After a breakup, celebrity photographer and media personality Bingo Rimér had long kept some of his clothes and possessions in moving boxes. Now, thanks to Elfa Décor’s new series, he has built an attractive, luxurious and functional walk-in-closet with space for suits, sneakers, glasses, caps and ADHD medication.
By Charlotta Flinkenberg I Photos Bingo Rimér
Sweden’s best-known photographer Bingo Rimér has had his eye on Elfa’s products ever since he was a child.
“I have always been a big Elfa fan. My dad thought it was an exceptionally smart system, everything hang on the top track. He’s the one who introduced me to Elfa. For the past 20 years I’ve used Elfa systems in my photography studios, and whenever I’ve moved I’ve made sure to bring my shelving with me.”
Initially Bingo associated the brand with practicality, functionality and high quality. Back then for him the main purpose of the storage system was to keep his photography accessories and other things that needed storing in order.
“When I was introduced to Elfa’s new Décor system and its trendy design, it brought the aesthetic aspect to life for me, too. That was great – I got so fired up about the possibilities! That’s when my thoughts of a walk-in closet started to take hold.”
Bingo has never had his own walk-in closet before, and admits that had Elfa’s planning experts not shown him the possibilities of the Décor solution, he would probably have gone for a more conventional storage system.
“Like many other guys, I have under-prioritised the possibilities of having my own walk-in closet. Or, rather, they have been under-prioritised for me, as previous girlfriends have nabbed all the space.”
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“I have always had a very personal connection to my photography studio in Södermalm, Stockholm, which is the hub of my business. I had long dreamt of building a sort of ‘man cave 2.0’ there, where the focus was less on after parties and more on the modern man.”
“A man who has in adulthood transformed into a responsible father of four, who cares about his health and does Swedish Classic sporting challenges, Iron Man, and similar. Who enjoys life but still looks after himself, who has grown more interested in what he wears and who has a need for order and structure.”
This definition fits Bingo to a tee. Having put his decadent party days behind him, he now lives a healthy family life with a focus on fitness and organic food. He lives in a house on an island in the Stockholm archipelago, but spends much of his time in his Södermalm photography studio. While training for his tough races, he installed a rowing machine and other exercise equipment in the studio, and also built a spa section with a sauna and kitchen. Bingo wanted to develop this concept, and a spacious walk-in closet was all that was needed to complete his man cave.
Although Bingo’s walk-in closet offers order and tidiness aplenty, the most distinctive thing about his man cave has to be its great atmosphere. Besides Elfa Décor’s clean design in sober grey tones with silver knobs, Bingo has had a light carpet fitted with underfloor heating, and spotlights in the ceiling. The lighting can change colour, depending on the desired ambiance.
“Everyone is impressed and envious of my walk-in closet – men and women! Even kids like hanging out in here, because it’s so cosy. Whenever I have events in the studio, this is where people tend to congregate. It’s a space that people are drawn to.”
Where space was concerned, Bingo needed the most room for his suits and blazers. The advantage of Elfa’s system is that the number of rods, drawers and hangers can be adapted to meet your needs. In addition, some features of the Décor series may be items you hadn’t previously considered but that make for nice, practical touches, such as mirrors and dividers.
“I had never seen myself as a particularly vain person, but of course it’s great to have this mirror, so I can check how I look before leaving the wardrobe. By the mirror I have small wire shelves that I keep scents and other things on.”
Bingo has also built a storage solution by Elfa in Classic Platinum, in which to keep his fitness wear and some photography equipment.
“Since I separated from my ex, I’ve had parts of my life packed away in moving boxes for years. It’s been very messy, of course, and hard to find things. When it comes to Elfa I know that you’re paying for quality – these are solid, durable pieces. This storage system allows me to get things off of the floor, so it’s easier to clean and keep the place tidy."
