Artisan Built-ins, Asheville, NC
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Low horizontal bookcases around a fireplace

When we installed these low horizontal bookcases around a new fireplace mantel, it totally transformed this little living room and created a cohesive feature on a once-boring wall.
Low horizontal bookcases around a fireplace under windows
The original room was pretty, but the individual elements were isolated, with the windows floating away from the mantel. Plus, the mantel was an odd "builder grade" shelf that simply stuck out into the room, and although it was sturdy enough, it looked flimsy and out of place.
Empty room with windows and ugly fireplace mantel
Our client also wanted to install a pair of bookcases, but it was hard to tie them into the odd little mantel. During our design consultation, she also requested a balance between a traditional style (which was her boyfriend's preference) and modern (which she loved). This "transitional" style would also work well with the room, which had a blend of plain modern window trim and classic baseboard.

The challenge with this design was that due to fire codes, the mantel had to be shallower than the bookshelves. In most designs it's the other way around, with a chimneybreast that makes the fireplace deeper than the shelves.

We came up with a corbeled design that went beautifully with the plain trim but still evoked a classic silhouette.
3D model of low horizontal bookcases with fireplace
Then to everyone's delight, we took out that weird mantel-shelf.
Removing fireplace mantel in Asheville, NC
The new fireplace surround made the existing tile really stand out beautifully, taking it from "blah" to "beautiful." It just goes to show that sometimes a seemingly dated element just needs the right context to shine again.
White fireplace mantel with dark brown or beige tile near Asheville NC
Our client chose an oak top which tied in well with the existing floors and stair railing. It also looked great with the pale blue walls.
White low horizontal bookcases under windows with oak floors
The homeowners eventually plan to hang a TV above the fireplace, so the low horizontal bookcases will house their electronics and double as an entertainment center.
White low horizontal bookcases with white fireplace mantel near Asheville, NC
This is a classic project that could work with any decor. Here a Swedish-modern style (with birch logs, black-and-white photos and colorful books) sets off the clean lines... but the next homeowners could just as easily restyle it with a more romantic look.

If your fireplace is still stuck at "builder grade," give us a call. We'll add the "wow" factor.
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Built-in shelves
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Email ArtisanBuiltins@gmail.com
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Artisan Built-ins
Owner: Arthur Teel
​113 Rector Branch Road, Marshall, NC 28753

ArtisanBuiltins@gmail.com
​www.artisanbuiltins.com
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  • Home
  • Gallery
    • By category >
      • Benches, daybeds & window seats >
        • Built in benches around fireplace
      • Built in shelving >
        • Built in floor to ceiling bookshelves
        • Built in shelving with lighting and windowseat
        • Custom floor to ceiling bookshelves
      • Cabinets
      • Custom Closets
      • Entertainment centers >
        • Arts & Crafts fireplace
        • Built in shelving around a fireplace
        • Modern entertainment center
      • Entryway >
        • English style mudroom cubbies
        • Entryway cubbies with bench and shelves
      • Fireplaces >
        • Built in entertainment center near fireplace - Asheville NC
        • Dark gray mantel with bookshelves - electric fireplace
        • Half height bookcases around a Craftsman fireplace
      • Furniture >
        • Entryway tables and sofa tables
        • The Lyrical Furniture Collection >
          • Round dining room table
          • Cherrywood writing desk
          • Curvy TV stand or entertainment center with sliding shelves
          • Kitchen island with curly legs
          • A pair of cocktail tables in walnut and cherrywood
      • Kitchen and dining >
        • Custom kitchen banquette seating with storage
        • Kitchen island with breakfast bar
        • Modern farmhouse table
        • Rustic modern built in desk
      • Laundry >
        • Laundry closet with built-in shelving
        • Laundry room and mud room makeover
        • Small laundry room makeover
      • Living room >
        • Low horizontal bookcases around a fireplace
        • Tall modern cabinet
      • Office >
        • Mail sorter cabinet and art desk - Asheville, NC
        • Office bookcase for a printer
      • Secret door
    • By style >
      • Contemporary / modern
      • Rustic
      • Traditional / transitional
    • All projects
  • Quality
  • What to Expect
  • Reviews
  • Pricing
  • Blog
  • Contact