Designing Our Classic Home Library

Books.

Is there anything better than a hot cup of tea and a good book?

I’m fascinated by these unassuming paper bound objects that can carry such power as to unite us current, past and future generations in fandom, adventure, romance, humour, sorrow: essentially, shared human experience.

Stuart McClean said it best, 

“What else could you buy for $7 that could change your life?”

Whether it be a late night sit down for the spook of it classic like Bram Stoker’s Dracula, or a boy wizard and his wonderous world that draws you in for the better part of a decade:
books are timeless.

When I was a little girl, I loved to drive through the oldest of neighbourhoods in our town to take in the beauty of the heritage homes.

I’d imagine who lived in these architectural beauties and what sort of activities they’d be up to.

Taken during my Bookstagram (online book photography community via Instagram) days. I started seriously collecting books about 5 years ago.

Every home, in my mind, was adorned with a book clad room dedicated to all things books, board games, puzzles, music, art, reading, and leisure.

Shelving, a ladder for those hard to reach nooks, a cozy wood burning fireplace, and the most comfortable of seating to snuggle up and indulge in, “just one more chapter.”

I love the lighting and built out art work display here. The rolling ladder makes me want to hop on for a ride (possibly singing) in Disney character fashion.

Design by James Hirschfield
Photography by Max Burkhalter
Featured in Architectural Design, March 2019

Given my daydreaming, when we started our home design, I couldn’t imagine not including a space for some bookish, leisurely endeavours. 

To the left of our side entrance sits our humble and small reading room.

It currently is on the sparse side without shelving but still houses some of our:
- books 
- records and record player
- guitar
- puzzles, board and card games

Custom built-in shelves were not in the budget during the build but I did prioritize pocket doors for the wall that adjoins the library and the living room. I wanted the space to feel separate but still have the option to open the doors for connection and provide some added character.

I found this dining room stunner via Pinterest but haven’t been able to locate its origins to give credit to the photographer or designer, should anyone know either, please let me know.

We originally wanted (and ordered) French, window pane, pocket doors but were sent solid doors instead.

For time and hassle sack, we kept the solid doors and I took to Pinterest for some inspirational reassurance.

I love how the shelving frames the pocket doors in the dining room photo and have contacted a local carpenter to get an estimate for a similar style to go around our doors. I’d like to include shelving on the connecting wall but have a featured art piece in the centre and perhaps some storage on the bottom for games, puzzles, etc.

Over time, I would like to add built-in shelves to the back wall (not surprising at this point) with the shelves being carried above the door frame. 

I picture this wall being dedicated to all things history: local, global, and familial. I’ve been fortunate enough to have received several family heirlooms over the years. Included are my grandfather’s medals he received during the second world war, our family Bible, letters sent and received during the war, and some beautiful old black and white photographs.

I do currently have our record player, records, and guitar in this room. 

I’m not sure the guitar will stay, the room is small and I hope to have a table of sorts set up for puzzles or board games. 

My in-laws often have a puzzle set up in their main living space for anyone who visits to contribute to, it’s a fun way to plug away at something together while chatting and there are usually snacks involved. 

Even if you don’t like puzzles there’s something about working together, having a laugh…well it’s probably the snacks that carry the most allure, but it’s something I’d like to do all the same. 

I’m excited to see this room come together over time as we structurally build out the shelving (say shelving one more time), add furniture, and continue to collect and share those items that hold significance to us to pass on to our littles.

I would so love to hear your take on the perfect home library and any tips and tricks you may have.

Thanks for taking the time to pop by! 

Hope to see you again soon,
Samantha