Built-Ins Add Function and Beauty

From showcasing your prized collection of rare, first-editions to the safe keeping of lovies and stuffed animals, built-ins offer the best of both worlds: pleasing design and practical storage.

Bathroom Storage

Maximize a bathroom built-in with pull-out drawers for housing dirty laundry, toiletries, linens, etc.

Image via Houzz

TV Cabinet

Many urban dwellers lack a separate living and TV room, but that shouldn’t mean compromising aesthetics for function. Let your fireplace remain the focal point by building the media cabinet around it. Added bonus: fold-flat doors hide the TV when not in use.

Image via Houzz

Cabinetry Conundrum

When designing a small kitchen, especially in an older home, the prospect of having to use custom cabinetry to accomodate awkward spaces can eat away at the best of budgets. Instead, consider selecting standard size cabinets and leaving an open space for items you might be more keen to display.

Image via Personal Library

Built-in Library

While I would opt to add a little texture or warmth to the built-in couches by selecting a different upholstery option, the idea behind their dual use as twin beds combined with those grand, floor-to-ceiling built-in bookshelves make this a room to remember.

Image via Houzz

Trash Can Hideaway

Keep unsightly garbage out of sight with pull-out trash and recycling bins built directly into the cabinetry.

Image via Houzz

Kid’s Cubby

If you lack closet space, turn your kid’s sleeping quarters into the ultimate monster storage cabinet.

Image via Houzz

Dog Bed Built for Two

Growing up with Newfoundlands, who always chose to park themselves in the middle of our kitchen floor, a built-in dog bed would have saved many hazardous steps around our 150-pound gentle giants.

Image via Houzz

If you’re in the market for custom-designed built-in cabinetry, I know a master craftsman who is the absolute best. He has designed and built many custom pieces for my family and friends over the years. Out of respect for his privacy, I haven’t included his information. But if you’re interested, please contact me and I’ll put you in touch.

Sold: 700 Grove St., #3G, Jersey City

This property received 5 offers. What does that mean for you as a seller? Four potential buyers are now actively searching for their next home, and yours could be the one.

Contact me today to discuss a selling strategy for your home.

Review the listing here. Interested in client feedback? You can find that here.

Creative Nooks and Crannies

After stumbling upon the 2008 article “Less is the New More: Making the Most of Small Spaces,” I got to thinking… nobody knows the pangs of seemingly wasted space better than urban dwellers. I’m inspired by how these homeowners made the best of what they were given and created some ingenious nooks out of tricky spaces.

Reading Nook

Create your ideal reading spot for those upcoming crisp, cool days and nights. Love the adjustable seat back, too.

Image via Sarah Cain Design

Wine Nook

Why hang a picture on that random wall when it has such potential to house your wine collection?

Image via Keeping up with the Joneses

Sleeping Nook

Great idea for creating a guest room where one didn’t exist before.

Image via DuJour Magazine

Dresser Nook

Roof eave got you down? Turn that awkward slant into a dresser.

Image via Apartment Therapy

Office Nook

Use wasted space under the stairs to create a home office.

Image via Houzz

Bathroom Nook

Small apartment bathrooms often mean absolutely zero storage. Create your own with a built-in cabinet.

Image via Houzz

Check back next week for more design tips on Inspiration Friday.