topic Re: HOME LIBRARIES, STUDIES OR OFFICES in Home

HOME LIBRARIES, STUDIES OR OFFICES

Oznell — Thu, 11 Aug 2022 23:57:14 GMT

I love to gape at libraries, small studies, etc. But do home libraries have to look like this stately Chicago beauty below?

Nope, they don't have to, I say, athough it's awfully pretty.

A home library can be as intimate as this darling one by Celerie Kemble in an apartment. There's something so cute and 'feminine' about the space:

But dark, cozy spaces like this one in Shaker Heights, Ohio, appeal to me too. Shades of blue, dark wood, and sprightly tiger print are a fun mix.

Washington, D.C. designer Darryl Carter (one of my faves) does a paler, but very traditional, version in a venerable old Tudor Revival. Love the bleached paneling, leaded glass cabinets, and the twinned vases lending subtle color to the space:

A space can be a "library" on the strength of even just one, large, dominating cabinet of books. This is such a dynamic room, with its oversized black and white photography, vintage trunk and of course that spectacular light coming in, great for reading!

This might be more of a sitting room, in the Hamptons, I think, but I'd love it for a library! Those chunky shelves could have more books. Love the fireplace wall and that surrealistic art collage (hubby liked everything BUT that, in the room, ha). That contemporary chair reminds me vaguely of Forties moderne and is probably comfortable.

As far as hybrid office/studies go, it's hard to top Mary McDonald's legendary one that she did for herself about 15 years ago. It's not for a lot of 'rugged' work perhaps, but what a perfect one for a high-profile L.A. designer--

7a)

7b) Clearly, she's tinkered with different versions--

And there's even a couch, nice for looking at samples or receiving clients...

7c)

This apartment below has no room for a library, but a large entrance hall, which they've outfitted as a library, which even has seating and valuable art and lighting. I can't tell if that's a little sculpture pig, or what kind of whimsical animal that is by the settee? It's cute.

8) Nate Berkus does a library bathed in light, with a couch that looks good for sprawling:

9) This library is in a loft, and has the architectural advantage of that spectacular spiral staircase. Room feels airy, spacious, modern.

Libraries or studies that 'lean into'being dining rooms as well, are a great use of space--

10)

What could be a more fun combination than books, conversation, and good food or a cup of tea?

11)

Library, study, or home office-- I only have to see just a corner of this slightly messy one, to know that I like the feeling it gives:

12)

Re: HOME LIBRARIES, STUDIES OR OFFICES

Citrine1 — Fri, 12 Aug 2022 00:02:54 GMT

Some beautiful rooms, but the first is my favorite. I can almost smell the pipe tobacco.

Re: HOME LIBRARIES, STUDIES OR OFFICES

phoenixbrd — Fri, 12 Aug 2022 00:07:44 GMT

Thanks @Oznell No they don't...libraries, my favorite room in the house. Maybe it is just a nook or cranny, doesn't matter - I'm home.📕📗📘📚

Re: HOME LIBRARIES, STUDIES OR OFFICES

spiderw — Fri, 12 Aug 2022 04:35:42 GMT

Any room that resembles a library, has many books is a room I love!!!! There are many appealing libraries shown and it is nice to see how different styles and designs define library rooms. However, my absolute favorite is the first photo, this is what I have always pictured as a library I would love to have. The window is beautiful, the furnishings perfect and the wood lovely! I would spend much time in a room like that!!!!

Re: HOME LIBRARIES, STUDIES OR OFFICES

qualitygal — Fri, 12 Aug 2022 11:44:20 GMT

Those are lovely. Personal preferences I'd like would be window seats, where you could curl up with a great book.

Re: HOME LIBRARIES, STUDIES OR OFFICES

Judaline — Fri, 12 Aug 2022 12:32:01 GMT

Any book nook with a window seat will get my approval any time!

Re: HOME LIBRARIES, STUDIES OR OFFICES

Oznell — Fri, 12 Aug 2022 13:35:02 GMT

Good point about window seats, @qualitygal , and @Judaline -- that might be partly why picture # 11 is one of my favorites, come to think of it.

The presence of books, even a few, is so 'warming' to a room. And when there are ranks and stacks of them, near heaven!

Re: HOME LIBRARIES, STUDIES OR OFFICES

wagirl — Fri, 12 Aug 2022 13:49:03 GMT

For me, a home office, library, studies etc, is a waste of space. I don't need a separate area for those things anymore. But they look nice.

