HOT PROPERTY

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CLUTTER? CRAFT A BUILT-IN BOOKCASE

People

may be reading fewer print books nowadays, but they still need shelf space for storage and display. That’s where a custom built-in bookcase can help, both for organization and as a room’s handsome focal point.

often housemoreadult-oriented items like glass collections,sports memorabilia and liquor bottles,” adds Putzier.

Homeowners arerecommended to choose the same wood species theymay already have in the room selected for the bookcase. If youhave stained woodwork/trim in the room, it’sbestto stain your built-in bookcasesimilarly; if your woodwork is painted, choosethe same hue for your cabinetorbookcase.

“Bookcases areusedfor alot morethan justbooks thesedays. Theyprovidespace to showcaseyour mosttreasured collections of things,”saysLindsey Putzier,ownerofLindsey’s Eclectic Interiors in Hudson, Ohio.“Theyalso function as another form of decorative woodwork, likecrown molding or wainscoting.”

Joseph Dangaran, AIA LEED AP,partner with Los Angeles-based architectural firm Woods +Dangaran, notes that acustom bookcaseoropen-facedcabinetbuilt into or onto a wall has advantages over freestanding units.

“Theycan be designed to complement any

decor or architectural style and size, material, and configuration and can be added to the home exactlywherestorageisneeded without compromising convenience,”saysDangaran. “Also, they’re durable and secure, unlikeflimsy, tipprone portable shelving, and theycan be subtle or statement-making if youdesire.”

Nearlyany room can benefit. “In family rooms,homeowners usebuilt-ins to showcase art, treasures picked up during travels,family heirlooms,orfun collections of potteryor sculpture. In kids’ bedrooms,children will often displaytoys, games,school art projects and stuffed animals.And basement bookshelves

“Oryou can choosetopaint the built-in acontrasting color to makeitvisuallypop,” suggestsPutzier.“Foranevenmoreunique look, consider wallpapering the back of the built-in shelves.”

Crafting abuilt-in bookcasewon’tbecheap; expect to payfrom$300-$500 for aDIY project to afew thousand dollars if youhireapro and optfor lots of fine detail, says Putzier.

— CTW Features

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Built-ins are abeautiful storage solution.

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