While many homeowners focus their attention on kitchens and living spaces, Zara and Giuliano knew one of the hardest-working rooms in their new home deserved just as much thought.
Designed to accommodate muddy boots, wet coats, firewood and daily life with their dog, Godric, the bootroom needed to balance practicality with beautiful design. Working alongside Spaceslide, they created a bespoke storage solution that feels every bit as intentional as the rest of their home.
For Zara, a bootroom was never an afterthought.
“A bootroom was always part of the plan from day one,” she explains. “When you're building from scratch in the Lincolnshire countryside, you simply have to have one. We have our dog, we're coming in from muddy walks with wellies, wet jackets, and need somewhere to store logs for the fire.”
Without a dedicated space to manage everyday countryside living, the couple knew clutter would quickly spill into the rest of the home.
In the early stages of the self-build, however, Giuliano admits the room was viewed more as a practical necessity than a design feature.
“In the early design phase, the bootroom was more of a functional afterthought, if I'm honest, a space to tick a practical box,” he says. “But as the rest of the house took shape and we got more deliberate about every room, we realised it deserved exactly the same level of thought.”
“The entrance to your home sets the tone for everything beyond it. We didn't want a dumping ground. We wanted something that looked intentional and beautiful, even while doing a very unglamorous job.”
Storage was naturally high on the priority list. The couple wanted dedicated space for coats, boots, shoes, logs and everyday essentials, while ensuring the room remained cohesive with the wider design of the house.
“We'd worked so hard to create a modern country aesthetic throughout,” says Zara. “The bootroom had to sit confidently within that.”
Working closely with the Spaceslide team, Zara and Giuliano developed a completely bespoke design tailored to the unique dimensions of the space.
The finished room combines full-height reed green shaker cabinetry with walnut-effect shelving, a built-in window seat, open coat hanging space, dedicated welly storage and integrated log stores positioned above the hanging areas.
“The shaker style and the reed green colour were non-negotiable for us,” says Giuliano. “It bridges the traditional character of the building, the handmade brickwork, the Corten steel, and the clean interior together.”
The bespoke nature of the project proved particularly valuable given the quirks of the room.
“Our space has specific dimensions and quirks you simply can't solve with an off-the-shelf product,” he explains. “Without a truly bespoke solution like Spaceslide, we wouldn't have been able to achieve the finish we have.”
One of the standout features is the integrated window seat, complete with custom-sized welly cubbies underneath. “The bench was essential,” says Zara. “You need somewhere to sit to pull wellies on and off. It sounds obvious, but so many bootrooms miss it.”
“The great thing about Spaceslide is that everything is actually bespoke made on site. When the install team were putting it together, we actually used our wellies to set and double check the height of the bench.”
Another feature close to the couple's hearts is the integrated log storage. Positioned above the coat hanging area, it provides practical access to firewood while introducing warmth and texture into the room.
“A stack of seasoned logs in that open shelf has a warmth to it that no accessory could replicate,” says Giuliano. “It's practical, yes, but it's also just beautiful.”
The consultation process helped bring the vision to life from the outset.
“Darren clearly understood the brief,” says Giuliano. “He wasn't trying to sell us something generic and make it fit. He was genuinely engaged with what the space needed to do and what it needed to feel like.”
Installation was equally seamless. “After 16 months of managing an entire self-build with all its chaos and unexpected challenges, working with a supplier who simply delivered what they promised, on time, to a high standard, that's genuinely priceless,” he says.
Today, the completed bootroom is one of the most used and admired spaces in the home.
“Everything has a place,” says Zara. “Coats on the hooks, wellies in the cubbies below the bench, dog leads hanging neatly, logs stacked in the store above. You walk in, everything goes where it belongs, and the rest of the house stays exactly as it should.”
One of Zara's favourite details is the set of antique brass fox head hooks mounted within the walnut panels, a subtle nod to the Foxes Maltings name.
“Every time I hang my coat up I smile,” she says.
Visitors regularly comment on the room, particularly the combination of open hanging space and integrated log storage, which immediately reflects the lifestyle and character of the home.
“What I love most is that it looks like it was designed specifically for this house,” says Giuliano. “Because it was.”
“The reed green picks up the tones in the micro-cement walls, the walnut tops echo the oak doors, the antique brass handles tie back to the other metalwork throughout the build. Nothing feels like it was dropped in from outside. It all belongs.”
Perhaps the biggest endorsement comes from the home's most enthusiastic resident.
“The dog has entirely claimed the room as his own,” laughs Zara. “Which we absolutely did not plan for, but honestly couldn't be more fitting.”
For anyone embarking on a self-build or major renovation project, Zara and Giuliano have one piece of advice.
“The temptation is always to save money on the functional spaces and spend on the showpiece rooms,” says Giuliano. “Don't. The spaces you use every single day are where quality really pays off.”
“Spaceslide delivered something that looks exactly as designed, installed cleanly, and has been completely faultless since,” adds Zara. “Working with a supplier who simply did what they said they'd do, beautifully and without drama, was an absolute pleasure. We'd recommend them without any hesitation whatsoever.”
Whether you're building your dream home, renovating a period property, or simply looking to make everyday spaces work harder, Spaceslide can help bring your vision to life. Get in touch with the team today to start planning your bespoke storage solution.
Create your favourite sliding wardrobe design in a room that you can relate to. Use our stunning visualiser to see how your new wardrobe could look in just a few easy to follow steps!
Design your new hinged wardrobe inside a real room! Get exactly what you want in a space that not only inspires you, but shows off these wardrobes at their best!