Re: HOME LIBRARIES, STUDIES OR OFFICES

RetRN — Fri, 12 Aug 2022 13:54:49 GMT

They are beautiful. I would love to have an upstairs loft style library with a spiral staircase. It would have to have a ladder to add to the ambience of the room. Only a dream.

Re: HOME LIBRARIES, STUDIES OR OFFICES

Sooner — Fri, 12 Aug 2022 13:59:12 GMT

To me, the first room is a library. The focus is books and places to sit and read. The rest are rooms with bookshelves. We have bookshelves in 6 rooms, only one would I classify as a "library" and only marginally.

I don't think we could ever get enough bookshelves!

Re: HOME LIBRARIES, STUDIES OR OFFICES

Desert Lily — Fri, 12 Aug 2022 14:08:36 GMT

I agree with @Citrine1 and like the first one best.

Re: HOME LIBRARIES, STUDIES OR OFFICES

stevieb — Fri, 12 Aug 2022 16:13:12 GMT

@Sooner I tend to agree, there are libraries and there are areas with shelves... Most of my shelves are in a spare bedroom and in my foyer, but I'd not consider either a library...

Some nice rooms but none I'd replicate... The first room is appealing but seems to me more like a room in an upscale club or the reading room in a nicer university library than anything I'd want in a private home... I sort of like #12... I think the desk is lovely... I like the idea of combining a separate dining room, (if used sparingly, as most tend to be), with a library like space...

Re: HOME LIBRARIES, STUDIES OR OFFICES

BirkiLady — Fri, 12 Aug 2022 15:59:02 GMT

We do have a library in this home. It comfy, cozy and walled with books, windows and a wet bar with a Bose music system and original artwork. We designed it shortly after purchasing the house and before tearing apart the kitchen! Priorities came first with us. It's a peaceful space.

Our love of books was the beginning of our friendship long, long ago.

Re: HOME LIBRARIES, STUDIES OR OFFICES

lynnie61 — Fri, 12 Aug 2022 23:04:00 GMT

@Oznell Love the rooms. #1. Love it, but maybe with a little lighter furniture. But love the room. First thing it reminded me of, haha, would be the library in the Game “clue”. Before reading all the responses, also thought, love the window seat in #11.

I dont have a ton of books. I’m a library borrower, Read and return them. But I honestly would love a special “serene” setting to read and relax in. No library in this apartment. 🤨

Re: HOME LIBRARIES, STUDIES OR OFFICES

AuntG — Sat, 13 Aug 2022 01:28:05 GMT

The entrance hall library intrigued me. The den I liked was on the show Leave It To Beaver. Ward Cleaver's den had a wall of books behind his desk. There were leather chairs, a big globe, and in some episodes, a television. Beautiful pocket doors could be slid shut if he had to speak with the boys in private.

Re: HOME LIBRARIES, STUDIES OR OFFICES

Trailrun23 — Thu, 18 Aug 2022 19:13:36 GMT

Too many beautiful rooms to choose an absolute favorite. Too many chairs in the first photo, and the spiral staircase breaks up the room too much for my taste in the loft one. If I must choose a favorite, it would be the "slightly messy" one. Looks like someone is actually using the room rather than just decorating it. I love libraries

Re: HOME LIBRARIES, STUDIES OR OFFICES

Iwantcoffee — Fri, 19 Aug 2022 15:00:01 GMT

From Katie Ridder portfolio

Re: HOME LIBRARIES, STUDIES OR OFFICES

Oznell — Fri, 19 Aug 2022 15:40:03 GMT

Wow, @Iwantcoffee , thanks for posting this example. It is so cheerful and well-done! Even if the marigold wall color wouldn't be my favorite, I totally see how it works in this charming library/study to produce a lively, welcoming space. Every element has been thought through with care.

Re: HOME LIBRARIES, STUDIES OR OFFICES

Iwantcoffee — Fri, 19 Aug 2022 16:07:07 GMT

@Oznell wrote:
Wow, @Iwantcoffee , thanks for posting this example. It is so cheerful and well-done! Even if the marigold wall color wouldn't be my favorite, I totally see how it works in this charming library/study to produce a lively, welcoming space. Every element has been thought through with care.

Have you seen any of Katie Ridder's interiors? If not I recommend her website. Her designs are beautiful and colorful, a pleasure to see.

Re: HOME LIBRARIES, STUDIES OR OFFICES

Oznell — Fri, 19 Aug 2022 16:25:54 GMT

Oh, I agree, @Iwantcoffee -- I like Katie Ridder, and her wonderful use of color. You have a good eye!