The Case for Built-Ins: Smart Storage, Elevated Style
“A place for everything, and everything in its place.” That’s how the saying goes.
When I have my designer hat on, I lean toward minimalism—no clutter to distract from the look I’m carefully shaping for my clients. But when I have my human hat on, I know the truth: we all have stuff. And lots of it.
The real challenge isn’t whether you own things, it’s whether your home is designed to hold them gracefully. Too often, storage becomes an afterthought—left up to the homeowner to puzzle together with bins, bulky furniture, and endless reorganizing. For the last 30 years, many new builds have skipped built-ins altogether, leaving storage systems to chance.
Good storage is not inexpensive. But it is an investment—one that pays you back daily in ease, order, and value. This blog isn’t about convincing you to be organized (you already care about that). It’s about showing you how custom built-ins can transform the way you live in your home—and what to consider if you’re planning a remodel, new build, or simply a long-overdue upgrade.
And if you like what you see here, you’ll get a sense of how I work with clients across Southern California—bringing both design and functionality into alignment.
Project Spotlights: Built-Ins That Transform a Home
Custom built-ins designed by Lex Lee Interior Design across Southern California. Clockwise from top left: a transformed library media wall, a bedroom media built-in, tailored closets for a TV presenter, and a custom china buffet created after a home flood.
Project #1 From Overlooked Library to Living Room Focal Point
In one Los Angeles home, a built-in library sat in a high-traffic hallway, cluttered with family photos and rarely appreciated. We transformed it into a true centerpiece—a custom media wall designed for modern living. With integrated AV systems, hidden wiring, subtle lighting within the shelves, and curated space for just a few meaningful photos, the piece went from overlooked to unforgettable. The result: a living area that feels intentional, polished, and in harmony with the rest of the home.
Project #2 A Media Built-In for the Bedroom
As a feng shui enthusiast, I don’t often recommend TVs in bedrooms. That said—I also know that we’re all human, and many of us love watching a show before bed. The key is balance. For this project, the solution was a custom built-in that integrates the TV seamlessly with shelving for books, clothing, and accessories. The design anchors the wall, keeps the room orderly, and avoids the visual chaos of freestanding furniture. Another variation could include doors to close off the TV when not in use—something I often recommend for bedrooms to restore a sense of calm.
Project #3 Closets That Work as Hard as You Do
Closets are some of the most personal—and most satisfying—built-ins to design. In this Los Angeles home, the client, a television presenter, needed a system that could support both his professional wardrobe and casual pieces. By opening up the header space, we revealed hidden square footage that became usable storage. One closet now houses suits and shoes with the efficiency of a boutique, while the other handles his more relaxed wardrobe. The experience of getting dressed became smoother, easier, and more luxurious—proof that closets deserve just as much design attention as any other room.
Project #4 Dining Room Storage After a Flood
Sometimes, the most meaningful projects are born out of necessity. After a home flood, I worked with a client to redesign their dining room storage with a custom china buffet. What could have been a stressful rebuild turned into an opportunity to create a stunning, highly functional piece that transformed the space. I’ll be sharing more about this story in my next blog—on how an interior designer can support you through a disaster project and help turn setbacks into something beautiful and lasting.
Why Built-Ins Are Worth the InvestmenT
The truth is, most homeowners face the same frustrations: clutter that creeps back no matter how often you tidy, storage that never seems to keep up, and furniture pieces that don’t quite fit the architecture. Off-the-rack solutions may fill a gap for a while, but they rarely solve the problem long-term. That’s where custom built-ins stand apart.
They eliminate clutter at the source. With intentional storage for technology, clothing, or even family heirlooms, there’s no need to constantly reorganize.
They are tailored to your home’s architecture. Instead of forcing furniture into a space, built-ins work with ceiling heights, alcoves, and wall proportions—enhancing the home’s design rather than competing with it.
They add daily ease. Whether it’s a living room that feels calm and pulled together, or a closet that makes getting dressed effortless, built-ins upgrade the small routines of daily life.
They increase property value. Buyers notice thoughtful storage and architectural finishes. A home with custom built-ins often commands a higher resale value and stands out in a competitive market.
In short: the problem isn’t that you own “too much stuff.” The problem is that your home may not be designed to hold it in a way that feels beautiful, functional, and lasting. Built-ins are the solution that bridges lifestyle and design—bringing order, harmony, and value into your home.
My Closing Thoughts & Then I’ll Let You Go
I’m a sucker for organization, clean lines, and homes that are easy to keep tidy. For me, tidiness isn’t about perfection—it’s about clarity. When your brain isn’t clocking every out-of-place item, it can finally rest. And that’s what your home should give you: space to relax and recharge.
The projects I’ve shared here are just a few examples of what’s possible with custom built-ins. Every homeowner has different needs, and the key is being honest about how you really live and what will support you long-term.
If you’re ready for a little (or a lot) of direction, I’m Lex Lee—and I’d be glad to help. ★