Built-ins that belong to the house, not the showroom.
A good built-in does two jobs at once. It gives you a place for the things you actually use, and it makes the room look like it was designed that way on purpose. Shelving, bookcases, entertainment centers, mudroom lockers, window seats: we build them to fit the wall, the trim, and the way you live in the space.
I'm Howard, and I own Trimhouse. I also show up and build the work. We're a Springville shop serving homeowners across Utah, Salt Lake, Wasatch, and Summit Counties, and built-ins are one of the most satisfying things we get to make. No catalog piece has to sit a little off the wall or leave a weird gap at the ceiling. We design it for that exact spot.
What we can build
Shelving and bookcases. Open shelves, closed storage, or a mix of both. Library walls, alcove shelves, and the simple runs that finally give a hallway or office a place to land.
Entertainment centers. A built-in that hides the cords, holds the screen, and still looks like carpentry, not a big box against the wall.
Mudroom lockers. Hooks, cubbies, benches, and a little order by the entry, built to survive backpacks, boots, and busy afternoons.
Window seats. A seat with storage underneath, trimmed to the opening, is one of those things that makes a room feel finished. It also happens to be a nice place to sit.
Built-ins often sit next to other finish work we love, including fireplace surrounds with flanking cabinets, and custom closet built-ins when the storage needs to go further than one room.
From a photo to a piece that fits
Share a photo of the wall or alcove you have in mind, and a few notes on what you need it to hold. We'll send a rough estimate, then meet in person to work out the design, the wood profile, and the mix of open and closed storage. Once the bid is final, I source the materials, we agree on a start date and a timeline, and I build it. Dust-free work, a thorough cleanup, and a walkthrough at the end are part of the job.
We're glad to take these projects in Salt Lake County and along the rest of the Wasatch Front. If the space is already calling for it, we'll tell you.
Frequently asked questions
Can a built-in be designed around a TV or existing opening? Yes. Entertainment centers and window seats especially need to be measured for the thing they have to work with. We design around what's already there, instead of making you live with a near-miss.
Do you paint or stain built-ins? We finish them to match the room. Some homeowners want a clean painted look that lines up with the trim. Others want stained wood. We sort that out at the design meeting.
How do I get started if I only have a rough idea? A photo is enough. You don't need drawings. We'll take the rough idea, sit down with you in the space, and shape it into a design that fits.