A thoughtfully designed built-in design can transform a room, sweet friends! They are a resourceful solution for storing, maximizing space, and adding character to your home. And they add value! Maybe you want a closed-in storage space. Or you may prefer open shelving… we love a combination of these elements, too. Regardless, a custom built-in is the perfect solution!
12 Beautiful Built-In Designs That We Love!
1. Bookish Built-Ins for Your Living Space
A custom built-in bookcase filled with collectables is a beautiful and functional addition to any home – can you say ‘return on investment’? The joy of having a designated place for all your cherished finds only adds to the comfort of settling into a cozy sofa with a good book. The custom bookcase becomes an anchoring focal point to the room!
2. Make It a Moody Moment
If you’ve been keeping up with our conversation about the latest design trends, then you know we love a dark and moody, yet high-contrast moment! Amplify depth to your built-in design by integrating a deep rich color as your backdrop. We love this dark, rich green color and how it makes the shelving decor, settee, rug and pillows pop!
3. shiplap and stained wood shelving Millwork
A custom built-in bookcase with shiplap is a stunning addition to any coastal home. Not only does it provide ample storage space for books, and keepsakes, but it also adds visual interest to the room. The joy of having a beautiful and functional built-in bookcase in your home cannot be overstated – it truly elevates the overall aesthetic and ambiance.
4. Maximize Your Space
We prioritize organization and functionality, all while making it beautiful! We suggest built-ins to give you more storage without cluttering your room. Built-in bookcases such as this historic home built-in does double duty as a bar and to display family heirlooms. It also adds significant value!
Designer Tip: Incorporate more organic touches into your space! Our Out on a Limb Mood Board is a great place to start for inspiration.
5. Modernize With Symmetry
We might opt for a symmetrical built-in design to create a modern look. Even when working with a new build home, you can incorporate sleek design elements to give them a contemporary feel. We love the contrast of the natural wood used for these dual symmetrical built-ins against the light neutral wall color. They look oh-so-lovely, framing the art collection in the center – such a great home office design.
6. Create an Open Feel With Glass Doors
While we love open shelving for displays, we greatly appreciate a beautiful built-in featuring glass doors! In a kitchen design, we suggest glass doors for displaying your favorite heirloom dishes while protecting it from dust. We also love the look of these beveled glass doors and their contrast to this bright, white kitchen area. The brass hardware and calacatta marble backsplash elevate the entire look.
Designer Tip: If you love this look, browse some more neutral living room designs in our blog!
7. Stylize Your Entertainment Center
Give your family the ultimate gathering space when you stylize your living room with a dedicated entertainment center. Keep the space looking clean and elegant when you hide your cables in sneaky cabinetry. Meanwhile, bring your family’s personality to the forefront with curated decor on display around the television. Yes, that’s a TV with a painting screensaver. We love the subtle coastal mid-century vibes in this space!
8. Contrast With a Two-Tone Backdrop
As a color expert, Michelle is always thinking ahead to the color palette of a finished design. When you know that some of the styling decor is lighter, consider a dark backdrop for your built-in! In this instance, we used the same paint behind the shelving we used for the rest of the walls. Then, we painted the shelving white to add contrast! This allowed for the decor to pop against the dark background.
Designer Tip: We can’t get over the blue-and-white design trend! If you’re looking for more inspiration, read our blog!
9. Shine Some Light
We love finishing a design with elegant lighting layers. Showcase your favorite photos, decor, and prized possessions as though they’re on display in an art gallery. A brass gallery light gives your built-in design an elevated, sophisticated feel. Isn’t it amazing how such a simple, subtle addition can transform a design?
10. Show off your personality
Who doesn’t love a fun color scheme to make your built-in pop? The natural light sets the scene for a restful afternoon soaking up a little sunshine while reading the newspaper or checking emails. Neutral hues compliment the bright, airy scene to offer a tranquil atmosphere! And, of course, we love the brass lighting elements here as well.
11. Go Bold With high contrast styling
Custom built-in shelving adds a touch of sophistication to a sleek coastal home, providing ample storage space while also serving as a stunning focal point. The joy of custom-built shelves lies in their ability to perfectly fit the space, complementing the architectural design of the home and creating a seamless flow. Add dramatic pottery for a statement space!
12. Incorporate Natural Elements
There’s nothing we love more than incorporating natural elements into a design. For a built-in, one easy way to do this is by leaving a natural wood finish on your shelves. We especially love the way this look adds dimension against a white backdrop. Then, add some organic touches, such as woven baskets and plants, to bring the whole look together.
Hire Us to Style Your Space With a Beautiful Built-In Design
Some of our favorite elements to tackle when helping with a design job are storage and organization. Hence our fond admiration for a beautiful built-in! After perusing some of this gorgeous inspo, are you ready to join the club? We would love to help you pursue your built-in design dreams!
Contact us and schedule an initial consultation. We’ll go over all the details and map out some of the following steps you’ll need to take. We would love to be a part of your design journey!
