5 quick and easy storage tips to simplify your space
5 quick and easy storage tips to simplify your space
Do you ever wish that your storage solutions were just a little bit more user-friendly, with a little bit more space? If you are that person who utilises any available nook and cranny to hide away clutter and stuff random items, you’re certainly not alone. But if you’re also that person who feels anxious and stressed each time you try to wrestle open a stuffed drawer, desperately searching for a forgotten item or that missing sock – but you’re actually crying on the inside for an easier way – this is for you.
Looking for new wardrobe doors? How to buy once – and buy right.
Are you tired of your wardrobe doors? Or maybe they have finally reached the end of the line and are headed for that big storage unit in the sky. It’s important not to underestimate the central role that wardrobes play in a room setting, most likely the largest piece of vertical furniture on view in the room they immediately set the style and tone agenda. Whatever your reasons, purchasing new wardrobe doors is a huge decision that’s not to be taken likely. Find out how to get the best wardrobe doors that will last the course – and achieve the style and quality your home deserves.
Do I actually need wardrobe doors?
Apart from simply looking great, wardrobe doors are there for very good functional reasons. They protect our clothing and belongings from the sun’s super-strong UV rays, as well as keeping our things dry, fresh and dust-free. In addition to all of this, wardrobe doors can hide a multitude of sins that lie on the shelves behind. What goes on behind closed doors? Well that’s on a need-to-know basis only. When buying your new doors, make sure you’re getting that magic trio: style, quality and finish. It’s definitely worth investing upfront in a high quality product that will last you for many years to come rather than having to replace and repair much sooner than you anticipated.
What do they need to do?
It’s no secret that wardrobe doors actually have an important job to do – and it’s critical that they do it well. A tight closing fit is imperative to making sure that no sneaky light gets let in (which could potentially damage the contents over time). As well as shutting effectively, the doors need to have plenty of negotiating space to allow them to open up just as effectively – primarily to give you the regular access space you will inevitably need. Your wardrobe doors also need to complement (or set) the overall style of the room in terms of design as well as have the appropriate practicality and functionality. Think about the interior design tone you would like to achieve, as wardrobe doors can make or break a room.
What are my options?
Depending on your available space, you can choose from a variety of wardrobe doors to suit. It’s an opportunity to have some fun and get creative as well as being practically minded. Firstly, the room measurements will have a fair say in the choice of installation. Sliding doors are great for use in those more compact areas, hinged doors will suit if the room space allows and mirrored doors are perfect for reflecting light and adding depth – as well as handily doubling up as a full length mirror. Secondly, you can release your inner stylist and choose a door finish that will complement or accent your room feel. Wardrobe doors are available in sleek contemporary styles, mirrored or decaled, and can even be coloured to suit.
What should I avoid?
Poor quality product is the main offender in this category, and what might look easy on the eye may well fall apart before the year is done. Wardrobes undergo a fair amount of usage, especially for families with young children. They have to sufficiently be able to withstand regular wear and tear and still fulfil against their role. Wardrobe doors can be made from a variety of materials, so make sure you ask the supplier which exact materials are being used before you commit to a purchase. Fox Wardrobes only sources from established and reliable providers that guarantee their product. Only then are we comfortable sharing this work with our customers. In addition to the Australian made MDF provided by Polytec, Fox Wardrobe doors are all fitted with straighteners that prevent any bowing further down the track. As we continually work with the same supply partners, we know exactly where our materials are coming from, as well as understanding exactly what quality we are working with.
What does The Fox say?
We understand the emotional energy that goes into choosing wardrobe doors. We understand that you want the best value for money. And we fully understand the work we have to do to deliver against that because we share your passion. Fox Wardrobes is committed to supplying quality products at affordable prices. Where possible we always support local Australian businesses – and where not we source the very best from Europe. Our focus is absolutely on delivering top quality storage solutions at affordable prices. Not only do we offer an 8-point service guarantee, your wardrobe doors are guaranteed right from purchase for a further 10 years, no quibbles required. In order to be able to make that promise there are certain standards we require our products to meet, that’s why all our mirrored doors are backed with safety vinyl to ensure that industry safety requirements are fully met.
That’s the Fox Wardrobes way, and our promise to you is that you won’t leave disappointed.
The power of 8 – our customer service guarantee
Once you have decided exactly where your new wardrobe will go, it’s time to call in the professionals to get the job started. But where to begin? For many people, once they have parted with their money and signed on the line, a common complaint is that customer service and after-care seem non-existent. At Fox Wardrobes, we are entirely different – and here’s 8 reasons why.
The number 8 has traditionally held significant properties in many cultures. In itself, the number 8 is balanced and ordered. It also represents new beginnings and regeneration. At Fox Wardrobes, we pride ourselves on delivering a balanced customer service with 100% satisfaction delivered from the outset. We believe our customers are partners for life and we treat them accordingly. That’s why we have a detailed 8-point service guarantee that shows you exactly what you can expect when you work with us – giving you all the confidence you need to choose Fox as your partner of choice.
How to hygge your bedroom in 5 easy steps
Life can be pretty hectic. Whether it’s jobs, schools, children or sport we spend a lot of time rushing around between one task and the next. Because of the way we live, it’s really important that our homes provide a place of calm, comfort and serenity. Home is the one place we can happily snuggle up feeling cosy and secure, where we know we can be just ourselves surrounded by those closest to us. Finding the time to make your nesting space feel magazine-worthy is another matter entirely – and it can often become another source of stress just thinking about how to find the time to buy and organise everything you need to help you de-stress. Even reading that is stressful! If you are that person, you need some hygge in your life. It just doesn’t get any simpler.
