Built in bookcases and cabinets were something I knew I would want in our living room on both sides of the fireplace from when we first purchased our home. We've finally starting contacting some cabinet makers and collecting estimates and making drawings to get the project started. We definitely have some obstacles (backlighting on the sides of the fireplace which I don't want to lose as well as an angled wall on one side). My biggest goal is to have it look simple and clean and yet still be fully functional for us - lots of storage and lots of hiding spaces for the TV components.
Here are some of my favorite inspiration photos of Built ins surrounding a fireplace.
I love the look of the square box shelves here and the detail on the cabinet doors.
More box shelves.
I really like the simplicity of this one.
Completely asymmetrical but very cool looking.
Again here, great detail on the doors.
This one might be my favorite.
There are so many options that it makes it really hard to nail down one design. I love simple shaker style cabinets and symmetrical shelving but I also love the look of the box shelves, the detailed cabinet doors and the asymmetrical shelving. Hopefully I'll have a concrete design plan and drawing in the next couple of weeks. Wish me luck!