On the Bookshelf
Galvin Rode Design
Casady Dining Room/Library | Karin H. Edwards
A Classic Library | Tracy Murdock Interior Design
This week has delivered many, many wonderful surprises via the UPS man. Several of these volumes were wrapped in glossy covers so pretty they might as well have been candy. Kelly Hoppen Interiors and Balenciaga and Spain each weighed in at several pounds of hardcovered goodness. While I've peeked, I'm saving their hidden contents for the weekend when I can fully indulge in their bounty.
Another candy-colored goodie I unwrapped was Parisian Chic: A Style Guide by Ines de la Fressange. Now here's a book I couldn't resist digging into right away. It's styled almost like a university guidebook begging to reveal its secrets. And this American girl for one is anxious for her private revelation of all things French.
As my already handsome collection of books grows before my very eyes, I begin to look forward to my next home which absolutely must boast two home offices replete with built-in bookcases. One in rich woods for my husband's books. He'd prefer it be dark and private. His readings are of the political and deeply historical bent (He's quite cerebral that way.) and require great focus to truly enjoy. I - on the other hand - prefer a open space with high ceilings (coffered, please), white, filled with art, plenty of natural sunlight and has airy shelves artfully arranged with books and treasured objects. Give me a glam chaise and a fabulous view and I'm in heaven. This is just the kind of room I long to reserve for my delicious fashion and style books. My choice for books is quite different than that of my husband. Mine are a veritable feast for the eyes, the mind and the soul. Fashion, design, art history, biographies of mavericks and bold contemporaries. I prefer aspirational and motivational reading. I want to close a book and be inspired to leap up and be a better me.
As I look forward to the coming weekend staring at my books I can't help but admire the glorious spaces above. But tell me.. how do you style your books? Are you light and bright like me or do you prefer it deep and woodsy like an old English reading room? And what do you like to read?
A bookcase is something that I need. I have so many books, magazines and other what nots that don't have a home.
Posted by: Tonia | March 16, 2011 at 08:50 AM
Me too, Tonia. I love looking at examples. None of these are precisely what I want or even close. But its funny how even things you dont perceive as your taste can be so appealing if designed well. Nothing quite like a wall of great books! :)
Posted by: franki durbin | March 16, 2011 at 08:57 AM
I would love to have a wall of shelves in my office. Right now my books and such are stashed here and there on our built in cases in the study and family room. My personal study would be similar to yours, airy.
And I can't wait to get my hands on the Parisian Chic book, lucky you to get an advanced copy.
Posted by: CarrieC | March 16, 2011 at 09:44 AM
These libraries are gorgeous - thanks for the inspiration! Loved meeting you tonight too...
Posted by: Heidi @ The Good Stuff Guide | March 17, 2011 at 09:13 PM
Loved meeting you too! Thanks for swinging by, honey!
Posted by: franki durbin | March 20, 2011 at 10:40 AM
This post was beyond a 10.
I love the photos, and your
writing was so inspirational and fun to read. This post really emphasized how wonderful and personal books,as well as the way they are displayed can enhance our lives. Excellent !
Posted by: Carol Maryott | March 21, 2011 at 08:55 AM