Imagine this. It’s a fall day, 45 degrees outside, late afternoon, with a slight mist in the air. Now that the scene is set, let’s continue on. Now, imagine lighting a fall scented candle, pouring yourself a warm cup of coffee (or perhaps a cup of warm apple cider), grabbing a blanket, snagging your favorite romance novel (or Steven King novel, if you’re into that), and snuggling up to the pillows that live in your window reading nook as part of the gorgeous custom built-ins you just had installed in your home. You’re welcome for that incredible experience! Oh, you don’t have custom built-ins? You’re missing out! But don’t fret, we’re here to help inspire you.
When you hear custom built-ins, also known as built-in cabinets or built-in furniture, you might think to yourself, “Do people have these in newer modern homes, or are they strictly for the older homes around Denver proper.” We’re here to tell you, custom built-ins are for ALL homes of ALL ages and ALL styles. So, here’s the story...
The History
Built-ins originally gained momentum in the late 19th century and into the early 20th century with the popularity of the bungalow. What is a bungalow home? A bungalow-style home is a small house that, traditionally, is only one story high that is raised from the sidewalk with a short flight of steps and features small verandas, overhanging eaves, and dormer windows. These homes are typically built out of wood and feature craftsman-like trim complete with bead-board ceilings and shiplap walls. The inside of a bungalow consists of built-in cabinets and shelving making efficient use of the smaller available living space. So, what are built-in’s and how can you incorporate them into your home?
Built-ins often include built-in bookcases, buffets, nooks, benches, and much more. Built-ins take up less space than traditional furniture which is why they became popular as early bungalows were typically 800 square feet or less. Nowadays, homeowners are getting creative by utilizing space under their stairs, activating awkward corners in rooms, filling in open space in kitchens and much more. What are they doing with them? They are putting in gorgeous cabinets in their study, or a reading nook in their living room. They are even taking the space under their stairs and turning it into either a pet zone or a wine cellar. The options are endless! What can you do? We’ve got some suggestions!
Spice Up Your Study / Office
Designing your home office with a full built-in in mind will only make you want to work from home every day! And, that's not a bad thing. Consider this. Choose one wall in the room that has no door or window. On this wall you’ll layout floor to ceiling built-ins. The bottom section will be closed-in cabinets and the top for open shelving. Choose where your middle is. Here, you’ll put in a built-in desk with two drawers but no lower cabinet so you can easily push a chair in. You’ll leave space for a computer then continue your open shelving above to match both the left and right side. Boom! Checkout this built-in we created for a homeowner.
Some other recommendations:
Choose a fabulous deep color for your built in. Need help with color? Check out this blog
Choose a nice wood topper for your desk
Add lighting
Customize your cabinet doors, shelving, trim, and cabinet handles
Consider a reading nook to build in - if you have a wall with a window, put a reading nook into your built-in for a nice, bright spot to cozy up - like the description we gave earlier in this blog!
Makeover Your Living Room
Fireplace, TV nook, shelving - your options are endless. Our recommendation - all of the above! Have fun with creating storage in your living room. We recommend a full wall built-in with a fireplace and mantle where your TV can hang. On both sides of the fireplace, place built-in shelving to display your favorite photos or travel memorabilia. Place cabinets on the bottom for additional storage and spice it all up with gorgeous color, lighting, trim, hardware and decor.
Liven Up Your Dining Room / Kitchen
Breakfast nook. That’s it, that’s the recommendation. There is just something about a cute little breakfast nook near a window that makes coffee taste better, makes playing a card game more exciting, and a morning conversation even more engaging. We don't know what it is, but it is absolutely true. In addition, a dining room built-in buffet is a holiday entertainer's dream. Not only can you easily store all of your luxury dishware, you can also accessorize with decor, candles, and more. It’s also a no-brainer when it comes to storage. Our only recommendation, make it cute! See below:
Chose a neutral color and think about matching the color pallet in your kitchen
Match the hardware to your kitchen cabinets
Use cabinet doors with glass
Consider lighting inside of the cabinets with a gallery feature in your ceiling
Hang a fantastic piece of art above your built-in
Uplift Your Entryway
We do love a good mudroom / entryway - especially during the winter months. Our recommendation here - add a built-in that has a bench, cabinetry for storage, a coat rack, and shoe storage. Just like this one we installed. How fabulously functional!
Style & Statement Piece
Whether your home is traditional, modern, shabby chic or that Colorado mountain lodge-look, built-ins are customized to not only fit your intended need, but also enhance your home's motif. The craftsmanship and grandness of some built-ins often get a “Wow” reaction when someone walks in the room. So if you are wanting to make a statement, what are you waiting for?
But if you are looking for quiet and cozy, a built-in can satisfy that, too. Now let’s go back to the beginning of this article. Imagine yourself having a little “me time”… sitting back and relaxing in your newly built-in reading nook!
At Maverick, our goal is to renew your life by renewing your home. Are you ready to fall back in love with your home? We’re ready to help. Contact us below!
