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Built-ins, the Way to a Stressless, Organized Home
May 7, 2024
Built-ins, the Way to a Stressless, Organized Home
May 7, 2024

Built-ins are one of my favorite visual components to use in any room. They help keep your home organized, maximize your space, and create a statement in your room. These design elements are perfect storage solutions and a way to a stress-free and organized home. So, if you're curious about how built-ins can elevate your room, stick around as we explore their potential and benefits for your well-being!

Built-ins, the Way to a Stressless, Organized Home

Built-ins, the Way to a Stressless, Organized Home


It’s no secret that we live very stressful lives. From morning rushes to evening routines, we’re constantly running around figuring out the next step to take.
Wouldn’t it be great to have a place for everything and everything in its place? That’s where built-ins come in. They are a great solution for decluttering, adding charm, and creating a seamless flow throughout the room.


Some of the main benefits of built-in units include:


  • Personalization. No matter your design style, built-ins can be tailored to your needs and wants and decorated with elements that reflect your lifestyle. For example, in our Modern Coastal Abode Project, we decorated the built-ins with elements that remind my clients of their favorite vacation spots.
  • Maximized Space: Built-ins are custom-designed to fit seamlessly into the available space, making them ideal for maximizing storage capacity and optimizing floor space.
  • Clutter Reduction: Built-ins help minimize clutter and maintain an organized living environment by providing designated storage spaces for your belongings. 
  • Focal Point: Built-in units act as focal points to a room, adding interest and creating a specific mood for the whole space.


When our Modern Coastal Abode clients reached out to us, they mentioned their house didn't feel like home, they wanted a design that reminded them of the coast, and they had a severe lack of storage. Our solution was to create a built-in unit, including a fireplace, update all furnishings, and add beautiful custom window treatments. The result? Happy customers and a modern and inviting place!

Built-ins, the Way to a Stressless, Organized Home

A common question people have is about the difference between bookshelves and built-ins. The answer is customization.


Built-ins are designed and built specifically to fit a particular area and purpose in a room, while bookshelves are typically freestanding units that you can move or rearranged as needed. Built-ins are usually customized, integrated storage solutions that become part of the architecture of a room. At the same time, bookshelves are standalone furniture pieces primarily used to display and store books and decorative items.


If you need clarification on the best choice for your space, you can read this article, where I share more information on the topic.


Now that we've covered all the basics let's continue exploring the built-in contributions to your space.


Functional and Fabulous


Built-ins are the right hand to home organization. In the living room, they provide the perfect spot to house toys and games, keeping your space tidy and clutter-free. 


In our
Refined Casual Living Project, adding built-ins was ideal for this area next to the fireplace. We styled the shelves using all the homeowner’s accessories, photos, and some new pieces.

Built-ins, the Way to a Stressless, Organized Home

In the bedroom, built-in shelves offer a convenient storage solution for books, small trinkets, and unique pieces that reflect your lifestyle. By utilizing vertical space that would otherwise go unused, built-ins maximize storage potential without sacrificing valuable floor space.


For our Dreamy Tween Bedroom, our client requested specific elements, such as a hanging chair, which, at the beginning of the project, we thought would be a lot. However, built-ins were the ideal and seamless solution to create balance in the whole room. My client was so happy; now she has a room that will last many years!

Built-ins, the Way to a Stressless, Organized Home

Aesthetic Appeal


In addition to being functional, they play an aesthetic role, too. If you have built-ins with closed doors, you don't have to worry about what's inside, giving the room a more seamless look. 


Imagine your kitchen cabinets had no doors - not the most appealing sight, right? So, if you have open shelves, you can use them to display family photos or collected travel pieces.


For our Give Me All the Blues Project living room, we added key pieces that spoke to our family, such as favorite books and other special pieces that reflect our lifestyle.

Built-ins, the Way to a Stressless, Organized Home

Well-being and Improving Your Lifestyle


According to experts, clutter leads to stress.
Your home should be a functional and aesthetically pleasing environment tailored to your needs.


When incorporating built-in units for organizing your home, focus on efficiency rather than seeking perfection. Built-ins can save you time and money while enhancing your quality of life, aligning with the concept of neuroaesthetics. By optimizing your living space, you can boost your well-being and elevate your everyday experiences.


At An Inspiring Home, we adapt neuroaesthetics as a part of our design process. We offer an opportunity for you to love your space again with a comprehensive and personally tailored design experience. So, if you’re looking for the right hand to help you create a space that speaks to your personality,
book a call with us here to find out more.


Get Inspired to Transform Your Home


Another vital ingredient in built-ins is styling them. You must add the right touches; otherwise, it will look cluttered and messy.


When styling your built-ins, aim for a mix of photos, books, and pieces that reflect your personality and interests. Add pops of greenery to bring some life to your shelves and create a fresh, inviting mood. And remember to corral smaller items like kids' toys using baskets or bins for a neater, more organized look.


For our Refined Casual Living Project, we tackled the constant cluttering challenge by adding built-in units with baskets, which added some personality and tied in with the rest of the home. The baskets hide mess and add texture to the unit. To make the area inviting and attractive, we completed the room with fun accessories, including the rug and art piece, giving my clients an organized space that makes them feel relaxed and welcome! Would you like to be welcomed in this room? Comment below!

Built-ins, the Way to a Stressless, Organized Home

As you can see, built-ins are about organization, functionality, and well-being. They help transform your space, adding visual interest and an opportunity to personalize it to your needs. If you need help changing your home into a place you’ll love but don’t know where to begin, book a call with me to get my help!


Pin this article here and save it for your next remodeling project!

Built-ins, the Way to a Stressless, Organized Home

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Interior Designer Jen Morrell | Charlotte & Waxhaw | An Inspiring Home

I work with busy families to create beautiful and functional spaces by providing local design services in the Charlotte/Waxhaw area and beyond through online design.

an inspiring home charlotte interior design living room

What’s your design style?

Find out what kind of interior design best suits your inner self. From Transitional to Modern, it's time to make your home a place you’ll love!

You can opt-out at any time. Please note we do not share your information with anyone.

TAKE THE QUIZ

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