Trending: Built-In Sofas

Image via Jessica Helgerson Interior Design

The New Built-In Sofa

A few days ago, I was reading an article on Remodelista featuring a re-worked loft in the Pearl District of Portland, Oregon. Designed by Jessica Helgerson Interior Design, the loft features all of my favorite things — exposed original features, lots of materiality, and a soft neutral palette. As I was scrolling through the images, I realized there was an overwhelming presence of built-ins, particularly when it came to seating. It reminded me that only a few months ago, I was reading Domino’s feature on Garance Doré’s Los Angeles home,  which also boasts two built-in sofas. (Doré’s home was designed by the well-known blogger and interior designer Sarah Sherman Samuel, who epitomizes the Southern California vibe). It made me wonder — are built-in sofas a thing again? Once boxy and a bit too DIY (and not to mention, very stationary) the built-in sofa seems to be positioning itself as the chicest new seating option for relaxed spaces. Jessica Helgerson has employed them throughout numerous projects (see below), even managing to work a velvet forest green built-in sofa into an otherwise traditional space.

What do you guys think? Are built-in sofas a thing again? And what happens when you (or okay, I) inevitably want to rework the furniture layout? 

Images via: 1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6 // 7