dining room built-in: to do or not

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I love to spend money on home improvement but this is unlikely to be a good decision unless you are adding really amazing built ins (like, floor to ceiling bookshelves in a loft that elevate the whole space).

We did that in our previously dark and gloomy living room, and painted them white, and they are amazing. Focal point of the room. Also shortened the previously awkward dimensions to make the room more symmetrical. And they did cost about $10k. But we plan to be in the house for 30 years.

[Anonymous]

We did a huge built in (sideboard, cabinets, hanging wine rack) and a built in large wine fridge in our dining room. Had the whole room redone (built in, painting, wanes-coating, new chandelier added, and barn door) for around $14,000. This was 2 years ago.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We did a huge built in (sideboard, cabinets, hanging wine rack) and a built in large wine fridge in our dining room. Had the whole room redone (built in, painting, wanes-coating, new chandelier added, and barn door) for around $14,000. This was 2 years ago.

How helped you design this? Not OP, but we want something similar and I don't think our architect has enough specific experience with built ins.

[Anonymous]

Do it for yourselves, not as an investment.

[Anonymous]

I love built ins, but a dining room seems like a strange choice for built-ins compared to a living room or family room. If you are storing books, wouldn't the living room be a better choice? If you are storing dishes, etc a large sideboard or a pair of armoires may be a better idea. they can fit a ton of stuff.

Not sure what your style or space is but maybe a couple of cabinets like this? https://www.crateandbarrel.com/annie-whitewash-storage-cabinet-by-leanne-ford/s503257

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We did a huge built in (sideboard, cabinets, hanging wine rack) and a built in large wine fridge in our dining room. Had the whole room redone (built in, painting, wanes-coating, new chandelier added, and barn door) for around $14,000. This was 2 years ago.

How helped you design this? Not OP, but we want something similar and I don't think our architect has enough specific experience with built ins.

Pp - our contractor helped us and I knew what I wanted so I weighed in on the design.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I love built ins, but a dining room seems like a strange choice for built-ins compared to a living room or family room. If you are storing books, wouldn't the living room be a better choice? If you are storing dishes, etc a large sideboard or a pair of armoires may be a better idea. they can fit a ton of stuff.

Not sure what your style or space is but maybe a couple of cabinets like this? https://www.crateandbarrel.com/annie-whitewash-storage-cabinet-by-leanne-ford/s503257

I disagree. I think dining rooms are usually a bit dull and I love one with a wall of bookshelves.

[Anonymous]

I would do an ikea hack for a couple grand. It wont add value and the next owners might want to reclaim the square footage.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I love built ins, but a dining room seems like a strange choice for built-ins compared to a living room or family room. If you are storing books, wouldn't the living room be a better choice? If you are storing dishes, etc a large sideboard or a pair of armoires may be a better idea. they can fit a ton of stuff.

Not sure what your style or space is but maybe a couple of cabinets like this? https://www.crateandbarrel.com/annie-whitewash-storage-cabinet-by-leanne-ford/s503257

With tax and delivery, those work out to $4800. If I could afford it (which it sounds like you can, OP) I would just pay for built ins that fit and maximize the space.

If you’re agonizing over a few grand, maybe get another quote? But as someone who’s gone through a renovation, there comes a point where you just spend for what you need with the house you live in now (again, if you can afford it, of course).

[Anonymous]

OP again... this is the type of built-in we priced out. A row of bottom cabinets along the 13' wall, with two towers of shelving going up to the ceiling at either end. Would you rip this out if you buy this house?

[Anonymous]

It’s worth if it will make you happy and you can afford it.

[Anonymous]

I would do that and love it. But, I caution against glass shelves. To particular and I don't like the mix. Just do it like in the photo.

[Anonymous]

I like it and would keep it. It's consistent what what the interior designers I follow (like Zoe Feldman) are doing - somewhat updated "traditional" details. Some people have bad taste and continue to do very open floor plans and paint everything white - you can't control that.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I would do that and love it. But, I caution against glass shelves. To particular and I don't like the mix. Just do it like in the photo.

OP, where would the glass display cabinets go?

And PP, why no glass?

We're thinking of having some, but one side of a door with look like a china cabinet (with glass fronts) and the other side would not. I figured it would help the space feel more open, while also adding practical use for platters and glassware.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP again... this is the type of built-in we priced out. A row of bottom cabinets along the 13' wall, with two towers of shelving going up to the ceiling at either end. Would you rip this out if you buy this house?

It’s nice but what’s going on in the middle? You’d need a very specific piece of art.

I think the more specific the built in is the shorter its life span. Thinking of a friend with beautiful cabinets and shelves designed to fit a deep late 90s TV. Or my grandparents who had all these wall niches for statues.