15 Built-in Ideas That Add Character and Storage to Home Interiors

Get Organized in Style with These Amazing Built-ins!

 

Remember when hiding places under the stairs were just that? Hiding places!

 

Today, the space under the stairs or that cozy nook in an old or new home can be transformed into something functional, attractive, and appealing – like a built-in study space, home office, a book corner, or even a mini wine cellar. The options can be quite extensive as well as fashionably trendy.

 

A look at some of these amazing built-ins that provide clever storage space may inspire you to get organized.  

 

 

1.  Wall Shelves – Why clutter up coffee and corner tables with display items when you can install unique and interesting built-in wall shelves? Whether in one corner or extending across an entire wall of a room, built-in shelves can be used as décor or spaces to show off photos, artwork, trophies, curios, rare books, collectibles, and plants that would otherwise fill up those tables.

 

 

 

 

 

 

2.  Bookcases – Instead of standard bookcases set against walls or adjacent to study desks, go for built-in bookcases in the living room, family room, or children’s bedrooms. They are far more intriguing and eye-catching. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3.  Window Seat and Drawer Storage – Don’t waste the area under windows. You can build cushioned seats that can double up as a sleeping space or build cabinets and drawers for storing items, such as linens and towels or kitchen items (if the under-window area is in that part of the home). 

 

 

 

 

4.  Mudroom Bench – One of the most versatile ways to cut down on the mess, get organized, and create storage space for hats, jackets, umbrellas, and other gear is a mudroom bench. Add wider shelves on top for baskets and plastic bins; shelves directly under the bench can be used for shoes, sandals, and slippers.

 

 

 

 

5.  Custom Bunk Beds – Gone are the old uncomfortable and old-fashioned bunk beds in dorms, summer camps, and ships. Today’s bunk beds – while still the practical solution for small bedroom spaces – have evolved into chic and trendy built-in structures. No longer limited to children’s bedrooms, bunk beds are now designed for guest rooms, vacation cottages, and beach houses. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6.  Bathroom Fixtures – Next to kitchen essentials, bathroom fixtures and accents are high on the list of homeowners, especially those who are thinking of renovating their existing bathrooms. Built-in tubs, vanities, and open shelves that range in style from the retro to the contemporary and the traditional can give your bath an exciting new look. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7.  Bedroom Built-ins – Some homeowners forego bathroom and kitchen fixtures by adding built-in elements to the bedrooms. These can range from headboards built into recessed areas, nightstands, bookshelves, cabinets, even breakfast nooks.

 

 

 

 

8.  Dining Bench – A traditional dining table with chairs may not always be the answer for a small space. Some designers and builders have successfully experimented with built-in dining benches or banquettes.   

 

 

 

 

9.  Nook Niches – It’s amazing what you can do with irregularly-shaped corners and walls. A little bit of imagination and a “do-it-yourself” spirit can transform these spaces into something cozy and functional. 

 

 

 

 

10.  Desks/Study Areas – Whether in the kitchen, the bonus room, or a child’s bedroom, built-in desks and study areas can be designed according to the floor plan and the individual’s specific needs.   

 

 

 

 

 

 

11.  Under-Stairs Drawers or Shelves – No longer a hiding place or a room for Harry Potter, the space under the stairs holds a number of possibilities for built-in storage ideas.

 

 

 

 

12.  Room Dividers – An open floor design doesn’t necessarily mean no private space. With some imagination, you can build innovative room dividers to define areas in the Great Room – living room, dining, game room, and more.  

 

 

 

 

13.  Shoe Shelves – Tired of shoe racks for your “oh-so-many-pairs of shoes”? How about an innovative floor-to-ceiling built-in wall shelf with cubby holes for your shoe collection? Ideal for a walk-in closet.

 

 

 

 

14.  Fireplace Niche – If you have a fireplace and some empty space around it, consider built-in cabinets, a media center, wall shelves, or bookcases to maintain the overall design and balance in the room.

 

 

 

 

15.  Entertainment Center – From the bare essentials design to the most elaborate, a built-in media center brings not only the movie theater and other entertainment to the comfort of your home, but can also fulfill storage needs. Like most built-ins, the media center can be adapted to floor plans and the home’s architectural style.  

 

 

 

 

 

Are you ready for a new look in your home interiors? Get set for an adventure in custom built-ins, and create a lot of interesting and stylish storage space in your home. Share your own ideas or reactions to ours in the comments section below.