interior design: MORE BUILT-IN DESIGN IDEAS

Storage is a common problem for most homeowners, but with effective well designed built-ins, problem solved! Built-ins are custom-made for each space, maximizing every square inch of your home. They can turn empty, unused space into hardworking home offices, drawers, shelves, or even entertainment centers. Essentially, built-in storage units can add hundreds of square feet to your home.

There is nothing that puts your square footage to better use than built-ins. It could be a desk framed within a seldom-used closet or a bookcase tucked into a niche under the staircase, or drawers in your staircase, built-ins maximize every available inch of your floor plan. They handily transform the dead zones under stairs and below and above windows into functional space and help you get organized by adding new storage options without adding footage to your home. You can design them to tie in with other architectural elements in the room, such as crown moldings and wainscoting. Fitted with doors, they help maintain the integrity of your style by concealing modern amenities.

Make the most of hallway walls for storage. These bookshelves serve as decoration and a home library.

Built-ins are a great way to add character, function, and storage to a room whether your taste is traditional or modern. Custom, built-in furniture can make the most of every inch of your home. Built-ins are secured to the wall(s) thus saving the usual few inches required with free standing furniture pieces. Their custom nature makes the options endless and the configurations more flexible for your particular space.

Consider the measurements you'll require. For instance, do you have a bunch of coffee table books you'd like on shelves? Check out their heights and widths to figure out what you'll need. Remember that books look good stacked as well as standing upright. I recommend having your carpenter make the shelves adjustable. Likewise, for cabinet storage, measure games and other items to make sure they will fit.