The Design Power of Built-Ins

I am a huge fan of built-ins, especially in spaces with a very obvious beginning and end. When carefully designed and thought out, they can become an aesthetically pleasing and also functional feature in a home. With a plethora of designing options, the sky's the limit. If you’re thinking about a built-in in your space, please read on…

What are the Functions?

Source: Alyssa Collins | Landscape & Interior

While at times furniture is a great option, if you are looking to add value to your home and enhance the functionality, built-ins are a great option. Built-ins can have different functions, for example:

• Display beautiful art, sculptures, and treasures 
  
• Hold books
  
• Entertainment zone.
  
• Drop station, e.g., for a mudroom
  
• Closets in rooms, especially in rooms that lack walk-in closet space.
  

Many built-ins meet multiple needs and serve many functions.

What are the Benefits?

There are many reasons why I love built-ins. In working with clients over the years, I have identified five main benefits of built-ins.

1. It Serves as a Visual Point of Interest

Source: thriftydecorchick.com I absolutely love this built-in. It adds weight, interest and functionality to the basement.

My number one reason for loving a good built-in is that it adds visual charm and interest to a room. Whether the built-ins are simple, clean, and white; a bold color that adds even more interest to the room, or wooden, built-ins are sure to draw the eye’s attention. It’s an anchor.
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If you live, or have lived, in a historical home, chances are it is/was laden with charming details that add to the overall charm and interest of the home. Built-Ins are most likely already a part of your home design. If you live in a new home, this may be true too, but often, newer homes lack the added craftsman details of older homes. By adding a built-in, you are able to add personality to a room.
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Pro Tip: Avoid the temptation to add a built-in just to have it. It isn’t always the right choice. Some rooms are appealing by all the different furniture placement options that are available in its raw space. For rooms where it is obvious where furniture will most likely always be placed, built-ins can add that extra charm.

2. Added Storage

An appealing aspect of built-ins is creating a design combination that includes closed storage on the bottom. This offers a place for items to be stored out of sight. This is especially nice for paperwork, board games, movies, or just private items.
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Built-ins the majority of the time have bookcases built into the top providing a place for books, pictures, and other treasures. 

3. Balances Weight of Room

Unless you’ve studied design, or are a very art-minded individual, you may not be aware that every room has a certain “weight.” This weight can be found in different design elements: windows, fireplaces, doors, openings, built-ins, crown molding, etc. If a certain room feels lacking in your life, you may find that a well thought out built-in will ground the space and make it feel more comfortable.
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It’s the equivalent to adding a horizon line to a piece of art. It grounds the picture. In the same way, the correct weight in a room will ground the space and unconscionably make you feel at ease.

4. Flexible Design

Built-ins can be made with off-the-shelf materials or by scratch by a craftsman. Designing a built-in need not be a splurge or super-costly expense. Depending on the size of the built-in to be, and the materials you decide to use, this can be the case, but with multiple material options, however, it is likely that you will be able to find an option that works for your budget.

Off-the-shelf kitchen or laundry cabinetry found at big box stores are an affordable way to start your project. With the addition of crown molding and baseboard you can add the custom look for less. If you worry about off-the-shelf cabinetry’s ability to keep up with use, keep in mind that a built-in is most likely not to be used heavily on a daily basis.

If you are into high quality, working with a custom cabinetry company to get something custom made is always an option and opens many designing options.
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Adding shelving to the built in requires more handiwork and unless you are handy with a saw, may require you to hire a carpenter or handyman. There are many ways around this, including customizing regular bookcases, but it is quite a project and one that I’d suggest you work with a handyman to make sure you get it stable and ensure it meets your vision.

5. Many Functions

While we most often think of shelving and cubbies when we hear the word ‘built-in,’ these features can have many functions. Your starting point for designing a built-in is to take into consideration an individual/family’s need. The need may be for storage, but also you could need a desk, bench, coffee station, or entertainment spot.

Source: McGee & Co.

Pro Tip: In the right space, a sliding track library ladder can be a great addition to your built-in. This will add oodles of charm, and functionality to your room.  ​

You may be inspired to get started on a design, and you may be wondering how to get started. As always, let me know how I can help.