This project involved designing and installing a floor-to-ceiling custom built-in shelving unit in a home office for a busy professional couple in Central Austin. The clients wanted a functional yet elegant storage solution that would maximize their vertical space while complementing the room's existing craftsman-style trim and hardwood floors.
The custom shelving unit was designed to span an entire 10-foot wall, incorporating adjustable shelves for books and decorative items, as well as a built-in desk workspace with drawers for office supplies. The goal was to create a seamless, furniture-quality piece that looked like it had always been part of the home.
Andy worked closely with the clients to select premium paint-grade poplar wood and design the unit with classic shaker-style details. The project required precision measurements, careful planning to accommodate existing electrical outlets and baseboards, and expert finishing techniques to ensure a flawless paint application that matched the room's existing white trim.
The construction process began with careful site preparation to protect the existing hardwood floors and ensure a dust-free workspace. Each component was pre-cut and test-fitted before final assembly, with special attention paid to ensuring perfectly level shelves and square corners. The built-in desk section was reinforced to support heavy equipment and included custom cable management cutouts for a clean, organized appearance.
All wood surfaces were meticulously sanded, primed, and finished with three coats of high-quality semi-gloss paint to match the home's existing trim. The final installation included adjustable shelf pins, soft-close drawer slides, and decorative crown molding that tied the entire unit seamlessly into the room's architecture.
The primary challenge of this project was achieving perfect alignment and fit in a room with older, slightly uneven walls and floors—a common issue in homes built in the 1950s. The walls had a noticeable bow, and the floor varied by nearly half an inch across the 10-foot span. Additionally, the clients needed the unit to accommodate existing electrical outlets without relocating them, requiring creative solutions for integrating the outlets into the shelving design.
The project was completed over the course of five days, and the clients were thrilled with the results. The custom built-in shelving transformed their home office into a highly functional and beautiful workspace. The unit provided ample storage for their growing book collection while maintaining a clean, organized look. Andy's attention to detail and craftsmanship resulted in a piece that looks like it was part of the original home design, adding both functionality and value to their property.