Custom Banquette, Built In Bookcases with Media Surround, and Seat Benches with Integrated Wine Storage
The Brief
The client wanted to make better use of an underutilized dining area by incorporating banquette seating that felt intentional, comfortable, and integrated rather than added on. In addition, the goal was to create a cohesive built in solution that would anchor the living space and visually tie the dining and lounge areas together.
The scope included a custom banquette, a fireplace media surround with flanking bookcases and cabinet storage, and two under window seat benches with integrated wine storage. All elements needed to function independently while reading as a single architectural composition.
Location
Brooklyn, NY
The Challenge
As with many New York apartments, the space had tight clearances and limited flexibility. Multiple built in elements had to coexist without crowding the room, obstructing circulation, or competing visually.
The banquette needed to be comfortable for daily use while concealing storage. The media surround had to accommodate shelving, cabinetry, and television placement without overwhelming the fireplace. The window seating required integrated wine refrigeration and drawer storage, all while maintaining clean sightlines and consistent detailing across the entire installation.
The Solution
Working from the designer’s initial sketch, we produced detailed three dimensional shop drawings to resolve layout, proportions, and construction details prior to fabrication. This allowed all components to be coordinated as a unified system rather than treated as separate pieces.
The banquette was fabricated to the room’s exact dimensions, with careful attention to seat height, depth, and back angle for everyday comfort. Integrated pulls were used to keep surfaces clean and unobtrusive. Dual flush mount outlets were discreetly integrated into the banquette bases to provide functionality without visual interruption.
The fireplace surround was built with two full height bookcases flanking the fireplace, lower cabinet storage, a restrained mantel that did not overpower the unit, and shelving spaced precisely to accommodate the television. Under the windows, two seat benches were constructed with a central integrated wine refrigerator and drawer storage, topped with a honed marble surface. Throughout the project, dovetailed maple drawers, shaker style doors, and brass hardware were used to balance integrated pulls with traditional touch points.
The Result
The completed installation reads as a single cohesive architectural feature rather than a collection of separate built ins. What was once underutilized square footage is now a functional and inviting dining and living area, offering comfortable seating, concealed storage, and integrated amenities. The project demonstrates how careful planning, detailed coordination, and precise execution can transform multiple constraints intoa unified, well resolved interior.
