All About Built-Ins

Use of Out-of-the-Way Places

The big idea: Make the most of vertical space by taking advantage of the empty area at or around the ceiling. The opening above the large doorway at left, between a home office and guest bedroom, provided an opportunity for built-in bookshelves, creating a small-scale library. In a kitchen, top-of-the-room shelves can offer storage for cookbooks; in a den or living room, they can highlight your collections.

Notice the details: Smart and functional, this elevated bookshelf and its contents sprinkle color from room to room. Single and divided compartments create a system for organization. For small, loose items, consider adding baskets to the larger shelves.