You've scored your dream house and now you're looking for decor to match. Pre-made furniture is great for some rooms, but for others you want something really special. 
 
It's time to enter into the world of built-ins. These units are tailor-made to fit your space and your style. Really gorgeous pieces are guaranteed to make a statement and leave neighbors drooling with envy.
 

Kitchen Nook

Everyone loves slipping into a cozy booth at the local diner for breakfast. Recreate that feeling in your own kitchen with an eating nook. This nook, featured in Ladies Home Journal, mixes classic with contemporary. High-backed, leather banquette seating is a stark contrast to the nook's simple, wood-paneled body. 
 
Throw pillows make this built-in feel dressed up. However, families with small children may want to skip any accents that attract stains—it is the kitchen, after all—although new water- and stain-resistant fabrics make good choices.
   

Coat Closet

Coat closets tend to be an afterthought. Give your foyer or mud room a much-needed style boost with a beautiful custom-made unit. This paneled piece by Stonebreaker Builders & Remodelers is not only beautiful in its simplicity, but totally functional, with enough hooks to hang multiple coats and loads of storage for shoes and other sundries. 

 

Bookcases

Built-in bookshelves are a brilliant solution for those who hate pondering where to hang pictures. Floor-to-ceiling units with a variety of shelf sizes let you pack in an eclectic mix of books and home accessories of different shapes and sizes to create a stunning wall display. Add a rolling ladder and even the simplest design can be transformed into an eye-catching gallery. 
 

Work Space

Turn one wall of the living room, bedroom or even the unused area under the stairs into a efficient work space. Make sure to include plenty of shelving and drawers to keep items organized—you don't want your custom built-in to attract clutter. 
 
This cozy office leaves everything on display. If that's not your style, opt to set it behind simple sliding doors to close off the work zone when you want.
 

Bedroom

A built-in bed unit is a great way to divide up a child's room or add an extra sleeping space. Go for sleek and simple—a piece that can attract a lot of attention without being covered in bells and whistles. 
 
Shelving above and below is great for storing linens or guest luggage. Design the bed to fit into a window and it can double as a reading nook during the day.
 
By Megan Mostyn-Brown