TRICKS OF THE TRADE: CABINETRY

By not intruding onto valuable floor space, BUILT-IN CABINETRY is a perfect space saver.  Because they are built-in, these cabinets are recessive and, thus, inconspicuous.  In effect, they are part wall, part furniture.  As an extension of the walls to which they are connected, built in cabinets have doors and drawers, tops and bottoms.  They are generally ‘quiet’ pieces of furniture, subtly performing their valuable function.  Built-ins look as though they have been comfortably couched within their locations forever.  As they are custom-sized to fit a particular area and, as such, are not detachable, this form of cabinetry serves as a permanent fixed element to the surrounding architecture. 

Built-ins can take the shape of benches, window seats, dining buffets, bookcases, beds, media centers, etc..  Any piece of furniture that is attached to the wall is ostensibly a built-in.  For instance, modern kitchen cabinets, specifically proportioned and designed to fit within two site specific walls, perhaps under a soffit, covered with a custom sized stone top are considered built-ins.  In addition, this cabinetry can display moldings, wood trim, ornamental plasterwork - just about any feature that a free-standing piece of furniture incorporates. 

{Abby’s Footnotes}

Built-ins are lifesavers. Being discreet and compact, they can conceal all your unattractive items while maintaining a beautiful space. My favorite built-ins are bookshelf walls. They create texture and a focal point in a room. Not to mention they are fabulous blank canvases to decorate with beautiful accessories.