How long have you been staring at that odd alcove that’s collected random junk for years, trying to figure out how to improve it? The answer should be functional, beautiful storage that looks like it was meant to be there all along.

Every client we build a custom living room cabinet for enjoys the satisfaction of having everything neatly tucked away in a well-executed built-in that looks like an architectural feature that improves the entire room. Need another benefit? Resale value. Estate agents will tell you that thoughtful storage solutions rank high on buyers’ wishlists. Those cabinets aren’t just storing your stuff—they’re potentially storing future profit, too.

Initial considerations for custom cabinetry

Before you dive headfirst into the world of custom cabinetry, there’s some groundwork to do. As one of the most trusted custom cabinet makers Melbourne has, we recommend first ensuring you get what you’re paying for. The term “custom” gets thrown around pretty loosely these days. Many “bespoke solutions” can be predetermined panel sizes, filling gaps with decorative elements or spacers. True custom work means measurements specific to your space—down to the millimetre—with no awkward fillers or compromises.

The positioning of your cabinets deserves more thought than you might initially give it. Walk through your living room and notice your natural pathways. Where do you instinctively pause? Which walls draw your eye first? Custom cabinetry should enhance your existing flow, not obstruct it. Pay attention to sight lines—what will you see when entering the room? The last thing you want is gorgeous cabinetry installed at a height that chops the room’s beautiful architectural moulding in half.

Consider not just today’s storage needs but tomorrow’s as well. Our possessions evolve—that extensive DVD collection might eventually become digital, while your vinyl records might multiply. Flexible internal configurations can futureproof your investment and adapt as your lifestyle changes. Don’t rush this planning phase. Sketch, measure, and visualise before committing. The beauty of custom work is its permanence, which means getting it right the first time.

Custom cabinetry that marries form with function

Built-ins that look spectacular are pointless if they fail at their actual job—storage. Start by mapping out exactly what your cabinets need to accomplish. For living room entertainment units, this means more than just housing your TV. Consider the full ecosystem: gaming consoles, sound bars, streaming devices, and the seemingly endless tangle of cables they spawn. Forgetting to include cord management solutions can result in an unsightly workaround that undermines the custom work’s clean lines.

Weight capacity is another often overlooked factor. Those hardcover art books or vinyl record collections carry surprising heft. How many times have you seen “floating” shelves sag alarmingly after a few months? Good cabinetmakers will reinforce shelving designated for heavier items, but only if you communicate these needs upfront.

Materials selection shapes aesthetics and longevity

Most cabinet frames use melamine for its durability and cost-effectiveness, while doors offer more variety. MDF provides an excellent base for painted finishes, taking polyurethane beautifully for that seamless look. Solid timber, however, brings warmth and character (but demands a bigger budget). Veneers offer a middle ground—the natural wood appearance without the premium price tag.

Remember that craftsmanship ultimately trumps materials. Modest materials can be transformed by skilled hands, and premium materials butchered by poor execution. When vetting potential cabinetmakers, ask to see examples of their joinery details and finishing work—these reveal the true quality you can expect.

The details make all the difference

In the world of custom installations, the ones that truly stand out embrace thoughtful personalisation through material combinations and hardware choices.

Consider playing with mixed materials rather than sticking with a single finish throughout. As an example, ordinary built-ins can be improved by incorporating oak-veneered display sections within predominantly white cabinetry. The contrast draws the eye and creates natural focal points for treasured collections. Yes, this approach typically adds to the bottom line—the joiner needs to work with multiple materials and create clean transitions between them—but the visual payoff is substantial.

Strategic lighting takes this concept further. LED strips can be cleverly concealed within glass-fronted sections, creating dramatic spotlighting for art pieces without visible fixtures. These seemingly small additions transform the entire room’s evening ambience.

Don’t underestimate the impact of hardware, either. Handles and pulls function like jewellery for your cabinetry—capable of completely transforming the character of the piece. Sleek, contemporary cabinets suddenly take on a vintage vibe simply through the addition of antique brass cup pulls. Linear bar handles in matte black or brushed gold can introduce an architectural element, while more ornate options complement traditional styling. For those preferring cleaner lines, push-to-open mechanisms or recessed finger pulls offer functionality without visual interruption—though these typically require more precise craftsmanship to execute properly.

Where to build your custom living room cabinet

H&H Cabinets offer a five-decade legacy during which we have refined our craft across generations, combining time-honoured joinery techniques with contemporary design sensibilities. A quick view of our portfolio will show how carefully we listen to our clients before offering solutions.

Unlike the cookie-cutter approach many provide, H&H treats each project as a unique challenge. Our design team consider how you and your family will move through your space, asks about daily routines, and considers how your needs might evolve over time.

Our workshop capabilities extend beyond basic cabinetry—from entertainment units with clever media integration to home offices that maximise productivity while complementing architectural features.

What truly separates H&H is our evident pride in craftsmanship. We are genuinely invested in creating something that will enhance your family’s everyday living. That level of care shows in every dovetail joint, perfectly aligned door, and flawlessly applied finish. We’re excited to start your project today!