Library love Chic designs for reading retreats

A DREAM HOME LIBRARY IS ON EVERY BIBLIOPHILE’S BUCKET LIST. HERE’S HOW TO TRANSFORM YOUR SHELVES FROM SAGGING TO STYLISH

2021-06-07 - Words KAYLA WRATTEN

Over 2000 years ago, the philosopher Plato said, “A house that has a library in it has a soul,” and his sentiment still rings true. A home brimming with books is bound to be a place of comfort, warmth and imagination, as your collection can inspire creativity in any interest from interior design to art, travel or baking. Luckily, there are plenty of genius ways to display your beloved tomes, from floor-to-ceiling shelving to a dedicated library room or a book nook beneath the stairs. Find out how to achieve your dream library with these inspiring spaces, and then snuggle up with a good book to match these designs we love.

STEP UP

This striking timber library by Luigi Rosselli Architects (opposite) makes the most of space under the staircase. Sturdy shelves stacked in line with each step create a backdrop to this cosy retreat when paired with a tactile rug and inviting chair. “There’s a trend toward occasional chairs,” says interior designer Lisa Alward of Bella Vie Interiors. “Those softer lines and beautiful shapes encourage people to relax and read.”

RECOMMENDED READING

Becoming by Michelle Obama, Penguin, $26.99. An inspiring memoir from the former First Lady of the United States about defying expectations and rising up.

DREAM DESIGN

If space permits, floor-to-ceiling shelving bursting with books is a fantasy for every bibliophile. Grand home libraries are best enjoyed when styled with adequate lighting, not only for reading but also to highlight your collection, so embrace traditional wall sconces or joinery lighting (above). For a calming ambience, interior designer Lisa Burdus says “put the joinery lights on a dimmer, so they are just a soft glow.”

RECOMMENDED READING

Bibliostyle by Nina Freudenberger, Hardie Grant, $50. Take your style inspiration from the swoon-worthy book collections of homeowners around the world. >

“BOOKS ADD warmth AND soul TO A ROOM, AND OFTEN CARRY GREAT SENTIMENT ~ LISA BURDUS, INTERIOR DESIGNER

UP THE WALL

The classic wall of bookshelves (above) offers one of the most practical ways to store a large volume of books. You can also DIY this look with a bought-in shelf. Short on wall space? An overhead book alcove

“allows you to keep a lighter, fresher look in the room,” says Lisa Alward. “Underneath, you can put in a study nook, storage cupboards or a beautiful window.” Invest in a bespoke sliding ladder for easy access, inviting the eye to roam upwards. If you don’t have a whole wall at your disposal, another way to incorporate bookshelves is by framing an artwork, mirror or fireplace to create symmetry. “This look only works for people who know how to style the shelves,” says Lisa Burdus. “The trick here is to balance them out; have books upright as well as stacked with an object on top.” As for the shelving, interior designer Kimberley Tan of Studio Atelier says “250mm deep shelves are an adequate depth to display books, but always measure your largest book first.”

RECOMMENDED READING

Design Lives Here by Penny Craswell, Thames & Hudson, $59.99. Display this sourcebook of Australian design outward to invite guests to peruse the pages.

A MOVEABLE FEAST

A hidden pivot door that’s lined with bookshelves (below) creates a dramatic entrance to a private study in this design by Luigi Rosselli Architects. Extending the library alongside the door in a wall of dark timber cabinetry conceals the moveable bookshelf in plain sight, while opaque honeycomb acrylic backing allows sunlight to filter through. And if you don’t have the space (or budget) for a secret room, this technique would also work really well as a room divider.

RECOMMENDED READING

Annie Leibovitz at Work by Annie Leibovitz, Phaidon, $79.95. Explore the captivating stories behind this iconic US photographer’s greatest portraits.

ROOM WITH A VIEW

If you’re lucky enough to have a north-facing bay window, or a large window that allows sunlight to saturate the room, build timber shelves into the surrounding walls to store your book collection. “Pop cushions, a nice throw and bench seating in there, and it’s the perfect spot to sit and read,” says Lisa Alward. You could even add bookshelves below the bench seat if you just have a little window seat rather than the whole room.

Recommended reading:

Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens (Hachette, $22.99). Indulge in this story’s lush descriptions of nature then pause to enjoy your own outlook.

“YOU’RE CREATING A relaxing ambience AT HOME BY ADDING BOOKS. IT INNATELY TELLS YOU ‘SHH’, BE QUIET” ~ LISA ALWARD, BELLA VIE INTERIORS

Storing and displaying books in a home office is both inspiring and motivating; a flick through a book can boost creativity and productivity. When designing an office library, opt for soothing materials such as timber (above) and create soft, breakout spaces (opposite). “I like timber because it has a really tactile feel, it’s homely and adds a lot of texture and warmth,” says designer Lisa Alward. When you’re ready to down tools: “Be sure to incorporate a comfortable chair or banquet seat to curl into,” says Kimberley.

Arched built-in bookshelves transform this unassuming wall into a wanderlust-inspired library teeming with travel tomes, framed maps and souvenirs (right). “Recessed shelving is easy to add during a renovation if planned out beforehand,” says interior designer Lisa Burdus, the creative brains behind these charming book cavities, best for hallways and living rooms. “By building the whole wall out an extra 400-600mm and running the cornice and skirting around, it’s a good use of space,” she adds.

RECOMMENDED READING

The Travel Book by Lonely Planet, $80. A journey through every nation in the world, this is the ultimate guide to arouse your wanderlust.