Thursday, December 18, 2008

Hidden Library...


I have been looking at ways I can create a little 'hidden' library in my home. At the moment most of my books are stored in piles around the house. Its amazing what you can create with a little unused space and inspiration...

Kimberly Seldon created a perfect little library space beside the fireplace. 

This little 'hidden' library makes perfect use of this space...

This hallway library makes great use of the space with the window seats providing a  place to stop.

{Image via Cote de Texas}

This library sits beautifully in the walk through hall and the Swedish inspired style painted floors is one of my favourites...

{Image via Traditional Home}

Making great use of  space around the doorway for this charming built-in  library. 

A casual living room library & I love how they use this to display a piece of art to break up the wall of books. 

{Image via Notebook Magazine}

The custom built shelves and seat would be perfect in a casual family area

I adore the books which are arranged by colour. Love the linen chair & ottoman....

{Image via Homes & Gardens}

I love the balance of this more formal option either side of the fireplace.
 One day I dream of having a library...

{Image via Homes & Gardens}

31 comments:

Velvet and Linen said...

fantastic images, Amanda
I love being surrounded by books and am always asking Steve to add book shelves to whatever home we are designing.
My favorites are the library hallway via Cote de texas ( Joni is so good!) and the lovely library doorway. I'm saving all of these in my inspiration files!

xo
Brooke

annechovie said...

Fabulous post, Amanda! I have a weakness for both books and libraries and you have shown some beautiful examples here.

Willow Decor said...

Lovely photos - I am saving this for a reference! Who doesn't love a library!
Gina :)

Callie Grayson said...

Amanda,
great post! I love libraries, since I have an amazing amount of books I am always looking for ways to display them.

Viera said...

What a fabulous collection, Amanda!
For sure here in Australia builders and also designers do not accommodate enough shelves a build in furniture in our homes. Hopefully it’s slowly changing.

XXX
V

SimplyGrove said...

What great images!!!

Ness Lockyer said...

They are beautiful, Amanda. I would love to have a room just for books. With a huge Library ladder to slide around on!
Ness xx

Millie said...

Just the best post Amanda! As I'm a magpie with cookbooks I'm making sure there's good space incorporated into our new kitchen for my collection. It will be such a treat not to have to dash upstairs & fossick through our bookshelves for a fave recipe.

Now, you need to do some investigations please into something elegant & stylish to disguise the big pile of glossy mags teetering next to my side of our bed!
Millie ^_^

la la Lovely said...

Great images!!! I adore libraries! Love the hallway library... what a clever idea! Nothing better than books, books, and more books.

alice said...

Great photos and ideas for overlooked nooks! Floor to ceiling shelves are my favorite- so much storage space and a luxurious focal point! Adding an antique linen chair in front really is icing on the cake.

Dolce Baci said...

Great photos! Thanks for sharing they have inspired me! I have a wall of gorgeous shelves in my master bedroom and now I know what to do with them!

Fifi Flowers said...

Your post makes me long to curl up with a good book!

Welkom said...

Hai,
Greet photos, i especialy like the last one with the fireplace. Lets start reading!

Greetings from Holland Anita :-)

Chubby Chieque said...

Ha! Now we're both dreaming having the build-in lib.

My books stored up in the attic inside boxes and some were displayed in the SPA area.

I adore all your images.

Hugs to you on w/end!

avant garde design said...

i'll take room #1 and the last room for my choices. fantastic. being surrounded by book is so comforting and warm, it's the perfect addition to any space. thanks for the inspiration!

Callie Grayson said...

I just gave you an award!
callie

Vanya Wilkinson said...

Just wanted to let you know I have featured your blog on my blog :)

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas!

Brown Button Trading said...

Amanda darling - wanting to wish you a fabulous Christmas and new year - hoping you have taken some time out to relax and un wind. Thank you also for my cute rubie green cushions you organised for me this year - I still seriously love them and the 'megan' even survived a rather nasty run in with red wine a couple of weeks ago! love lots xx

Chubby Chieque said...

Just dropping by to say a "Happy Christmas" to you and your loving fam

HOpe everybody enjoys the holiday in the beach!

Cheers, girl!

The House That A-M Built said...

What a magnificent post - just what I am obsessing over at the moment. I so desperately want a library in my Great Room but the expense of cabinetry - whew! That first image you posted has solved, for me, a mistake that our builders made in our main bedroom. Only gave me 189cm instead of 220cm (as per plan) for the ensuite bath. It now has to jut out into the bedroom so thanks to your post, I will fill the space between 'jutting out bit' and the wall with a built in bookcase - more cabinetry ! Ahh!
Your blog is beautiful and such an inspiration. Have a wonderful Christmas. A-M xx

Michelle said...

I think books make any home...and you can tell allot from what is on someone's bookshelf ;)

Callie Grayson said...

Have a Very Merry Christmas!
xx
callie

Helenna said...

Merry Christmas Amanda! I hope that you are surrounded by all the people dearest to you and share the simple joys of this festive season. All the very best for 2009!
Cheers!
Helenna xxx

Things That Inspire said...

What beautiful images. I love the idea of hanging a painting in the middle of a bookshelf...I may need to try that in the bookshelf in my room! I also love the idea of organizing by color.

Hope you are having a wonderful day!

SERENDIPITY said...

those are beautiful .. & creative in some .. I saved some .. thanks for sharing ;)

Anonymous said...

Love the ceiling in the hallway library. Great rooms!

Alison Duffy said...

What inspiration! Thank you, and Happy New Year!

Haven and Home said...

Oh I am dying for some good book shelves! These images are beautiful. Thanks for sharing!

Fifi Flowers said...

Love these libraries... I want to redecorate my library/guest room NOW looking at these... sigh!
I hope all is well with you!
Fifi

Unknown said...

I love libraries. They make give any room instant comfort. Who doesn't like a good book.

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