Pinterest Meets Real Life: A Custom Built-In Cabinet in Home Office

Prohl Design
Oct 28
2 min read

We all save Pinterest photos, dreaming of spaces that feel calm, creative, and beautifully organized.

For this Austin, TX home office, we brought one of those dreams to life: a custom blue built-in desk that’s moody, dramatic, and unapologetically confident — designed and crafted by Prohl Design.

Before & After

Design Vision: From Simple Sketch to Statement Wall

What began as a simple idea — a built-in desk with arches — turned into a full statement wall design that feels architectural.

We designed every line and proportion in 3D, testing arch widths and storage rhythm until it felt right.

The result: three arches in perfect balance — the center one wider for functional desk space, while the sides create flow and symmetry. These custom built-in cabinets were designed to hide every cable and printer while keeping the design perfectly balanced.

Custom cabinet built-in desk design image sketch — Sketch

Hidden Function: Custom Built-in Cabinets That Disappear Seamlessly

Every inch of this built-in works hard.

One tall cabinet hides a pull-out printer shelf with easy access.
Another door disguises deep drawers behind continuous panels — the look stays seamless.
Small power outlets were placed strategically in the molding — both practical and decorative.
All wiring runs invisibly through concealed channels.

Every shelf was measured for real-life use: books, decor, and daily essentials.

Functional storage

Lighting Layers: Built-In, Not Added On

Light changes everything, and this piece literally glows from within. We integrated:

LED strips under the floating shelves — for a soft architectural wash of light,
Built-in sconces — adding warmth and depth to the moody blue tone,
Hidden wiring behind panels, so the glow feels effortless and clean.

Each light source has its own job — together they make the wall feel alive, like part of the architecture.

Finishing Touches: Beauty in the Details

The stain brought warmth to the wood top, while brass handles added a subtle glow and contrast against the blue.We added light molding to frame the arches, creating just enough shadow play to make the wall feel deep and layered.Small bull-eye rosettes were placed strategically to hide the seams while adding a sophisticated, crafted touch — a tiny detail that ties the whole piece together.The matte finish of the paint keeps it elegant and timeless — rich, but never glossy.

Together, these details make the design feel intentional, lived-in, and beautifully complete.

Blue custom built-in desk with arches — Custom built-in desk

The Mood: Grounded, Creative, Confident

Now, this space isn’t just an office — it’s a place that reflects the homeowner’s energy. It feels grounded enough to focus, yet creative enough to inspire. The blue built-in sets the tone: bold, moody, and built to last.

Because true statement pieces aren’t accidents —they’re tested, tailored, and designed to belong.