bespoke shoe storage, and mirrored panels to enhance the experience of getting ready. The goal is to blend beauty with utility – spaces that feel indulgent yet tailored to individual needs.”
Need more inspiration? Scroll down…