Built-Ins Are.....IN

So, after about 3 years of saving and planning, the front room built in shelves and cabinets are, well, in.  I had a contractor friend of ours draw up specifics of dimensions, layout and materials.  Then, I emailed pictures to several different carpenters off of Craigslist inquiring about costs and abilities .  A college student getting his degree in general contracting administration responded and surpassed our expectations on price.  More importantly he had excellent communication and response time.  

Here is a picture of the before space.  

My DH patching up a hole for the electric box to connect the vintage pendant light, and the base storage cabinets.

Here is our carpenter after setting up the massive top shelving unit.

We are giddy at this point and don't want to leave the room.  We keep staring at the unit, pleased with the look, but also wondering if it is overpowering the space.  The kids are having fun though!  

The completed project.  

Below is a picture of the brushed brass hardware from here.

The lower cabinets conceal and store a ton of stuff I really don't want you to see.  We could not be happier with the finished product!