5 bedroom storage hacks you need to know
It’s no secret that the average Sydney house size is getting smaller and smaller, and with property prices still up there at healthy levels many families are looking to apartment living or downsizing simply to enjoy the beautiful area. So if you are finding your bedroom a little on the compact and bijou side, you’re definitely not alone – and it doesn’t mean you have to compromise on your storage space either. At a time when styles are ever changing and product is more widely available, there is little wonder we’re all struggling to house our belongings in an orderly fashion. Despite a thorough Marie Kondo and all sorts of sparked joy, somehow there still never seems to be enough room – or the right sort of space – for what we need to accommodate. The answer? It’s all in the smart storage.
Spotlight On…
Ever wanted to find out how Foxy Fitters really spend their time? We get up close and personal with Senior Installer Dan Mckie (Big Fox) to find out exactly what goes on behind closed wardrobe doors…
Dan, we’re keen to find out a bit more about the man that fits Fox Wardrobes. Tell me a little bit about yourself growing up.
I grew up here on the Northern Beaches in Cromer and actually went to Primary School with Vic and Chris (Volpe)! We moved to Warriewood, then I left school at 16 to do my cabinet-making apprenticeship.
How did you end up at Fox Wardrobes?
I did a stint in Landscape Gardening but then decided to go back to the cabinet-making business. At that time Vic (Volpe) was installing some kitchen cabinets for me and happened to need someone – I liked the idea of a local job with people I knew, so here I am today working solely with Chris for Fox Wardrobes.
How do you like to spend your spare time?
I used to surf a lot before I broke my ankle in a motorbike accident down on the farm. Now I enjoy clay target shooting in Duffy’s Forest, or going fishing. A friend of mine has a farm down South (just west of Goulburn); I love to take the family there, just spending time outdoors in the fresh air.
What is important to you in life?
My family. No question. By that I mean my immediate family – my wife and my two beautiful girls, Ruby (4) and Georgie (2) – and of course my parents who live nearby. I see them every week, as well as my two sisters. We catch up about every fortnight.
Who would you say are the biggest influencers in your life?
Mum and Dad.
Customers and colleagues all speak very highly of you – what do you see as your personal strengths?
I don’t really see that I have any! I just get in there and get the job done. I move straight on to the next job and I don’t waste time. I aim to leave the house how I found it, as that’s the last impression the customer will have of Fox. I’m on time, I leave it clean and I do the job right from the start.
It’s clearly a winning combination. Do you enjoy meeting new people?
I would say that I’m probably quite shy! At the beginning I didn’t enjoy that side of the business, and always focused on the job. But now, as I’m meeting more and more people, I’ve come to enjoy that aspect more.
If you could listen to one music track while you were working, what would it be?
I love talkback radio more than music, though Johnny Cash would be right up there as well. I’m a 2GB and Triple M man.
Do you have a life philosophy?
Time with family, that’s my absolute priority. Swimming at the beach with my kids at the weekend is what makes it all worthwhile.
Is there anything personally you would like to change, improve on or learn? I’m thinking Salsa lessons, yoga or spear fishing…?
Definitely not Salsa! My personal goal is to get my ankle fixed up so I can run again.
What’s your favourite movie?
Ace Ventura every time.
Let’s talk wardrobes. What’s the Fox culture like – could you describe it for us?
It’s fun and fast. I would say we work fast, but we have fun along the way. We’re a good team.
What makes the Fox team work so well in your opinion?
We see each other every morning in the factory before we go out to the jobs, and we all feel like we’re part of something. It’s a great company to work for because the staff feel valued. We have weekly meetings where we all have a voice to contribute our opinions, and we all get heard.
What would surprise people to know about working at Fox?
People think we can just chuck it in – it’s only a wardrobe, right? What they don’t realise is that we need to be able to do it quickly, efficiently and accurately. Most importantly it requires correct measuring at the very start. It might look easy but it’s not.
Just between us, could you quietly just shove it in?
Yes, of course! But it wouldn’t be done right and to the level of quality that Fox delivers.
What is the most interesting part of your job?
I like the variation of going from house to house, meeting new people and meeting the brief.
What’s your best day?
When everything works well and to measurement. That’s my best day.
How often does that happen?
Today! My job was detailed to take 1.5 hours, but I got it done in 22 minutes.
What do you personally enjoy the most about fitting wardrobes?
I love it when I go in a room and there’s nothing there – except maybe an old Ikea rack – and then on the completion you see the customer satisfaction and delight. It’s awesome. Making customers happy and actually seeing the difference you can make to someone’s life is such a good feeling.
What’s the hardest type of installation for you?
Swing doors. It’s quite a time consuming process and a bit like fitting a cupboard without a back holding the position.
Does your heart sink when you see awkward spaces?
Yep! But only in such a scenario where the job is completed how the customer has asked, but I can see it doesn’t really work. Although if the client is happy, that’s all that matters!
To your mind, what makes Fox stand out in the marketplace?
I think it’s our customer service, and that we have such a great team. The next job doesn’t start until this one is resolved. Problems will always happen, but at Fox it’s how you deal with them that matters. We’re all on the same page with that.
If you weren’t working at Fox, where would you be and what would you be doing?
I’d definitely move down to a farm in the country. I love working with timber outdoors.
If you were left stranded on a desert island for the rest of your days, and you could only take one thing with you, what would it be?
My dog.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Ideally living in Narrabeen out on the lake, with maybe a couple more kids if my wife gets her way. Although I do have two sisters, so maybe not….