We got one with our new boat. Storage is tight on a boat and I couldn't see wasting a cupboard on it so we took it out without even trying it.

Do you mean a upper cabinet or something at countertop height? I'm having trouble visualizing what you have in mind. We considered a built-in coffee machine, but besides the expense, didn't want a dedicated space for something unique that may not be available in a few years, and cleaning it did not seem convenient. However, we did reserve an area for a "beverage station" around the corner from our open kitchen that faces our family room. It has upper & lower cabinets, bar sink, & an undercounter icemaker, and is next to a glass-front refrigerator (in the kitchen) where we keep beverages & snacks. We keep cups, coffee supplies, & unbreakable "glasses" in the uppers since this area is handy to our patio. Lower cabs have a trash pullout under the sink, grill supplies, cereals & bowls. For a "coffeemaker", we put a Keurig machine on the countertop. It brews a cup at a time using K-cups, and you can specify how big a cup you want. There is an incredible number of different coffees, teas, and even hot chocolate available in K-cups. You can also get instant hot water by simply not putting in a K-cup. Keurig machines come in different sizes & having varying automated features, but the price was far lower than a built-in. We keep an assortment of K-cups in a carousel next to the machine, & we can offer guests regular or decaf without making a whole pot of coffee, and they love being able to choose. We've all but retired our regular coffeemaker for the Keurig. Here is a link that might be useful: Keurig coffee machine

Wow~ !! I love that second option, which really sinks the TV behind the sliding doors. If the bedroom is the room you wish for your TV, that is fantastic. It works with drawers and shelves, but would not work with hanging garments. I also like the top one, but that is not so unique. I've seen similar setups on HGTV, where they have access to all the electronic equipment from behind. If you are really into electronics and movies and have lots of STUFF to go with the TV, that will be a convenient plan. In our case, we have a 42 inch flat panel presently mounted above our fireplace. I'm planning to put in book shelving all along that wall, and maybe bring forward the fireplace surround a few inches to make it appear part of the whole thing. I will get a modern gas fire box with glass front and the crystal clear stuff (whatever it is called) instead of lava rocks and get rid of the smelly old style gas logs. I hate the smell of gas in the house. BUT, The entire wall being shelving, the TV above with maybe shutters to bifold and cover that black hole when it is off, it sounds very cottagey to me. Do not worry about making it FLAT, because a cottage look allows for surfaces to be broken and lots of molding will add to the character. Be sure to keep trim all the same color for a "birthday cake icing" look, unless you want it to be very modern like the second picture. How about showing the room that you already completed? Then we'd have a better idea of your style. Very interesting project, and so pleased to make your acquaintance. :)

Yes, it is a vice---we picked up that work bench at a local antique shop. It is counter height so works well as additional prep space. So far the only thing we've used the vice for is to hang our dish towels! ;-)