Love for a Library

“I have always imagined that Paradise will be a kind of library.” 

― Jorge Luis Borges

Personal libraries are a dream.  When you live in limited space, those "extra" rooms like laundry rooms or garages become fantasies like water to man stranded on a boat.  Check out a few I keep in my  "dream house" file for inspiration.  And if you have an extra nugget of space yourself, consider turning a nook or a room into a  room full of books. I'll be jealous. 

Beautiful-Libraries

Is this where he got inspiration for Brown Sugar and Sympathy for the Devil ???  The room is octagon which somehow really suits a reading space.  If you haven't picked up his autobiography Life yet-run to get. This guy has had a big one.  Ideas to steal:

#1  LOVE the SHAPE  If you have an odd shaped nook or octagon space that you don't know what to do with, consider turning it into a library.  

#2  LOVE the lounge chair.   Every reading space needs a plush reading chair or sofa. 

#3  MAKE it PERSONAL.  This spaces feels like it's his, doesn't it?  Own yours.  Hang things where you want them.  Stack up favorite books for easy access. Make it yours.  

Elle Decor

Will Wicks created this library for the Elle Decor Showhouse. It's way smaller and ok, not AS cool because Keith Richards-The King of Cool-doesn't actual live in it butttttt it is charming.   Books don't overwhelm this space so this feels like a starter library. Ideas to steal:  

#1  LOVE the dark paint.  Try Farrow & Ball's Pitch Black for similar look. 

#2 LOVE the unexpected brass side chair in the mix.  Having an extra (random) chair that can live anywhere in small space is helpful.    

The Observer

Karl's Lagerfeld's personal library in his Paris Studio feels like a real working library. You get the sense that the man behind Chanel loves books. Don't you want to know how he organizes them??  Ideas to steal:

#1  LOVE the long coffee table where favorites can be kept in easy reach.

#2  LOVE how he took the books UP.  While his library is the size of most NYC studios, taking books up to the ceiling even if that ceiling is 8ft would create a similar illusion.

Live Large + with good books!
Frances

ps.  Got a heart for libraries? Consider support your local one today as they are desperate for funds.  For Neeeew Yawkers, click here for more info. xo