Hi Everyone-
I’m looking to do some built-in shelves/cabinetry in my dining room, and i’m looking for good resources on what makes for great design. are there any books or websites that folks have found to be particularly useful? i’m looking for something that lays out design principles like when to vary shelf depths; how (or whether) to incorporate a window seat; how to use lighting to the best effect… In short, I don’t want another book about technique (i’ve seen plenty of those) – i want the book that will help me plan an improvement that makes people say WOW! Any ideas?
Replies
I have a few "idea" books to do the same thing as you. I don't need construction techniques but rather design help.
This one I remember off-hand.
http://store.taunton.com/onlinestore/item/new-built-ins-idea-book-sandor-nagyszalanczy-070755.html
I have one or two more but don't remember the names.
You might also want to look for books by Sarah Susanka. I have this one:
http://store.taunton.com/onlinestore/item/home-by-design-sarah-susanka-070670.html
It doesn't specifically cover built-ins but does discuss other design considerations such as wall depth, containment, deep-set windows, etc. It's a great book.
My wife's design magazines also give me design ideas to use. If you don't have a subscription, your local library surely has some.
Thanks Chucky - I just checked my local library website and they have both of those resources avaialble... I've read Sarah Susanka before, but i don't think this book was available the last time i checked her out. Could be just what i'm looking for!
Therer's a series of "Bungalow" books, American Bungalow, Bungalow Kitchens, Bungalo Baths--I want to remember there is an Inside the Bungalo which deals with the Craftsman/Arts&Crafts aspects of built-ins and the like.
The books are worthwhile for content, too, even if you are not building in that style.
As a question of design, you have also touched on an area that can have few limits yet many restrictions.
For instance, in some dining rooms I've bulked out an other wise plain wall to create niches for furniture and sideboards and made that look intentional with built-in shelving. In other situations, other answers apply. One I have learned is to not ignore the wall with the window(s) in it.
If the furniture allows (client does not have buffet, sideboard and china cabinets crowding in) that tract-builder single window in the formal dining room can be made a feature, rather than a complication. In one case this meant wainscotting three walls, and building in shelves and sidboard on the window side of things, in the same "elevation order" as the wainscotting. Only odd part there was that the window precluded a window seat (for having an 8" sill elevation <grr>) which had to be "solved" using a bit of free-standing bench (good to know flexible casework suppliers).Occupational hazard of my occupation not being around (sorry Bubba)
just draw a coupla options to scale and pick one U like.
Jeff
Buck Construction
Artistry In Carpentry
Pittsburgh Pa