Orion Blog

At Orion Woodshop, we see a lot of interest in custom millwork and built-in cabinetry as homeowners look to solve for flexible living spaces, working remotely, storing specialty home items and much, much more.

Furniture can solve some challenges, but many homeowners are turning to custom built-ins as a way to maximize space, reduce clutter, and improve overall home functionality. Whether you have an active family, need dedicated spaces to relax or study in, or simply need to create added storage and floor space in your home, custom built-ins are a lasting solution for homeowners who are looking for functionality that individual furniture pieces can’t quite solve.

Below are some of the most commonly requested custom built-ins we get, as well as their benefits and what homeowners love most about them.

1. Mudroom Storage

If there's one built-in that consistently delivers value, it's a thoughtfully designed mudroom. Many homes lack ample entryway space, yet they serve an important daily purpose year round.

In Maine, where seasonal gear, boots, jackets, backpacks, and recreational equipment can quickly overwhelm a high-traffic entryway, custom-built mudroom storage helps create order where it's needed most.

Here are a few popular mudroom built-in features we’ve seen:

• Bench seating with concealed storage
• Cubbies or low shelving for shoes
• Integrated hooks and ample coat storage
• Closed cabinetry for seasonal items or recreational gear
• Durable materials that are designed for everyday use

Why homeowners love them

Unlike freestanding shoe racks, coat hooks and benches, custom mudroom built-ins are designed specifically for each unique home, allowing for a high-end, streamlined look and optimized use of space. Well-designed mudroom built-ins can become a one-stop storage solution for all of your outdoor gear, seasonal items and more, infusing more value to your home and simplicity to your daily routines.

2. Home Libraries and Reading Nooks

Homeowners are often looking to create intentional, ambient spaces away from the primary living areas in the house, so they can feel a sense of quiet and retreat at home. Well crafted home libraries and reading nooks can achieve just that.

These projects often include:

• Floor-to-ceiling bookshelves
• Integrated seating with hidden storage
• Display shelving
• Custom cabinetry
• Architectural millwork details

Whether incorporated into a hallway, living room, home office, or as its own dedicated library, a home library built-in creates an immersive and cozy backdrop for reading and relaxation.

Why homeowners love them

Custom libraries provide storage, display opportunities, and architectural interest, helping a home feel more personalized and distinctive.

3. Built-In Living Room Storage and Media Walls

Today's living room continues to evolve beyond simply housing a television.

Custom built-ins we see in living rooms often incorporate:

• Media storage
• Decorative shelving
• Cabinetry for games and electronics
• Integrated lighting
• Fireplace surrounds
• Architectural paneling

The goal for many when it comes to living room built-ins is to create a focal point that houses many functionalities: dedicated space for decorative items and memorabilia, books, toys and games, and everything else you may want in your gathering space when the television is not in use.

Why homeowners love them

Living room and media wall built-ins add not only functional storage, but also architectural character. A well-designed living room built-in should elevate the space by adding intentionality and warmth.

4. Walk-In Closets and Dressing Areas

Closets, wardrobes and dressers are another common category of built-ins we see a lot of requests for, usually factored into a larger multi-room home remodel.

Features often include:

• Adjustable shelving
• Drawer storage
• Shoe organization
• Jewelry storage
• Integrated lighting
• Display shelving

Why homeowners love them

Custom closet systems are the ultimate example of maximizing space. A closet’s primary function is for stowing items away - but an optimized closet that’s been built out to accommodate for more storage may eliminate the need for additional furniture in the bedroom (like dressers or wardrobes).

5. Home Office Built-Ins

The percentage of Americans who now work remotely at least part time has more than quadrupled since 2019, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. With this rise in hybrid and fully remote work positions, having a dedicated space devoted to focus and productivity helps encourage work-life balance without leaving home. That can look like incorporating a built-in desk with shelving along the wall of a multi-purpose room, or elevating a fully dedicated home office with integrated shelving, cabinetry and working space(s) throughout.

Here are some popular features of custom office built-ins that we’ve seen:

• Integrated desks or murphy desks
• Adjustable shelves
• Closed cabinetry storage for electronics and office supplies
• Display shelving or cabinetry

Why homeowners love them

Custom solutions create a workspace that feels tailored to how the homeowner actually works, while accounting for any other potential uses of the space.

6. Pantry Cabinetry and Kitchen Storage Solutions

Not every cabinetry project requires a full kitchen renovation.

Instead, many homeowners are investing in:

• Butler's pantries
• Walk-in pantries
• Expanded storage cabinetry

These targeted improvements can significantly improve kitchen functionality without requiring major layout changes. Here’s an example of how we maximized space by creating a fridge enclosure out of cabinetry in Brunswick, Maine:

Why homeowners love them

A kitchen is the most highly used space in the home. When organized with beautifully built custom storage solutions, daily routines get easier, and using the kitchen becomes more enjoyable. Improved organization and usability is one of the best ways to add lasting value to an essential part of your home.

Why Custom Built-Ins Continue to Stand the Test of Time

Unlike many home design trends, custom built-ins stand the test of time because they solve practical problems while contributing to the overall architecture of the home.

When thoughtfully designed, custom millwork achieves the following:

• Improved organization and reduce clutter
• Maximized usable space
• Enhanced daily functionality
• More architectural character
• Increased perceived value and appeal

Most importantly, custom built-ins are designed specifically for the people who live in the home. Rather than adapting your lifestyle to fit pre-made furniture, custom cabinetry and millwork are tailored to support the way you actually use your space.

Thinking About Adding Custom Built-Ins to Your Home?

Whether you're envisioning a home library, mudroom, media wall, walk-in closet, or custom storage solution, the most successful projects begin with a clear understanding of how the space should function.

At Orion Woodshop, we design, build, and install custom millwork and built-ins throughout Southern Maine, creating solutions that feel as intentional as they are beautiful. If you have any custom millwork projects in mind, feel free to send us an email or give us a call.