There's a lot I would consider before a built in anything. I'd be rid of the recess for old tv's above the fireplace. I'd find a better spot for shoe storage ( ? ) I'd have a lot longer console and a larger tv, add some art.

Proportions done well, often solve the issue unless you have a very specific collection to house on shelving.

I like and have multiple built-ins in my house. But they can be limiting - for example, if you want to change the wood color, if you want to rearrange the room/TV location, if you want a larger TV in the future, etc.

So also consider Jan’s suggested long console or two smaller consoles placed side by side. Lots of storage and flexibility. It’s a more modern look too imo.

Jan has the right idea I think that wall storage you show is not right for that wall it is just off. High ceilings just are high they do not need to be filled you still live in the bottom part of the space A nice long low cabinet gives you storage without the need to add stuff to shelves just to fill them. It also allows for a change in TV size anytime. I use Besta from Ikea a lot but there are many choices and even custom Maybe something like this , but what is it you want to display? The pic you show with the dark shelving is mostly a bookcase and IMO too dark also . The seating should face the TV and no you should not decide to put the TV above the FP which will make it too high for viewing .

That will be expensive and likely not the best use of available budget, a longer console like what has been suggested will go a long way - a Samsung Frame Tv can brighten up the wall with art when not in use

fwiw a friend just did a fairly simple built in like this in her MCM house and it was $19k

I like my built-in and it was designed to display things I have inherited and/or collected through life/travels. Mine is 17 ft wide and 10 ft high. My ceilings are 12 ft. I designed space for a 75" Samsung Frame TV. I don't need/want a bigger TV here as we have a separate living area for media//audio.

How boring to just have a generic long low console and a big TV over it like every instagram trendy photo!!

I would go for a long and low console too. The benefits of this are
Easy to change in time, less expensive, a piece of furniture you can take to your next home. Will look good. I don’t think it’s remotely boring to have a well laid out home.

I'd like to suggest the current TV screen is too small for the size of the room.

So many ways to do built-ins or just a console, if that is what you want.

Everyone has opinions, but you get to live in the house and decide what you like/want.

Neither is right, wrong or outdated, if it works for you and the space.

Always thought this was a great example of designing a built-in for the specific space ...

Amity Worrel - Barton Hills · More Info

Thanks for the replies everyone. We were thinking built-ins because we need storage and display space. We are not against consoles, but having bookshelves with a console is a must as my wife wants display space and we have that giant wall to play with. It's about 12 ft from the left side by the window to the hallway.

Don't worry, the shoe storage is for the backyard and going elsewhere and we are planning to redo the area above the fireplace. Once the current TV burns out (its 10 years old), we'll move to a 75".

Thoughts on these?

that first pic above looks good.

so does the AI built in in your post.

I like this one w/the fireplace makeover and the nice area rug

I like this white oak style of built ins (but imagine your TV here instead)

You could move the tv above the FP. that's another option

Hard to see the FP but I love the zellige style tile surround.

the wood around this surround could match your built ins.

Or, try doing the fireplace like these

For starters I don't care for the sofa facing that wall all that much especially since the chaise will come across the front of the fireplace. I love love love finish carpentry but here I think it isnt the best option. If you were keeping the sofa that direction I would wallpaper that entire wall in a chocolate brown grasscloth to add some interest and drama. I would then do a lacquered floating console. Place art around the TV. I would close in the fireplace and place a large piece of art over it. I would place a closed cabinet console behind the sofa (you could store your shoes out of site) and place two low lamps on it for ambient lighting. anchor the room with a textured rug. Do neutral printed drapery panels on the windows. Woven shades in a tortoise bamboo would be nice on the window with the drapes as well.

Is it a sofa or a sectional with 2+ seats a side?

If you think there will be a larger TV in the future, then be sure to factor that in the design of the space update. Otherwise, you'll be stuck!

Yessssssss!!!!!!

The lesson we learned in the 80s was TVs change and when you encase them in furniture, i.e. shelving units, entertainment centers you limit your ability to change with the times. I would hang the TV higher to accommodate how far it is from the seating, or enlarge it, maybe both. Do you have books, curated items to fill the proposed shelving? I do think the height of the shelving unit is as tall as you would want to go. Above the door jam would look odd. This would be a huge investment that limits you in the long run and is not something you can take with you if ever you decide to move. Use the space above the fireplace as a mandate not to repeat a fixed element that causes frustration later.

I see shelving above the fireplace that's not being maximized. I don't understand why you want more.

OP said the existing layout is staying so comments about the sectional having no seats face the tv are off. Half the sectional faces the tv.

Too skimpy/not balanced.

Will be costly, so consider the pro’s and con’s of a built in, and how much storage/display space is really needed. I wouldn’t extend across the doorway but go as high to create overall balance.

I’d actually lean towards flexibility and adaptability. If interested, consider a console that can accommodate your storage and display needs. Add lots of large prints and the lighting concept below will fill the space above, creating a really interesting, balanced effect.