The second hiccup we came across during the build had to do with a large HVAC intake vent that had to be placed inside the wall of one of the master bedrooms on the main level of the home. 

As we were doing a walkthrough after the rough HVAC was installed, we found, to our horror, that the large intake vent for the main level was protruding over a foot into one of the master bedrooms! 

After confirming with the HVAC installer that this was the only spot he could use for the main floor intake vents, we started racking our brains with what we could do to hide this unsightly box.

After much deliberation, we decided the best option would be to create a built-in cabinet on top of the vent bulge to hide it. 

Here is the inspiration picture we used to create the built-in:

We worked with our trim carpenter to build a cabinet base around the intake vent and had two sets of cabinet doors made to fit. 

This was the framing we had done to encapsulate the intake vent.

We also dressed up the wall above the built in with shiplap and installed some pretty sconces that bookend the TV. 

One set of doors are basically dummy doors because they are directly in front of the big air vent. The other set of doors open and have functional storage space underneath.

We are very happy with the end result of this unexpected negative that we were able to turn into a positive! We don’t think anyone would suspect that this built-in was done to cover up a big intake vent!

What unexpected situations have you run into during your construction projects that you were able to turn into a positive?

We would love to hear your “turning lemons into lemonade” story! Comment below!

With love,

Katie

PS If you are interested in renting this vacation home, you can do so here.