Hello LoLauren-Hope you post photos of the finished project!I love a fireplace flanked by bookcases also.Beveled glass cabinets in a simple design would be gorgeous, but if you are trying to hide stored items then you could do wood cabinet doors with a darker antiqued glaze for interest as you have alot of wood. You didn't mention what your style is -white painted wood, rustic, traditional? Pamelak

Hi, I apologize as this is a bit off topic for the kitchen forum. However, who knows cabinetry design better than Kitchen design fans? We are a family heavy on storage as I am a Kindergarten teacher and probably own more than 50 banker boxes of kindergarten teaching supplies (no I'm not kidding). We also are a family of six, and as you know storage increases for each person. We are trying to integrate storage into our basement layout design, and wonder if you have any design suggestions to optimize storage. Also you will see a small kitchenette/bar that the teenagers will use to snack and entertain. We are limited as to where plumbing can go so this must stay where we show it, or move to the area marked rough-in for future kitchen. I don't want to break the bank on these built ins so I welcome any cost savings ideas you may have. I still want this room to look attractive so don't want too much open storage. Perhaps I would consider using some Ikea components, as long as they were sturdy enough. At the bottom of this post is a link for an inspiration photo of built-ins around basement windows (see third image on the link with the closed cupboards). I also don't want to cover up any of our basement windows. Here is the basement layout we showing the area for built-ins and the kitchenette. I apologize, but for some reason I can't upload a large version. However, if you click on the image you will be directed to my photobucket where you can zoom in. TIA! Carol This post was edited by OntarioMom on Mon, Feb 18, 13 at 21:53

Hello, Suzanne, I Design cabinetry and renovations, therefore my advice would be to paint leave the wall color the same as the rest of the room, paint your built-ins white. Do not go all the way up the fireplace wall with white paint or millwork if you plan on stopping at an 8 foot height and there is ample space left above it. You've shared an elevation drawing and that's how I would keep it just so that the focal point will remain on the center which will be the highest point. My suggestions are based on the images of the space you have provided and the mention of the new light fixture you will be adding. I feel that painting the triangles above the built-ins will take away from the beauty of your cathedral ceilings. I hope this helps. Good luck!

What do you plan to store in the drawers/cabinets? That will determine the best size. At 17 - 18" deep, cabinets will offer the most storage, and be great for things like board games; if you are storing a DVD collection, drawers sized for DVDs on their sides (titles facing up) would be best. If you go for doors, make sure you get extra shelves, so you can store things without stacking. Depending on what you may be displaying on the shelves, lighting and glass shelves may be in order. It's always better to approach a project like this from the standpoint of "I want these things to go here", rather than "I have a space - now what should I do with it?"