Store more, get organized, and add style to your home with these unique built-in ideas!
Nothing puts the square footage to better use in your home than a built-in. Whether a desk framed within a seldom-used closet or a bookcase tucked into a nook by your fireplace, custom built-ins enhance and maximize every available inch of your space.
And the best part? You don’t have to spend a fortune for this improved functionality and enhanced style either.
Let’s dive into Cabinet Chic’s favorite inspiration for stunning built-ins throughout the home!
What Are Built-Ins?
Welcome to the wonderful world of custom built-ins! Built-in cabinetry is any type of storage space that is designed and installed directly into a wall or other existing structure.
These cabinets can be used to store anything from books to kitchen items and are a great way to make use of small spaces.
Built-in cabinetry provides a level of customization that allows you to create the exact look you are going for.
Whether you are looking for something traditional or modern, the possibilities with custom built-ins are endless!
Unlock the Potential of Your Home with these Fabulous Built-In Ideas
Get rid of the clutter and make use of every space in your house with these built-in ideas!
Homework Alcove
Recessed built-ins are a great choice for conserving precious floor space in small bedrooms. A bright-colored and welcoming space can entice your children to get homework done without cluttering up their space, no matter its size.
Consider using a closet or stealing space from an adjoining room for a “bump out”.
If you are building in a child’s room, design with an eye on the future. The desk area should be small enough for their use now, but able to grow with them.
Chic Idea: Save desk space by installing recessed can lights or pucks. Use bright LED lights and make sure that the light switch and power outlets are within arm’s reach.
Wet Bar Cabinet
Built-in cabinetry offers the perfect hideaway for a well-stocked wet bar. When not in use, the bar’s sink, mini fridge, glasses, and liquor bottles are completely hidden behind doors that can complement your home’s aesthetic or make a statement with a bold color.
Come cocktail time, the doors open out into the room, ready for serving!
Stairwell Wine Cellar
And while we’re talking about after 5 o’clock libations, we can’t forget about a wine cellar! If you have a staircase in your home, chances are you aren’t putting the space below them to very good use.
In this case, you can make this often neglected area a stylish focal point where you can store and display your favorite wine. Conceal glass decanters and stemware in cabinetry, and store coasters and corkscrews in the drawers.
Chic Tip: Prevent dust from collecting in glasses by using built-in cabinets with doors instead of open shelving. Want to show off your collection? Use hinged tempered glass panels in place of solid doors.
Stand-Up Desk
The ability to tailor built-ins to suit your family’s needs and floor plan gives them a big advantage over store-bought furniture. Instead of a space-hogging sit-down desk, a stand-up command center/desk eliminates the need for a chair and frees up room in your home.
While thirty-six inches in standard counter height for a stand-up desk, you can vary the height so it is comfortable for you.
Under Window Cabinets
The area below a window (often used to house houseplants and little else) is an excellent spot for creative built-ins! You can turn this dead space into usable square footage with a small built-in window cabinet that is positioned directly under the sill.
This cabinet can be a great place to store board games or tools to tend your houseplants, but remove the doors and it can become s small library space or a place to display pottery.
Chic Tip: For a truly integrated look, extend the molding around the built-in wherever it intersects with the original trim. Very chic!
Room Divider
In large family rooms, built-ins can carve out designated zones for anything from dining and lounging to working and entertaining.
Rather than split a large space in two, consider installing a columned divider complete with cabinetry and built-in bookshelves! Leave an open area at the top to keep things from feeling smaller and closed off.
Fireplace Niche
If you have a fireplace, chimney bump outs might have created recesses on either side that are ideal for entertainment centers or bookshelves.
Imagine how cozy it will be to curl up with a good book right next to your fireplace. Nice! Plus, the cabinets can hide items, like a box of fireplace matches, that you may want to keep handy but out of sight.
Mudroom Bench
The entryway to many homes is often full of clutter. The trick to organizing this space is to include a drop zone or mudroom to organize and hide away coats, shoes, backpacks, etc.
A hinged-top bench can be greatly useful for both storing and putting on your shoes! Don’t forget some hooks or locker-style cabinets to hang jackets, umbrellas, or pet leashes!
More Inspiration > Designing a Drop Zone
Happiness is Built-In
Built-in storage is an amazing way to add convenience and value to any home. With the right design, thoughtful materials, and tailored customization, built-in storage can enhance your living space and bring a new level of joy and satisfaction to your home life!
It's time to get creative with unique built-in storage ideas! Contact Miriam Johnson, the Cabinet Chic, to get started today!
