Smart storage, cleaner lines, and a custom, fitted look—built-ins transform how your home works and feels. In Des Moines homes, media walls organize the living room, mudroom cubbies tame daily clutter, and window seats add light and lounging without sacrificing floor space. This guide covers planning, styles and materials, install basics, care, and what to expect with a coordinated build.
For more information, look at our Custom Pieces →.

Key Takeaways

  • Start with function and traffic flow, then size built-ins to your walls, windows, and ceiling heights.
  • Media walls work best with planned power/data, ventilation for electronics, and a scaled focal-point design.
  • Mudroom cubbies should be durable and wipeable, with hooks, shoe wells, and closed storage to hide visual clutter.
  • Window seats need proper framing, lids/hinges (if using storage), and foam thickness matched to seat height for comfort.
  • Trim, panels, and built-ins should speak the same “design language” so your rooms feel cohesive—not pieced together.

Plan Your Built-In Strategy (Before You Pick Doors & Drawers)

  • Function first: What lives here every day—coats and backpacks, gaming gear, board games, books, or linens?
  • Measure the room: Note radiators, vents, returns, outlets, switches, and sills. Built-ins should frame around these, not fight them.
  • Sightlines & symmetry: Center on windows or a fireplace where possible; balance doorways, stairs, and openings so it reads calm.
  • Future-proofing: Leave chase space or conduit for future cables; allow shelf heights for today’s gear plus what’s coming next.
  • Finishes & durability: Choose paint-grade with enamel for high-touch zones; reserve stain-grade for statement pieces or matching existing millwork.

What to Expect → | Our Process →

Media Walls: Hide the Clutter, Keep the Focus

  • Scaled focal point: Size the TV opening to current screen + likely upgrade, and proportion flanking shelves/doors so the wall doesn’t feel top-heavy.
  • Wire management: Routed channels, grommets, and accessible backs make cable swaps painless.
  • Ventilation: Slotted backs or hidden grills keep receivers and consoles cool.
  • Speaker & sub placement: Pre-plan for in-wall/in-cabinet speakers and a tidy sub location.
  • Door styles: Solid doors hide remotes/toys; glass or metal frames show collectibles without dust.

Custom Pieces → | Trim Carpentry →

Mudroom Cubbies: Daily Life, Organized

  • Zones per person: Individual cubbies with double hooks, charging shelf, and a closed overhead cabinet keep mornings sane.
  • Boot trays & drip protection: Durable, wipeable bases (and beadboard or v-groove backs) stand up to Iowa winters.
  • Bench height & depth: Aim for ~17–19″ seat height and ~16–18″ depth for easy on/off.
  • Closed vs open storage: Doors for off-season items; open shelves for grab-and-go.
  • Hardware & finishes: Finger-pulls or soft-close with enamel finishes hold up to heavy use.

Window Seats: Light, Storage, and a Cozy Perch

  • Comfort geometry: Pair seat height (~17–19″) with a 3–4″ cushion and supportive back angle (or panel back + pillows).
  • Storage options: Lift lids with soft-close hinges for blankets; front drawers for easy access without removing cushions.
  • Scribing & trim: Tight scribe to walls and casing returns keeps it truly “built-in,” not dropped-in.
  • Heat & venting: Maintain airflow if a register lives under the window—add a custom grill in the toe kick.

Materials & Style Choices (Paint-Grade vs Stain-Grade)

  • Paint-grade (poplar/maple/MDF panels): Smooth, modern, and highly cleanable—great for media walls and mudrooms.
  • Stain-grade (oak/ash/walnut): Warmth and grain for feature pieces or window seats.
  • Door & drawer styles: Shaker for timeless, slab for modern, beaded for traditional; choose edge profiles to match existing trim.
  • Hardware: Undermount soft-close slides, euro hinges, and pulls/knobs that echo fixtures elsewhere in the home.

Install Basics: What “Crafted” Looks Like

  • Layout & blocking: Find studs, add blocking where needed, and level/plane for tight seams.
  • Modular then seamless: Build in shop, install on site, then scribe fillers and trim so it reads like architecture.
  • Integration: Electrical boxes, low-voltage, and HVAC planned before boxes are set; painter-ready handoff at the end.
  • Protection & cleanup: Floors covered, dust control in place, daily cleanup standard.

Our Process → | FAQ →

Care & Timeline

  • Everyday care: Damp microfiber for painted built-ins; wood-safe cleaners for stained.
  • Touch-ups: Enamel touch-up in high-traffic zones; keep a labeled pint on hand for nicks.
  • Hinges & slides: Tighten once a year; soft-close hardware is adjustable.
  • Typical durations: Small mudroom or window seat: often 2–4 install days plus finishing. Media wall or multi-room: longer—plan selections early to protect the schedule.

What to Expect with Reese Builders (Des Moines)

  • One, cohesive plan: Built-ins scaled to your room, coordinated with trim, doors, windows, and flooring.
  • Visible craftsmanship: Tight scribes, consistent reveals, durable finishes.
  • In-house capability: Built-ins, mantels, trim, and ceiling details under one roof for better control.
  • Clear communication: Milestones, sequencing, and site protection laid out up front.

What to Expect → | Custom Pieces → | Trim Carpentry →

Helpful Links from Our Blog

Ready to add storage that looks like it’s always been there?

Tell us what needs to live in your media wall, mudroom, or window seat—we’ll design a built-in plan that fits your space and style.

Request an Estimate →

FAQs

Q: How do we make sure a media wall doesn’t dominate the room?
 A: We scale shelves, doors, and TV opening to your wall width and ceiling height, then balance both sides so the focal point feels intentional—not oversized.

Q: What’s the best finish for kid-proof mudroom cubbies?
 A: Enamel paint on poplar/maple stands up to backpacks and boots; add durable hooks, wipeable bench tops, and closed cabinets up high.

Q: Can a window seat add storage without blocking heat?
 A: Yes—we integrate a custom toe-kick grill or side grill to keep airflow moving while using the base for drawers or a lift-lid.

Q: How are cables and consoles handled in a clean living room look?
 A: Routed wire chases, hidden outlets, IR-friendly doors (or mesh panels), and a ventilated component bay keep everything tidy and cool.

Q: How long does a typical built-in take?
 A: A single mudroom or window seat often installs in 2–4 days plus finishing; a full media wall or multi-piece project takes longer. Locking selections early keeps timelines tight.