The built-in has been a staple in homes around the world for decades. The term, built-in encapsulates endless use and design elements combined to create a permanent piece of furniture. They are both grand and understated and even a single built-in can communicate an enormous amount of style. Although, they can seem a bit traditional, I am hoping to broaden your knowledge of what a built-in can be, for any client or budget.
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Above is a built-in that was created for a waterfront estate home in New York, it features linen wallpaper backing material, a decorative center valance, it has very traditional color white-painted maple inset cabinetry. Those elements combine beautifully, becoming a canvas for the muted color palate, seashells, and other nautical themed paraphernalia.
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Traditional elements, distressed finish, and handsoming styling set this china cabinet apart from a stand alone hutch. Sinking the cabinets in the wall allow otherwise underutilized space, become useful and pretty.
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Although the next example is miniature in scale to the above-mentioned pieces, it makes up for its small size with its clean lines and modern styling. This floating entry console table has a walnut veneer finish, floating detached ledge above, and open cubby shelves below a catch-all tray.
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Live like loft dwelling New Yorkers or past and present Europeans with the built-in closets show above. Maximizing storage, space, and style, built-in closets are not a recent invention. They are in fact the invention of very small living quarters with no room for modern closets. Over the years built-in closets have gotten more attractive with contemporary tools and finishing techniques.
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Built-ins are for kids, too. Over the past ten years children and grandchildren alike have been reaping the benefits that built-in units can provide their sleep and play spaces. Consider the modular bunk house above, it features individual sleeping berths for each child with large drawers below for clothing or toy storage. This room also features a tall wardrobe-entertainment center unit finished to match the bunks.
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Whether you are a seasoned wine aficionado or amateur wine enthusiast a wine tasting and storage built-in unit big or small can enhance the atmosphere and culture of your home. Wine cellars have come along way from the very traditional mediterranean stone style to a light more modern interpretation, like the one picture above.
No matter the size and physical scope of your home built-ins can enhance not only atmosphere and style, but value as well. Consider adding small built-in units where finding size appropriate furniture would limit your living space, or to reflect your home’s character.