5 Colorful Built-in Ideas for Your Home

Built-Ins That Wow

Who says built-ins have to blend into the background? At Lisa Gilmore Design, we believe that built-ins are the perfect opportunity to add personality, function, and a splash of color to your home. Whether it’s a bold bookcase, a vibrant pantry, or a statement entertainment center, colorful built-ins are a great way to make a room feel uniquely yours.

Lisa Gilmore Design’s Vibrant, Custom Built-ins

Over the years, we’ve had the privilege of creating stunning custom built-ins for our clients. From teal office bookcases that are as timeless as they are dramatic, to a raspberry entertainment center that turns movie-watching into art, our projects are all about blending style with purpose. In this post, we’ll highlight five of our favorite Lisa Gilmore Design projects that feature custom built-ins, and share tips for adding your own pop of color to any space. Let’s dive in!

BOLD TEAL OFFICE BOOKCASE - LISA GILMORE DESIGN

Bold Teal Office Bookcases

When our client moved into her St. Petersburg home, she wanted to embrace a traditional yet daring style. Enter the show-stopping teal office bookcases! These custom built-ins pair perfectly with bold emerald green chairs, creating a workspace that feels both traditional and refreshingly modern. It’s a spot that says, "Let’s get to work... but in style!"

Jewel-Toned Built-In Desk

How do you turn a craftsman den into a jewel box of personality? You design a built-in desk in a rich emerald green, of course! For this sunny study in St. Petersburg, we paired bold color with natural light to create a space where creativity and productivity could shine. The result? A custom desk that feels like a hidden gem.

photo: Lisa Gilmore Design

BUILT-IN ENTERTAINMENT CENTER - LISA GILMORE DESIGN

Raspberry Entertainment Center

Why settle for boring beige when you can go raspberry? For this downtown St. Petersburg condo, we designed a custom entertainment center that became the heart of the family’s den. Painted in a dazzling shade of raspberry pink, it’s perfect for cozy movie nights and makes a statement that says, “Why blend in when you can stand out?”

Coastal-Chic Built-In Entertainment Center

Who says coastal vibes have to mean seashells and beige walls? For a St. Petersburg vacation condo, we crafted an elegant built-in entertainment center in dreamy shades of blue. It whispers sophistication while nodding to the serene coastal palette, proving that relaxing and refined can live in perfect harmony.

photo: Lisa Gilmore Design

Teal Built-In Bookcases for a Teen’s Room

Designing for a teen means finding the balance between fun and functional. For this creative teen, we designed vibrant teal built-in bookcases to house her collection of records, trophies, and crafts. It’s the perfect blend of personality and practicality, creating a space she’ll treasure for years to come.

photo: Lisa Gilmore Design

FAQs: All About Custom Built-ins

1. What are built-ins?

Built-ins are custom furniture pieces—like shelves, cabinets, desks, or even window seats—integrated directly into your home’s structure. They’re tailored to fit your space like a glove and provide both style and function.

2. Are built-ins a good idea?

Yes! Built-ins are perfect for maximizing storage, adding a touch of luxury, and making awkward spaces work harder. They’re as stylish as they are practical, blending seamlessly into your home’s design.

3. Is built-in furniture expensive?

Built-ins can be pricier than store-bought furniture due to their custom nature, but they’re an investment in both your home’s value and your day-to-day convenience. The cost depends on materials and complexity, but their long-term benefits make them worth every penny.

4. How can I add color to my home?

Adding color to your home is all about layering it in ways that feel natural and vibrant. Start small with accessories like throw pillows, rugs, or artwork, or go bold with an accent wall or colorful wallpaper. Custom built-ins in vibrant hues, like green or navy, can make a stunning statement, while colorful furniture, playful textiles, and lush plants bring energy to any room. To keep things balanced, pair bright accents with neutral bases, and don’t be afraid to mix colors that make you happy—it’s your space, after all!

When it comes to built-ins, the possibilities are endless. They’re not just storage solutions—they’re opportunities to add color, character, and creativity to your home. From teal bookcases to raspberry entertainment centers, our custom designs bring personality to every project.

Inspired to add colorful built-ins to your home? Let’s make it happen! Fill out our design inquiry form and we’ll contact you for more details. To get more tips, see our projects, and find ideas for adding liveable glamour to your home, follow me on Instagram or sign up for our newsletter. 

Lisa Gilmore Design is a full-service interior design firm based in Tampa Bay, Florida that offers luxury design services to busy professionals. We create one-of-a-kind spaces with artisan-crafted pieces, antique elements, and custom designs. Lisa Gilmore Design serves homeowners in Clearwater, St. Petersburg, South Tampa, and Hyde Park.