The Home Library: A Book Lover's Dream

For anyone who cherishes the written word, a personal library isn't a luxury... it's an absolute necessity.

A home library can be grand and spacious...

Or a simple and lovely little reading nook...

images via: Wendi @ Classic Chic Home on Pinterest

You can create a home library by simply having a place for your books, and a comfy space to sit and read to your heart's content. 

Are you feeling inspired to carve out your own little slice of heaven somewhere in your home?

Design Shuffle Guest Post: Stylish Bookcases

Hi, I’m Joanna, a writer for Design Shuffle, an online portal featuring the beautiful work of interior designers from around the world. My daily work consists of gathering the most gorgeous spaces on the web and sharing them with readers of blogs such as Classic Chic Home.

There is something about bookcases filled with vast collections of books and found objects that we just love. It gives the appearance of a well-read life. We especially covet floor to ceiling bookshelves filled with colorful hues.

Take a look at some of our favorites and get inspired with some decorating ideas of your own. Thanks for letting me share!

A pristine white palette such as this looks lovely with pops of color in a classic bookcase.

A modern setting with a touch of glamour hosts a bookcase full of favorite reads. Accessories, strategically placed, break up the linear look of the books and bookcase.

This living room/library is a unique space with its unusually placed bookcases. The books carry the room's soft tones onto the bookshelves. This room certainly inspires many interior design ideas.

Floor to ceiling bookcases offer plenty of space to showcase a vast collection of books. A ladder gives access to books placed high on the bookcase.

Another floor to ceiling bookcase adds interest to a home library. The oversized artwork on the opposing wall balances the heaviness of the bookcase.

Looking for large space living room design ideas? Here's one just for you. A curtained bookcase gives this classic space an alternate look should the occasion arise. The vibrant green offers the soft palette a pop of color.

A bookcase with built-in space for a desk does double duty in this library/sitting area. The bookcase is unusual in that it houses found objects and magazines in matching white cases in lieu of a collection of books.

A doorway is framed by built-in bookcases from floor to ceiling. This bookcase configuration uses every inch of available space.

Images 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8

Did these bookshelf designs inspire you? Head on over to Design Shuffle to see the latest in interior design styles and connect with San Francisco interior designers and more!

Thank you for guest posting, Joanna, and for providing us with these impressive and inspiring bookcase ideas.  As a lover of books, I couldn't be more pleased with your topic of choice!

  

Pretty Pedestal Tables

My dream home would have a large and gracious entrance hall, with a lovely pedestal table as its centerpiece...

And a sitting room with another magnificent table, surrounded by elegant and eclectic seating...

Or perhaps a pedestal table standing alone, with beautiful books on display...

And another in a dining room/library with large, comfortable chairs designed for lingering after dinner in the company of close friends...

Or spending a quiet evening with a glass of wine and a good book ...

Do you dream of having a pretty PEDESTAL TABLE in your home?

Love Letters and Writing Desks

Perhaps it's my deep affection for the written word that has me wistfully longing for a classic writing desk.

Writing on the same surface as others have, centuries before my time, is an incredibly romantic notion.  My imagination is inspired by the countless secrets a writing desk must hold within its delicate frame.     

Even though the last century has witnessed momentous changes to the manner in which we correspond, the writing desk has remained constant in its timeless and enduring appeal.

Now a treasured statement piece, this small scaled piece of furniture is a coveted element in today's new traditional design.  

Writing desks were once used by the lady of the house to pen personal letters, and extend or reply to elegantly embossed invitations for distinguished social engagements.  They continue to evoke the sense of quiet graciousness and gentle refinement, reminiscent of their significant place in history.

 

Writing desks date back to the latter part of the 17th century.  They were designed with a surface height conducive to writing for long periods of time while seated on beautifully appointed, straight-backed chairs.      

 

Rich wood and graceful lines are characteristic of a centuries old writing desk.  But, it's the contemplation of tender love letters written upon its surface long ago, that truly inspires my imagination, and makes me yearn for its romantic presence in my own home.
   

I'm completely infatuated with the idea of acquiring a piece of history, deeply imbued with the emotional and creative energies of the past. 

A beautiful, antique writing desk would definitely inspire me to write more often.  And I believe anything that fuels a creative passion deserves serious consideration.

What would inspire you to be more creative?   

The Allure of the Library Ladder

Library LADDERS date back to the Victorian era.  The grand homes of this period had lavish libraries, filled with rich, dark wood, and impressive collections of leather bound books that spanned from floor to ceiling.

Even today, the idea of a home library has enduring appeal.   Library LADDERS add the character and charm reminiscent of earlier times.       

The rolling LADDER in this space serves a utilitarian purpose, but it's presence is befitting of the room's traditional and elegant style.

     

A black library LADDER rests against stark white shelving, adding depth and dimension in the corner of this fabulous and formal reading area.
     

  

Bookcases span the entire back wall in this sitting room.  The rolling LADDER can be repositioned along its track to easily access even the highest shelves.
 

A space dedicated to decorative display can still benefit from the addition of a library inspired LADDER.   Clever brackets eliminate the need for a rolling track.

 

This kitchen takes full advantage of its soaring ceilings. The upper cabinetry is accessible by the charming addition of a slender LADDER  that tucks away in the corner when not in use.

Library LADDERS are functional and fabulous.  They optimize vertical living space, while adding the warmth and personality characteristic of days gone by.
 

A home needn't to be large in scale to house a small nod to the past.  If your space could benefit from a taste of history, the library LADDER is a modest addition with a grand presence.

The Keys to Creating a Home Library

BOOKS can be a source of entertainment, a resource for information, or a doorway to another world.  They can enlighten, educate and inspire.   BOOKS are incredible treasures.

For those who love and cherish the written word as I do, a home LIBRARY, however small, is as much a necessity as it is a luxury.

In my home LIBRARY, I started with the basic staples;  a comfortable reading chair, good lighting, and a cabinet to house (a small portion of) my BOOK collection.

Artwork, silk draperies, and a cozy throw in serene shades of french blue, set the mood for a few stolen moments lost deep inside the pages of a favorite novel.  

In this well appointed LIBRARY, the extensive collection of BOOKS are displayed behind glass, their leather covers protected from dust and sun damage.

   

 

This home LIBRARY is anchored by a pedestal table, offering an additional surface to display BOOKS and sculptural accessories.

 

A LIBRARY can be easily integrated into an existing home office.  The eclectic mix of furnishings and artfully displayed collections add to the exotic elegance of this space.    

These BOOKS have been wrapped in white linen, creating a cohesive colour scheme in this sophisticated space.  The display is primarily decorative, as the covered spines prevent one from perusing the BOOK titles in search of that perfect 'read'.

BOOKS are stacked and displayed amongst family pictures throughout these charming built-ins, adding warmth and personality to the landing in this beautiful home.     

 

BOOKS are as priceless as any fine work of art.  Write them into your own design story, and embrace the warmth and richness that they will undoubtedly add to your home.