This is no shaggy dog story – when one Belfast family commissioned a Sliderobes unit for their utility room they wanted it designed to incorporate beds for their two adorable Tibetan Terriers, Lucas and Buttons.

It’s probably one of the most chic and stylish doggy bedrooms around, and the two pups love their new home.  When Mrs Foster of BT9 and her husband first discussed this unusual usage with Beverley Cleland, Customer Service Manager at the Sliderobes Belfast branch, Bev didn’t bat an eyelid.

“We had several issues that led us to getting a Sliderobes unit for the utility room,” explains Mrs F, who lives with her husband, four sons and two dogs in a 6-bedroom detached house.  

“We had done up our kitchen and the units from our old kitchen were in the utility room which led to storage problems, as everything just tended to get dumped there.

“Twelve years ago we had Sliderobes wardrobes fitted in our bedroom and it worked really well, so we knew what we wanted and what we didn’t want.  And we’d worked with Sliderobes before, so we were happy with them.”

SPACE FOR EVERY SITUATION

As well as incorporating sleeping space for Lucas and Buttons, the unit, which was fitted earlier this year, acts as great storage space for the demands of a busy family. And its location in the utility room makes it the perfect storage solution.

The unit houses a 6ft high seven-drawer freezer as well as vases and baking materials.  There are also two drawers filled with tools, plus space for a microwave as well a room for dog food and chicken feed for Gillian’s hens.

There is a rail for hanging wet coats and long space for storing an ironing board, brushes and mops, as well as shelving for welly boots and all the clutter a big family has.

The family’s use of their Sliderobes unit may surprise you, but Sliderobes don’t have to be kept in the bedroom. One of the benefits of a bespoke Sliderobes unit is that it can go anywhere and be used for any purpose. Just ask Lucas and Buttons!

“I was worried that they wouldn’t take to the bed but I introduced their blankets into it and they loved it. I only have to say ‘bed’ to them and they trot off to bed.  Lucas can even slide the door open with his paw when he wants to go in.”

THE PERFECT STYLE AND FIT

“Beverley wasn’t fazed at all when we first told her what we wanted the unit for,” explains Mrs Foster.

“A fitter came one Saturday morning and took all the old stuff away then on the Thursday they fitted the new unit.  It all just worked very well.

“We chose a functional plain white wood effect and the unit runs the full length and height of the room, along one side.  Whereas before everything was in different units and a bit untidy, now it’s all hidden away behind the Sliderobes doors so the room looks neat and tidy. 

“The utility room was transformed before our eyes within a number of hours thanks to the quick, efficient, clean and professional service by the fitter.”

 SPREADING THE WORD

 “All the friends and family members who have seen it have been really impressed.  In fact, one friend who saw ours and loved it has already got one put into her bedroom in a funky Japanese style black wood.

“We would consider having it done again. We had our attic converted and turned into an extra bedroom, so we have a room up there with a sloping roof, which would be good for possibly storing books in.

“Then there are the boys’ rooms, and they might have added storage needs in the future, so we haven’t ruled out going back to Sliderobes again some time in the future.