Design

Design Spotlight: Built-ins

A builder, designer, and an architect couple provide their perspectives about how built-ins can infuse creativity into a space.

 

Feb. 27, 2015
3 min read
Built-in bookshelf with staircase

Jim LaVallee

Principal at Epic Development, Atlanta

Jim LaVallee
 
We found that built-ins can be the most efficient use of space, depending on the floor plan and architectural/design objectives. Traditionally, in smaller homes that were prevalent prior to 1960, built-ins contributed to both the overall interior design and functionality. Since then, there have been significant changes in consumer preferences that lean toward larger homes with ample space for furniture. Thus the utility of the built-in cabinetry diminished in these homes.
 
Epic Built-in

 
Over time, as there has been a significant change in demographic and aesthetic preferences of buyers, built-ins are making a comeback.  Not only are they an efficient use of space in smaller homes, they can also be significant and value-adding architectural elements that define the home.
 

Epic Develpment Built-in
 
Epic Development believes in the use of creative interior features, such as built-in cabinetry, which can be both aesthetically relevant and functionally efficient. The critical juncture is ensuring the scale and architectural design of built-in cabinetry is in symmetry with the overall design of the home.
 
Epic Development Chandler Built-in
 
 

Lita Dirks, MIRM, CAASH, IIDA

Lita Dirks & Co., Greenwood Village, Colo.

Lita Dirks

Built-ins are best used to accent architectural features and add character or drama to a room. In addition, if you have storage issues, 1) need extra seating or workspace

Built-in for workspace
 
2) want to highlight works of art, or
 
Buit-ins for displaying art
 
3) add personality to a child’s room, built-ins can be an attractive and useful addition. Perfect for any room in the house, they can be expensive or affordable as your budget allows and
 
Built-in for the kids bedroom

 
 
 
4) seamlessly blend in by adding doors and matching trim work or make a statement by highlighting with complementary paint and materials. With a trend toward mixed, textural, and primitive materials, look outside of traditional construction options and consider reclaimed woods, solid surfaces, and various glass and molded products to add depth, ambiance, and interest.
 

Built-in for featuring art

 

 

Mariapaz Fernandes, LEED, AP and Hunter Fleetwood, AIA

Fleetwood/Fernandez, Santa Monica, Calif.

Mariapaz Fernandez and Hunter Fleetwood

As contemporary architects designing custom homes, we employ built-ins as a natural extension to the architecture of our projects. Whether for functional, aesthetic, or programmatic reasons, many times only a custom-built piece of millwork will provide a cohesive design solution to an otherwise entirely unique home.

Built-in library and stairs
Photo: Blake Little

We also like built-ins because they allow us to seamlessly conceal functionality without sacrificing design integrity.

Fleetwood/Fernandez Built-in

Photo: David Solomon

For example, we have fitted a custom dressing room island with laundry and dry-cleaning hampers, or a bathroom vanity drawer with an integral power outlet and storage for hair styling tools. In addition, since maximizing storage is every client’s priority, we use built-ins to make the most out of small and sometimes awkward spaces.

Fleetwood/Fernandez Built-in bath

Photo: Blake LIttle

 

 

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