There isn’t much a good built-in can’t do. It can display art and family photos as easily as a gallery wall; it lets you use every inch of vertical space in a room; it acts as a chic accent wall without the need for a drastic new paint color.
For your inspiration, we’ve browsed our archives and curated a collection of built-ins that are sophisticated, functional and elevate the whole space around them:
This Basking Ridge renovation, designed by Pam Cooper of Cooper Interiors, opened up the boxy ’70s layout into an open concept perfect for a couple expecting a baby. The crown jewel of the living room is this custom built-in, painted with Benjamin Moore’s Hale Navy for the perfect pop.
The vibe is modern and edgy in this Edgewater condo. Kathy Samaan of the Samaan Design Group curated the living room precisely, and the deep walnut wood on either side of the electric fireplace has an eye-catching effect.
When Olma Fuentes of Deni + Dove Interiors designed her own West Caldwell home, she knew she wanted to add a modern, minimalist twist to this traditional 1940s colonial. Light, airy and bathed in natural light, the built-ins on either side of the window proudly add to that look.
This new-construction home in Livingston took on an “effortless” quality under the expert hand of Michal Rubin of MR Interiors—and it was just to her taste, because she was designing her own home. She describes the built-in specifically as “the single best decision I made.” With cabinets and shelves galore, she need never run out of room.
The office built-in of this home in North Caldwell also offers a cozy nook for reading, lounging and taking in the view. Marissa Sauer and her team at Design Macs added a plush hide carpet for extra comfort.
Every room of this Maplewood home makes an impression, thanks to Karen Wolf of K + Co. Living. The cozy lounge is no exception, and the patterned backs of the shelves of the built-in add visual interest to a room bathed in soothing gray.
Laurie DiGiacomo of the eponymous design firm drenched the home office of this house in Upper Saddle River in blue. The built-in shelves provide the perfect space for the homeowner, who is a doctor, to highlight both family and career.
Have a built-in worth sharing? Tag us in your pictures on Instagram @njhomemag.