Libraries of the Rich and Famous

This enormous and beautiful library belongs to Karl Lagerfeld, proving that celebrities can be bookworms too!

A follower and friend of Vignette Design sent me these photos since I have been on the subject of books lately.

I just had to share.

I love this photo of Frank Sinatra enjoying a good book in his library.

Of course, Oprah has a beautiful library!

Diane Keaton's is very interesting, don't you think?

This is Woody Allen's library. I would love to sneak a peek at what is on his book shelves!

Joan Rivers' book shelves.

Greta Garbo's looks like it is just for show.

My favorite celebrity library though is Jimmy Stewart's.

Just gorgeous! I don't think I would ever leave this room!

What's your favorite?

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Decorating with Books

The new Pottery Barn catalog came in the mail yesterday. I like the direction they're going, but couldn't get my mind around the "bundle of books" above. This is what Pottery Barn says about the description:

"Avid readers know that a stack of books can be a comforting sight. We've taken authentic vintage books and turned them into art objects by removing their covers and binding them together in sets of four. Neutral in color with deckled and uneven pages, they bring relaxed style to a bookcase, mantel or side table."

Ok, why remove the covers on vintage books? And why bundle them together? I don't get it!

Here are some authentic vintage books on my bookshelf that are neutral in color. It's true, they are a comforting sight for this avid reader.

Pottery Barn continues the description:

"Each bundle features four real books with covers removed so that they are all paper.

Pages are glued shut and books are tied together with twine....

....Purely decorative; content and title are not important."

Although the cover fell of this book, its content and title are still very important.

This avid reader is not comforted knowing the pages are also glued shut!

So why pay $39 for four books that are completely unreadable? Oh, I forgot, they are "purely decorative....."

Pottery Barn was right about the comforting sight of a stack of books.

Which brings me to the subject of "Decorating with Books."

Books have always been an integral part of the decor in our homes.

Even if it's just a dictionary or a Bible, they are an important part of our lives.

They can also be the anchor in a room, like the library above.

Libraries are also a comfort, at least for me.

Alassandra Branca's red library is simply wonderful!

I hope to someday create a room like this in my home.

Another favorite image is this library designed by Jeffrey Bilhuber.

There is definitely an art to arranging books on a shelf. I came across a great tutorial by Elizabeth Mayhew of House Beautiful on how to design a bookshelf so that it is more than just a bunch of books all lined up.

Step One: Empty your shelves. Then paint the backs, or line with wallpaper.

Step Two: Sort books by size and color. Line books, some vertically, some horizontal on the shelves.

This will alleviate the monotony of rows.

Step Three: Fill unused space with attractive boxes that can also be used for storage.

Step Four: Start adding family photographs, ceramics or other objects d'art.

Step Five: Be daring and hang a print on the shelf moulding.

The finished bookcase. Isn't it beautiful?

This is what I call "Decorating with Books!"

(Disclaimer: No books were harmed in the process. Their covers were not ripped off, their pages were not glued shut and they were not tied up with twine.)

Now, go read a book!

PS: I still love you Pottery Barn!

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The Reading Room Reveal

This tiny room has been an office since we moved here in 1999. It had a huge desk, file cabinet and the only computer in the house, a giant monolith of a computer. It was where our kids did their homework.

Times have changed. Most people now have laptops and don't need a designated office anymore. Also, things have changed in our home too. Everyone grew up and went off to college!

I decided to reclaim the space as a reading room. For such a small space, it was a huge undertaking.

The ceiling was cracked like an eggshell. I wanted to panel the ceiling with v-groove rustic redwood boards like the original 1906 ceiling in my sunroom. But that would be very expensive.

My painter, Bob came up with the idea of using MDF and ripping them into boards. He cut a groove on either side and then put them up randomly.

Once painted, it is impossible to tell the difference between the real deal and this MDF ceiling.

Here, he is painting all the woodwork in the room. Notice the balcony outside the door.

He painted the room my tried and true "Granfield Pumpkin" by Benjamin Moore.

I took this picture of the balcony the other morning. It has never really been used or staged. It has a wonderful view of the front yard and flowering plum trees across the street.

Here it is tonight at dusk. I already had this outdoor rug and the fanback chairs were brought in from the backyard. A plant and candle on a tray, and voila!

I am claiming this space for myself! This could be my new "blogspot" on warm days...

Looking through the door, into the new reading room.

We bought this chair today at the consignment center. All linen, $89! I couldn't believe it! However, it is a little big for the room. I will make it work though, because it is incredibly comfortable.

Ahhh! A place to sit and read. My favorite thing to do!

This pine bookcase was already in the room.

Right now it is filled with fishing books and high school text books. That will change though!

The chandelier was originally in the hallway and rehung in here. We retrofitted it with a pull chain as there is no switch in the room.

The room is still a work in progress. I have to hang art, rearrange the books and tomorrow pick up the mate to this chair. At $89 each, I couldn't pass it up. So, it will be a reading room for two now!

I was so surprised when I got home tonight to learn that I received an award

from Kim at Savvy Southern Style !

I am so honored! Kim is new to the blogosphere and I have recently discovered her. We have similar tastes and I look forward to seeing what she posts. She has asked that I describe 7 things about myself. Hmmm, I'm going to have to think about that and get back to you in a few days!

Thank you Kim!

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I'm joining Susan at Between Naps on the Porch for Metamorphosis Monday.

Be sure to visit her and see all the other participants and their projects.

I'm also linking up to It's So Very Cheri for It's So Very Creative Monday. There you will find more creative projects and transformations for inspiration.

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Home Libraries

I believe one can never have too many books! But where to put them if you don't have a library in your home?

Eventually your bookshelves will overflow and decisions must be made to give away or donate your books--only to make room for new ones!

Someday, I would love to have a library in my home. A whole room dedicated to just books and reading like the room above.

Or like this room of floor to ceiling bookshelves.

Or this room. It speaks to me because of the alabaster lamp, the oil paintings, comfy reading chair and of course, books.

Three above photos from Country Living

This library is a bit grand and over the top, but I can dream can't I?

This is the large library bookshelf in our living room with some of my vintage and classic books. It's used more as a display piece instead of a functional library piece.

We have this built in book shelf in the family room also.

But wouldn't it be wonderful to have a room just lined with books? Even a dining room could multi-task as a library. . .

. . .Like this one.

Or this one that also multi-tasks as a wine cellar!

Or this one!

Maybe in my next house I will have a library or even a dining room/library.

In the meantime, I'm working on a tiny room upstairs; reappointing it from an office to a "reading room." It isn't quite finished yet, and it isn't technically a library. But it will be a room dedicated to reading - for one person! Stay tuned for more on this later.....

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