Built-In Seats in the Living Room
It’s been an exciting day over here because we finally did the built-in cabinets in our living room!! This has been on my wish list since we moved in last summer and I can’t believe it’s finally done. My husband just finished this project earlier today and I couldn’t wait to take a few photos and share it with you tonight. I’m absolutely smitten with it! Let’s start with a before photo of this room:
And here’s how it looks now:
Aren’t these little cabinets so cute?! I went back and forth a ton on what to do with those empty alcoves. I wasn’t sure if we should do a full size cabinet with shelves on the wall or a shorter cabinet that could be used as a bench/reading nook. The original plan was to do the cabinet and shelves, but I just didn’t think that would look right with the window. I’m so glad I went this route instead. I feel like it fits this space perfectly. And now we have storage for all the TV components!!
Another before photo:
We actually used kitchen wall cabinets for these benches–my husband cut out the back so all the cords could go thru–and then he built on the top and bottom sections to give it more height. I really wanted a wood top, so we went with butcher block. I LOVE how the black, white and wood all flow together.
Thanks so much for stopping by the blog today! I’d love to hear what you think of our little reading nooks. xo
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The Comments
Maya Armijo
So curious about the cost! You mentioned in your IG stories that custom cabinets would have cost $3-4k! Wowza!
Sarah
> Maya ArmijoTotal came out to about $500!
Lorrie S
> Maya ArmijoI think it turned out great!
Heather
> Lorrie SIt looks amazing! 😍
Carolyn
> Maya ArmijoLove the cabinets!!!!!
Sarah
> Carolynthank you!!!
Jessica
> Maya ArmijoWhat paint colors do you hae
Sarah
> JessicaAlabaster by Sherwin Williams!
Jodie Felten
Sarah, as always, it is Perfection! I think it was the BEST choice for the area. It was a tricky spot, but you nailed it! Love it!
Sarah
> Jodie Feltenah thank you SO much, Jodie! I really went back and forth a ton on what to do with those spots. So glad we went this route!
Gina Mathis
Love it. Great use of space and storage is always a plus.
Marcia
Beautiful!
LORRI
> MarciaIt was just meant to be..😍You have the best of both worlds..more seating and storage. I’m thinking if u had put cabinets, it would have been to much visual weight in yr room. You really have made your home comfortable and lovely. Alot of thought and planning has been done.. ❤
Sharon
They look fantastic! I love them!
Sarah
> Sharonthank you Sharon!
Kim Shields
Oh my goodness 😍 love, love, live how they came out. Great job.
Sarah
> Kim Shieldsreally appreciate that, thank you!!
Marie
Absolutely everything about your home is amazingly beautiful! You truly have a gift for design and decor!!
What a lovely home💖
Sarah
> Marieoh you are too sweet, thank you Marie!
Melanie
So cute! Your husband did a good job. That was smart to use cabinets so you would have storage.
Sarah
> MelanieYes! We really needed that storage in this room.
Tanya
I love how this room turned out! I find myself noticing that we have similar tastes but the house my husband and I just bought a year ago had renovations done in the previous years. We’re deciding on whether to love it or change it. Plus we have a baby on the way, due in July of this year so budget might not allow it yet but I can definitely dream through you for now!
Sarah
> TanyaOh that’s so exciting!! Congrats on your sweet baby!!
Jill Olesh
Those benches make such a difference! Love them!
Sarah
> Jill OleshYesssss! Such a huge difference.
Andrea
LOVE!!! This choice doesn’t compete with the windows…did I say I LOVE IT!!!
Sarah
> AndreaYES!! I really didn’t want to distract or make it too busy with those windows.
Martha B.
Hi, Sarah. I love the benches. They are the perfect complement to the fireplace without overshadowing it and I also love how beautiful and cozy you and your husband have made your home. Always look forward to your next blog.
Sarah
> Martha B.Thank you Martha!! So appreciate that. xo
Martha
Wow! Great choice !
Sharon N
Very cute!! And so practical for extra storage!!
I love your house and decor! <3
Sarah
> Sharon Nthanks so much Sharon!
LORRI
It was just meant to be..😍You have the best of both worlds..more seating and storage. I’m thinking if u had put cabinets, it would have been to much visual weight in yr room. You really have made your home comfortable and lovely. Alot of thought and planning has been done.. ❤
Sarah
> LORRIYes I totally agree–taller cabinets and shelves would have been way too busy!
Mary
It looks so good! Like it was meant to be!
Sarah
> Marythank you so much Mary!!
Amber
What did you use for the bench tops? And where did you source it?
Annette Larsen
Hi Sarah, I have been following you for a few years and have gotten so many ideas and recommendations from you. Can you tell me what paint color you have throughout your main area of your home? And our your kitchen cabinets white?
Michelle Allegra
Hello – love all the changes you have made to your new home! I love the ottoman that you have in one of the pictures in your basement. Where did you get it?