If you’ve been searching for custom built ins, built ins around TV, built ins around fireplace, or the perfect built in entertainment center, you’re not alone. Built-ins are one of the most impactful upgrades you can make to your living space—combining beauty, storage, and function into one seamless design. Whether you’re dreaming of a built in cabinet wall that frames your television or a show-stopping focal point around your fireplace, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about designing the perfect built-in for your home. 

From maximizing storage to creating a stunning visual centerpiece, built-ins are more than just cabinetry, they’re a lifestyle upgrade. 

The Value of Adding Built-Ins to Your Home 

One of the biggest reasons homeowners invest in custom built ins is the unbeatable combination of function and style. 

Extra Storage, Without Extra Furniture 

Built-ins give you substantial storage through lower cabinets and drawers—perfect for hiding games, electronics, movies, books, and everyday clutter. A built ins cabinet system keeps your living room looking clean and intentional, without needing bulky standalone furniture pieces. 

Elevated Aesthetic & Personal Style 

Above the cabinets, open shelving creates the perfect place to display seasonal décor, family photos, artwork, and curated accessories. A built in entertainment center instantly makes your space feel more custom, architectural, and high-end.

Why Built-Ins? More Than Just Storage 

So why choose built-ins instead of a media console or bookshelf? 

  • They Create a Natural Focal Point

Built-ins naturally draw the eye and create a visual gathering point in the room. Whether you’re designing built ins around TV or built ins around fireplace, the entire space feels more anchored and intentional. 

  • Designed for Your Lifestyle
Features like open shelving allow for personal styling and flexibility. You can showcase décor, swap out seasonal accents, and evolve the look over time without changing the structure. 
  • Match or Contrast, Your Choice
Built-ins can be designed to blend seamlessly with the rest of your home’s cabinetry for a cohesive look, or they can intentionally contrast to make a bold statement. Either way, custom built ins give you total control over the final aesthetic.

 

The Two Most Popular Focal Points for Built-Ins 

When designing a built in entertainment center, most layouts fall into one of two categories: 

 

1. Built-Ins Around a Television 

Built ins around TV are one of the most popular and practical options for living rooms and family rooms. 

  • The TV becomes the center anchor of the design 
  • Cabinets below hide electronics and clutter 
  • Open shelving or closed storage on the sides creates symmetry 
  • The entire wall feels intentional instead of like furniture was “placed” there 

This approach is perfect for media-focused spaces where the TV is the primary use of the room. 

 

2. Built-Ins Around a Fireplace 

Built ins around fireplace designs create a dramatic, architectural focal point and instantly elevate the room. 

  • The fireplace becomes the heart of the space 
  • Built-ins frame it for balance and symmetry 
  • Storage and display space surrounds the feature 
  • The room feels warm, elevated, and custom 

Many homes also combine both—placing the TV above the fireplace and using the built-ins to create a unified, symmetrical design that ties everything together.

 

How to Make Your Built-Ins More Creative & Custom 

This is where custom built ins really shine. Your built-in doesn’t have to be basic or expected. 

Add a Pop of Color 

While many homeowners love classic white or wood tones, others opt for an unexpected pop of color—like deep green, navy, or warm taupe—to make the built-ins a true statement piece. 

Choose a Unique Countertop 

You can top your lower cabinets with wood for warmth or select a quartz or stone for a luxe feel.

Create Contrast on the Shelving 

Consider making the open shelving by opting for a different color or stain than the lower cabinets, or choosing a different material altogether. 

These small design choices are what transform a standard built in entertainment center into a truly custom architectural feature. 

 

Final Thoughts: Is a Built-In Right for Your Home? 

If you’re considering custom built ins, built ins around TV, built ins around fireplace, or a fully tailored built in entertainment center, the right design can completely transform your living space. Built-ins add storage, elevate your home’s style, and create a natural focal point that makes your space feel intentional, organized, and high-end. 

At The Designery, we specialize in designing and building custom solutions that fit your home, your style, and your lifestyle. Whether you’re dreaming of a statement wall of cabinetry or a subtle, timeless built-in, our team is here to bring it to life. Reach out to our team of expert built-in designers today to start designing your custom built-ins and transform your living space into something truly special.