11 Home Libraries That Are A Book Lover’s Paradise
Pore over that coveted collection of design books or dive into that must-read page-turner in a book-filled space that will leave you feeling inspired.
COZY CORNER
Photo by Tria Giovan
Two French-style armchairs from Verellen upholstered in velvet occupy a corner of the library. On the built-ins to the left and the doors down the hall, the same distinctive pecky cypress appears that is seen throughout the Florida home. (Tour the home.)
SLEEK SPINES
Photo by Tria Giovan
For quiet color in the master bedroom, Meg Lonegran placed books in reverse on shelves, to which she affixed sketches from MAI Houston. The Windsor Smith Home chaise wears Pierre Frey fabric from Culp Associates, next to a brass side table from Area. L’Atelier The Workshop fabricated draperies with Kerry Joyce fabric from George Cameron Nash. (Tour the home.)
PANELED PANACHE
Photo by Dominique Vorillon
Architect Linda Brettler renovated and restored a 1920s Spanish style house in California’s Hollywood Hills to become the compound she envisioned for her family. In the library, which steps up from the living room, the architect restored the original wood paneling. (Tour the home.)
READER’S NOOK
Photo by Werner Segarra
“I love books,” designer Caroline Tyler DeCesare says.” They have pride of place in the house.” Her bibliophilia is beautifully apparent in the library, where custom RH shelving surrounds a Verellen ottoman atop a Pottery Barn rug. (Tour the home.)
MIAMI HEAT
Photo by Mark Roskams
A charming ranch-style house in Key Biscayne, Florida, designed by James and Miriam Duncan offers a fresh take on an eclectic look. (Tour the home.)
BRIGHT & AIRY
Mark Roskams
Kenian chairs wearing shearling throws from Anthropologie surround a white concrete-topped dining table with a weathered teak base. A Roll & Hill chandelier is suspended from the tongue-and-groove plank ceiling Fabio Cisternino installed. White linen sheers fabricated by RT Decor frame doors to the patio and soften the polished concrete flooring. (Tour the home.)
GREEN WITH ENVY
Photo by Marius Chira
To counterbalance the blue in the dining room, designer Alexander Doherty selected a statement-making hue, Benjamin Moore’s Forest Hills Green, for the library. He sourced a daybed and lounge chair by the Danish designer Frits Henningsen to lend midcentury modern flair. Both circa 1940s creations are newly upholstered in Holland & Sherry fabrics. (Tour the home.)
PLUSH DIGS
Photo by Francesco Lagnese
In the library, designed by Mark Cunningham Inc., blues and grays play to the hue of the figured sycamore millwork designed by Murray and fabricated by Walter P. Sauer. A pair of Wonmin Park resin coffee tables from Carpenters Workshop Gallery is surrounded by a custom sofa upholstered in Claremont fabric and vintage chairs from Thomas Hayes Studio in Los Angeles. (Tour the home.)
WARM EMBRACE
Photo by Haris Kenjar
This library by NB Design Group takes a moody turn, where Nobilis velvet swathes the custom sofa. Above hangs an equine painting, heightening the traditional, clubby feel of the room. Underfoot is a wool-and-silk rug from Driscoll Robbins Fine Carpets. The coffee table is by Baker. (Tour the home.)
SOUTHERN CHARM
Photo by Julia Lynn
The octagonal, cypress- paneled library—one of the home’s newer additions—also serves as the family’s “garden room” (windows overlook the garden and harbor beyond). The antique blue velvet armchairs are Italian and the club chairs are vintage. Designed by Elizabeth Stuart. (Tour the home.)
BOOKISH BATH
Photo by Paige Rumore
In the master bathroom, all cabinetry and woodwork are enrobed in Benjamin Moore’s Newburg Green. Surrounded by built-in bookcases and completed with swing-arm brass sconces by Visual Comfort & Co., the soaking tub proffers the little luxury of having tomes at one’s fingertips. A vintage Turkish rug and antique chair emphasize the library-like feel. Designed by Stephanie Sabbe. (Tour the home.)