Including Built-Ins in Your Home Design or Remodel

A-Z Home Design: Built-Ins

There is something about a room that comes with its own built-in furnishings. Whether it be window seats, bookshelves, or a wet bar, built-ins give a room special appeal; especially when done tastefully.

Frank Lloyd Wright was the father of the built-in. Born June 8, 1867, he was one of the world's most influential architects and was most famous for his Prairie and Arts and Craft style homes. In many of the residences he built, he also built furniture for the house. Some of the furniture was free standing, but all of the furniture was distinct to the house.

If you are building a new home, or remodeling an old one, consider the use of built-ins to give your home a higher perceived value due to a level of uniqueness and individual style. Items that can be built in rather easily for a reasonable price are:

Fireplace surrounds: Fireplaces are often the focal point of the room, but if your fireplace surround is boring or too plain, your focal point can quickly become an eyesore. You can have a fireplace surround and over mantle built above your fireplace that will give the room a unique personality. A new and attractive trend to add to your fireplace surround is a flat screen TV directly above the fireplace.

Bookshelves: Have you ever noticed how much nicer a room looks when there is a wall of bookshelves, or library cabinets flanking the fireplace. Not only do they personalize a room, but also they allow you to show of your most precious treasures and favorite books.

Window Seats: I am a sucker for a deep widow seat with a comfortable cushion, a light blanket and a good book. Window seats provide extra seating for gatherings, a place to catch a bit of sun on a chilly day, and a spot to enjoy the rain. One of my favorite features about window seats are hidden compartments or drawers underneath to store games and blankets.