Monday, September 27, 2010

A Love for Books


I grew up in a home where education, and along with that collecting books, took precedence. My father had an extensive library of books that covered different topics and passions. My father, who was rarely without a book in hand, instilled my love for reading, and the constant desire to hunt for books.

In design, books are considered details that reflect the owner’s taste and interests. Designers always seek to display books in an unexpected way- whether in a bookcase, on a table, a chair, or simply on the floor. Stack them according to color, size, or subject and let the books speak volumes.

The antiqued mirror tiles on the ceiling gives the illusion of a bigger book collection, courtesy of House Beautiful, photography by Buff Strickland

Designer Stephen Shubel, photography by David Livingston

An architectural touch plus a wall of books in a Swedish loft...courtesy of House Beautiful, photography by Jan Tham

The Viceroy Hotel's study with the diagonal shelves... adds energy to the room.
Designed by Kelly Wearstler, photography by Grey Crawford
Photo 1 photography by Gilles Trillard

9 comments:

Splendid Sass said...

Extremely gorgeous images. I am in love with books too, and these stacks of books are beautiful. Thank you for sharing.
I love the room by Kelly Wearsler, but I am afraid there is too much movement for me, so I choose the room by one of my favorites, Steven Shubel.
Habe a nice evening.
Teresa

Picture of Elegance Blog said...

Teresa,
Shubel's work is always chic and fresh, He loves casual settings with neutral palettes which always looks and feels comfortable...
Have a good evening.

Anonymous said...

Dear PoE, I just love interiors crammed with books since I feel that it gives a sense of life and interest rather than just a beautifully designed space. In both London and Budapest, I find myself always needing more space for books which I acquire and cannot bear to part with. So in spite of large bookcases, stacks next to the bath and the bed, small tables groaning under the weight and even books used as plinths for objets d'art, they still advance.......can one have too many books?

diane@onlinefabricstore said...

My mother was like your father and, as a result, one of the smartest women I knew. She could discuss just about any topic and she barely finished high school. When I walk into a home without books I feel like something is missing..a heart, a soul, a history...something. Beautiful pics and I love the glass tile ceiling idea

Picture of Elegance Blog said...

Edith,
I agree with you, I also love the ritual of organizing my books and displaying them all around the house. Nothing can replace the feeling you get when you’re curled up with a good book, especially on a rainy day!

Picture of Elegance Blog said...

Diane,
That is so true; I think to be well-read requires the desire to be knowledgeable. I’m sure you had wonderful discussions with your mother… I’m glad you enjoyed my post.

Michelle said...

Oh, I love a room of books, on the floor, to the ceiling, on chairs, stacked, leaned, open, closed. LIke all the great conversations and ideas surrounding me, and waiting me to discover them...why do I think of esspresso?

Best,
Michelle

Picture of Elegance Blog said...

Michelle,
I know what you mean...

Anonymous said...

Before the man of my dreams moved into my house he gave 6000 volumes to the local library. That meant that he moved in with about 4000 volumes. He has added to that in the last 17 years. But, every time he goes on a trip something is removed . . . and he never misses them. Our local library sale shelf is enriched and my life is a little bit more organized. I too have a healthy collection of books. The difference between me and my beloved is that I read mine while he just collects his. Sofia

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