Okay, back to our Brookline condo and one of our favorite clients!  We are still working on some rooms on the first floor and we don't have those pictures yet, but meanwhile - let's head upstairs to a couple of really great spaces that show how custom built-ins can sometimes be the ideal solution.  

First, the office.  Givens:  a great room, lot's of sunlight, high ceilings, a working fireplace, stunning millwork, and a curved wall.  All in all great assets but the curved wall and fireplace presented some challenges for fitting furniture into the room for the list of activities the clients wanted to accommodate here.  They wanted 2 desk spaces, plenty of office supply storage and file space, comfy seating for the fireplace and space for books, a fairly large television, and media equipment.  Custom built-ins to the rescue!

A double door opposite the fireplace that had been walled off in the adjacent room, became the perfect size already-framed niche for a custom console cabinet and shelves to house the television, media equipment, and bookshelves.

The curved wall was built in under the windows with a stone countertop and white cabinetry that matched the existing wainscot paneling to create two generous desk spaces with ample drawers and cabinets for file and office supply storage.

Chairs, a table and a fluffy rug complete the seating area by the fireplace that has a perfect view for reading, relaxing, or watching TV.

Next up, the master bedroom.  Possibly the most challenging room in the house, the room has few perpendicular walls and an array of assorted doors, closets, windows and alcoves.  The client requested bookshelf space so they could unpack some of the boxes of books they have amassed, and the ability to make the room completely dark for those occasions when she needs to sleep during daylight hours.   The only piece of furniture that she wanted to reuse was a lovely sleigh bed. Below is the design concept:

Again, the built-in solution was the best way to accomplish all of the desired outcomes. Building around a door and the headboard allowed for a wall of bookcases with integrated lighting and nightstand space.  Painting the built-in, the door on that wall,  and all the remaining walls a striking marine blue contributes a cozy, dark, library feel to the room.

We also made sure the dark color was not oppressive by specifying a gloss paint for a lacquer-like finish that reflects light.  Blackout Hunter Douglas shades at the windows offer complete light control as well as provide insulation value.

The resulting space functions perfectly AND beautifully!