We're all about the built-ins! Built-ins look like a part of the house and blend into the wall and with the decor. They also provide a ton of storage without appearing too bulky and can be tailored to fit the specific needs of a home. Their main characteristic is that it allows a smooth transition between spaces. Today, we wanted to share a guide for you all on how to use built-ins within your home.
First, you want to know how much you want to spend. This will help you determine the overall design aesthetic and what elements within your built-in will take priority. Know your budget before you start designing out the space.
Do you want to incorporate floating shelving? Do you want the shelves to be adjustable? Do you want it from floor to ceiling? Back paneling? Crown molding? Do you need any electrical within the cabinets? Will you mount a TV in the space? Need to hide any cords? Do you want it stained or painted? All of these decisions play into the overall cost of the design. Think about how you use your space, what you've been missing, your needs and design desires, and start sketching some ideas out.
Once you've got your designs down, it's time to start selecting the materials. Depending on the look you're going for, you might need shelves or wood to build shelves, doors, cabinets, etc. If you don't want to go full DIY, there are options that use pre-assembled stock cabinets that you can go for. Buying base cabinets is a good start. Determining the design and style you are going for and how much you want to DIY, will then lead to choosing the rest of the materials, such as plywood for the other aspects of the built-ins or buying pre-made shelves, or making them yourself.
Built-ins not only provide functional storage but also provide the perfect styling opportunity to make a room complete. When it comes to styling, less is more, like the built-ins themselves. Add a few books, either standing up or laying down. If laid down, you could add a vase on top for dimensi0n. Use neutral colors and spice up the space with some greenery. Varying height, texture, and objects will help create layers and depth in the space without adding clutter. Add meaningful decor items, such as family pictures and photo albums, to make the space feel more like home.