Which is a better idea?

[thatgirl2478]

Our basement family room has a concrete footer jutting 8" into the room just to the left of where we usually put the TV. My original idea was to build the footer out to match kitchen cabinetry to make a built in entertainment center. That would look roughly like this:



The alternate solution is to purchase something that can double as an entertainment center but not blend the concrete footer into anything. I like this for the mirrored aspect:



Pro's for idea 1 - it would only stick out from the wall 12". The family room is fairly narrow at just over 12' wide so it's kind of a concern. It disguises the footer. Also it would match the cabinetry at the other ends of the room. The cabinetry is pretty neutral design/style wise - it's got a craftsman feel and would be painted white - possibly linen.

Con's for idea 1 - it would be more cabinetry. It's permanent.

Pro's for idea 2 - it's not permanent. It's got a design style.
Con's for idea 2 - it doesn't disguise the stupid footer and it sticks into the room about 17"

Both options cost about the same. We can install cabinets easily.

Given all that info, what option would you choose? If you wouldn't choose either, please offer up suggestions.

[thatgirl2478]

well crap - that was supposed to go in Home & Garden... but I guess MM can have an opinion too!

[zombiemuse]

I'd go with option 1 and make it look like option 2. You don't *have* to build it out to match kitchen cabinets. You have a lot of design power installing cabinets and could easily make them look similar to option 2.

[thatgirl2478]

Thx Zombie - you've given me something else to think about - I could pretty easily remove the center panels of the cabinets and replace with mirror... and I could frame out mirror on the other side ... hmmm