The Making of a Dream Dressing Room: Custom-Build Yours with Ella at Selfbuildhome_26

Designing a bespoke dressing room was a dream brought to life through creativity, craftsmanship, and clever planning. Faced with awkward roof angles and inspired by countless stunning dressing spaces online, Ella (selfbuildhome_26) decided to create something entirely their own. From custom cabinetry to curated styling, this is the story behind her tailored sanctuary.

What inspired you to build your own bespoke dressing room?

One of the main reasons I wanted to create my own bespoke dressing room was to maximise storage. The unique roof shape of our house made it difficult to find off-the-shelf wardrobes that would fit the space, so designing a custom solution was the best option. Additionally, I had been inspired by so many incredible dressing rooms online, and every time I showed them to my husband, he would say, “I can build that.” And so—he did.

What was the style inspiration behind your dressing room?

As a minimalist, I wanted the room to feel clean, crisp, and elegant. I spent a lot of time researching different styles, pulling together elements I loved, and refining my vision to create a dressing room that felt both timeless and functional. 

Can you describe the process of building your dressing room?

The first step was creating a scale drawing with various layout options. Once we finalised the design, we chose the colour scheme for both the wardrobes and the walls. My husband then began constructing and spraying the carcasses, carefully crafting each panelled door and drawer by hand.

Next, we built the island, incorporating panelling and drawers for additional storage. Lighting was a key consideration, so we installed motion-sensor lights inside the wardrobes for added functionality. We also had a custom mirror made for my dressing table and sourced marble for both the table and island top from a local supplier.

Once the doors, drawers, and lighting were in place, we laid the wooden flooring to bring warmth and texture to the space. The final step was adding the handles and finishing touches. In total, the entire project took around three weeks to complete.

What resources did you use, including paint colours and cabinetry hardware?

• Wardrobes & Construction: Built using MDF with Blum metal drawer boxes.

• Paint: Wardrobes were sprayed in Dulux ‘Hollyhock’, while the walls are painted in ‘Roman White’ for a soft contrast.

• Hardware: Handles are from Hendel and Hendel, in the Fitzrovia style with a brushed satin brass finish. 

• Mirrors: The custom dressing table mirror was crafted by a local glass supplier, while the large floor-standing mirror is from William Wood Mirrors.

• Marble Top: Sourced from a local stone worktop supplier.

• Flooring: Urban Oak Chevron from Direct Wood Flooring.

What are your top tips for creating your dream dressing room?

1. Gather Inspiration – Start by researching different styles and creating a mood board to refine your vision.
2. Plan Your Layout - Draw the entire room to scale before starting, ensuring every inch of space is utilised efficiently.
3. Storage Needs - Consider the type of storage that works best for your lifestyle, from hanging space to drawers and shelving.

What were your must-have design aspects for your dressing room or features you couldn't live without?

The Island was an absolute must-have, serving as both a statement piece and a functional storage solution. I also prioritised ample drawer space, extensive hanging options, and well-planned lighting to create a dressing room that feels both practical and luxurious.

How did you style your fluid pieces within your dressing room?

To complete the space, I placed the Hattan large vase as a centrepiece on the island. Its rich brown tones perfectly complement the flooring and marble accents throughout the room. Styled with delicate dried Gypsophila, it adds an organic, contemporary touch, seamlessly blending with the overall aesthetic.

Inspired by Ella’s stunning style? Discover every piece she picked— shop the look here.