Built-In Bookcases: Custom Home Features with Character in Pittsboro and Chatham County, NC

If you’re building a custom home in Pittsboro or Chatham County, NC, built-in bookcases are a timeless feature that adds charm, storage, and functionality to your living space. Whether you’re dreaming of a cozy reading nook, a refined home office, or a living room focal point, Travars Built Homes can incorporate bookcases tailored to your style and space.

We specialize in custom home design that brings your vision to life—including standout built-in bookcases that combine craftsmanship with creativity. Here are a few unique examples from homes we’ve built across central North Carolina:

Danbury Springs – Library Ladder, Custom Dividers, and Base Cabinets

This custom home in Chatham County features one of our most iconic bookcase installations. The built-in wall includes:

  • A rolling library ladder for both function and flair
  • Staggered-width dividers for varied shelf styling
  • Cabinetry below the shelving to store games, electronics, or office supplies

This is the perfect spot for a library, office, or nook, being both elegantly designed and highly functional.

Explore Danbury Springs

Teesdale – Extra-Height Bookcases and Ladder Access

Located near Pittsboro, NC, the Teesdale plan takes bookcase design to new heights—literally. Its full-height bookcases rise to the ceiling, complete with a sliding ladder that gives this room the feel of an upscale bookshop or classic study.

This home demonstrates how custom bookcases can frame a room and define its purpose with stunning architectural detail.

Explore Teesdale

Longview – Classic Built-Ins Flanking a Fireplace

Nothing beats the traditional warmth of built-in bookcases on both sides of a fireplace. In the Longview plan, custom shelving creates balance, storage, and beauty in the main living area. The bookcases offer the perfect place to showcase books, family heirlooms, or seasonal décor—all while keeping the focus on the cozy hearth.

If you’re looking for a classic layout in your Chatham County new home, this is a favorite.

Explore Longview

Southern Farmhouse – Hidden Bookcase Behind Barn Doors

This one’s for the modern farmhouse lovers: A bookcase hidden behind barn doors gives the Southern Farmhouse plan a touch of surprise and flexibility. Whether closed for a sleek wall treatment or opened to reveal books and keepsakes, it’s a brilliant mix of style and practicality.

Perfect for homes that blend contemporary farmhouse aesthetics with clever design features.

Explore Southern Farmhouse

Why Built-In Bookcases Are a Smart Choice for Your Custom Home

Homebuyers across Chatham County, especially in communities like Pittsboro, Siler City, and Moncure, are embracing built-ins as a way to:

  • Maximize space with integrated storage
  • Create architectural interest in key rooms
  • Personalize your home with functional features that match your lifestyle

Whether you’re a collector of books, a display enthusiast, or just love a polished, finished look, custom bookcases are one of the most-loved upgrades among Travars Built Homes clients.


Ready to Build Your Custom Home in Chatham County?

Travars Built Homes builds on your lot in Pittsboro, Chatham County, and throughout 12 counties in central North Carolina. Our team works with you every step of the way—from designing custom layouts to selecting finishes like cabinetry, shelving, and storage that reflect your lifestyle.

Contact us today to get started on your dream home—or browse our many floor plans. 

    Essential Decorative Features Homebuyers Really Want in the Great Room

    The Great Room has long been the heart of the modern home—a place where families gather, guests are entertained, and comfort meets style. As trends evolve, certain decorative features stand the test of time, while others rise in popularity as homebuyers seek both functionality and visual appeal. The “What Home Buyers Really Want 2024 Edition” study by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) highlights the features that buyers consider essential or desirable in the Great Room.

    If you’re building or designing your dream home, here are the top decorative elements that today’s buyers really want to see in the Great Room:

    1. Built-In Shelving

    Built-in shelving remains a favorite among homeowners who prioritize organization and aesthetics. According to the 2024 study, 72% of respondents said that built-in shelving is essential or desirable—a slight uptick from 71% in 2012. This enduring popularity shows how much buyers appreciate the convenience of customized storage solutions that blend seamlessly with the room’s architecture.

    Why Homebuyers Love It:

    • Provides storage without sacrificing floor space.
    • Creates a cohesive, finished look.
    • Perfect for displaying books, photos, and decor items.

    2. Wood-Burning Fireplaces

    Fireplaces add both warmth and character to the Great Room, and their desirability continues to rise. In 2023, 59% of respondents considered a wood-burning fireplace essential or desirable, compared to just 47% in 2012. This significant increase reflects a renewed interest in cozy, traditional features that bring a sense of nostalgia and comfort.

    Why Homebuyers Love It:

    • Offers a natural focal point for the room.
    • Enhances ambiance and coziness.
    • Can provide functional heat during colder months.
    Modern Farmhouse | Chapel Hill Custom Home

    3. Exposed Ceiling Beams

    Exposed beams in the ceiling are no longer limited to rustic or farmhouse styles. In 2023, 51% of respondents said exposed beams were essential or desirable, a major jump from just 31% in 2012. Whether crafted from wood or engineered materials, beams add architectural interest and a timeless design element to any Great Room.

    Why Homebuyers Love It:

    • Adds visual drama and height to the room.
    • Complements a variety of home styles, from modern to rustic.
    • Creates a custom, high-end feel.
    Chatham County New Homes | Open Concept Living

    4. Ceiling Fans

    Ceiling fans remain the most requested Great Room feature, though their popularity has slightly declined over the years. In 2023, 81% of respondents considered a ceiling fan essential or desirable, compared to 88% in 2012. Despite this drop, ceiling fans are still a key feature for maintaining comfort and airflow while enhancing the room’s style.

    Why Homebuyers Love It:

    • Increases energy efficiency by improving air circulation.
    • Provides practical functionality year-round.
    • Available in stylish designs to complement any decor.
    Modern Farmhouse | Chapel Hill Custom Home

    Bringing It All Together

    From built-in shelving to exposed ceiling beams, these Great Room features are more than just decorative—they enhance functionality, add timeless charm, and elevate the overall appeal of the space. Homebuyers in 2024 want rooms that feel comfortable, organized, and visually stunning.

    When building your custom home, consider these essential features to create a Great Room that resonates with both style and practicality.

    Ready to start building your dream home? Contact us today to learn more about creating a Great Room that you and your family will love for years to come.

    Why Build a Custom Home with Travars Built Homes?

    At Travars Built Homes, we work with you to design spaces that meet your needs and align with what today’s homebuyers value most. Explore our floor plans and see how Travars Built Homes can help bring your vision to life.

    We offer:

    • Customized Floor Plans: Modify layouts to include features like a pet center in your laundry room.
    • Expert Guidance: Work with our design team to choose finishes, materials, and layouts that align with your vision.
    • Attention to Detail: From hidden litter boxes to built-in dog beds, we ensure every detail is crafted with care.
    • Energy-Efficient Solutions: Enjoy a home designed with sustainability and comfort in mind.

    Source: National Association of Home Builders, “What Home Buyers Really Want 2024 Edition”