like this one: the problem w/ this one is that it is not deep enough. Sorry the pic doesn't show any doors or shelves, it is a customizable cabinet from room and board and when i added the doors onto it i couldn't save the pic. But basically i want it to have one glass door on each cubby and a wood or glass shelf for each cubby (so we could hold 4 components) we prefer solid wood but are open to veneer because we are desperate. thanks!

Your built-ins look very nice. I like the white doors with the dark knobs. Our TV will be over on the left side, and I think on the right, we're going to be stuck with all cabinets, no open shelving, because we're "hiding" some pipes and other basement-y junk behind them (in addition to the games and art supplies!). Designwise, it won't be ideal, but there's not much I can do. Keep the pics coming...

Whatever you decide to do, I would, personally, want the toys as far away from the stairs as possible for safety reasons, and tucked into that lower left corner to keep them out of sight when the area gets a bit messy. :-) Of the layouts proposed by ER, my favorite is in the latest batch of 4 (upper left quadrant), right above my post, except I'd put the toys where the exercise equipment is, and have the exercise stuff by the stairs/bathroom wall. I especially like the symmetry of the TV/furniture arrangement with the windows.

It'll be a cave. A dark gray cave. Uninviting. At least that's the way I see it.