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Let These 14 Stunning Built-In Ideas Inspire Your Next Home Improvement Project

If there’s one architectural feature that everyone loves, it’s built-in furniture. Whether we’re talking about classic bookcases, a modern entertainment center or a cozy window seat, these features always turn out to be equally eye-catching and functional. What more could you ask for in your home design? The next time you’re itching to take on a home improvement project, look no further. We even have 14 gorgeous built-in ideas to give you some inspiration. Look these over and we promise that you’ll have an idea for a built-in of your own.

built-ins

Built-ins are a great architectural feature for any room in the house. Image: J Wilson Fuqua & Associates Architects

What to consider when adding built-in furniture

Built-ins are a coveted architectural feature for a reason. Though the finished product is nearly always worth the effort, the building and installation process can require a large investment of time and money. With that in mind, if you’re adding one of these features, you’ll want to make sure that you go into it with a well-thought-out plan. Here are a few considerations for you to keep in mind as you consider built-in ideas:

  • Placement: This may sound self-explanatory, but it’s so important it warrants mentioning. Once your built-in is in place, you won’t be able to access the area behind it easily. Double check to make sure that you won’t be blocking any vents or doorways before installation so that you don’t run into problems later on.
  • Shape: Yes, classically, these pieces are either rectangular or square. However, these days, people are thinking outside the box and giving their built-in furniture angles to create a more modern look.
  • Storage Configuration: It’s best to have an idea of what you intend to store in the furniture before you get started with the building process. That way, you have a better idea of what type of storage is needed.
  • Construction Method: Yes, there are ways to go DIY, but if it’s at all possible, we recommend hiring a contractor for this one. Putting something new within an existing space can get tricky, especially when you have to work around the angles of the room. It’s worth it to have someone experienced at the helm.
  • Architectural Details: Though the built-in furniture is going to be a new addition to your home, it shouldn’t feel that way. Make sure you (or your contractor) include a few architectural details that will help this piece blend in with the rest of your home. Ideally, it should look like it’s been there all along.

Let these built-in ideas inspire your home design

drawers

If your closet is on the small side, think about adding built-in drawers to create extra storage that draws the eye. Image: Whitten Architects

cutout

If you have kids, they’ll love a cutout hideaway for reading or playing games. Image: Benjamin Moore

Consider some lofted shelving to help keep your office or closet organized. Image: Jill Greaves Design

dual

Remember, your built-ins don’t just have to have a singular use. You can feel free to mix and match. Image: A3 Architects, Inc.

bed

Anyone would love this sleek, built-in bed with additional storage underneath. Image: Neslihan Pekcan/Pebbledesign

seating

Think about adding some luxurious seating options into the mix. Image: Chip Webster Architecture

divider

Built-in shelving makes for a classic and eye-catching room divider. Image: Elena Calabrese Design & Decor

entertainment center

Rather than settling for your run-of-the-mill entertainment center, take things up a notch by opting for a built-in version. Image: GRADY-O-GRADY Construction & Development, Inc.

stairs

Built-ins are a great way to make use of any wasted space under the stairs. Image: Rikki Snyder

doorway

Consider framing your doorway in shelving to give your interiors an elegant, old-world feel. Image: Graham Baba Architects

bench

Built-in benches will add charm to your home, as well as additional storage. Image: Amy Sklar Design Inc

shape

Give your built-in shelving a fresh and modern feel by playing with the shape. Image: foley&cox

window seat

You can easily create your own personal reading nook by adding a window seat and a few bookshelves. Image: KuDa Photography

Do any of the built-in ideas above inspire you? Which would you like to incorporate into your home?

The post Let These 14 Stunning Built-In Ideas Inspire Your Next Home Improvement Project appeared first on Freshome.com.

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