This is a link to some fabulous home libraries. It had me drooling.

Here is a link that might be useful: Home libraries

I'd love to see your built-in shelving. Thinking of installing them. Should I buy ready-made that I can take with me, or have a carpenter build and install them....???

I would like to update the room from the late 90's with possibly slipcover, new accessories, paint, etc. New ideas without having to buy all new furniture. Can't do that right now. Any suggestions are appreciated.

thanks wig.. I can't wait to find time to really check these photos out. Just what I needed.

Check out the amazing selection of slipcovers at "O ----- stock.com"

(Gardenweb doesn't like us to print out that website's name because of business "issues" with them)

I would look for the slipcovers first -- and then choose a neutral paint color. Consider re-staining the bookshelves to deeper brown and adding new silver hardware. (check out the Minwax Polyshades site -- combine their Mahogany and Walnut colors for a dark chocolate look)

Change the hardware on the end table to silver.

Add a selection of family photos -- re-do in black-and-white and mat in creamy white and frame in dark brown -- for the area over the sofa.

Switch to dark chocolate or silver lamps! OR check for those crystal or glass "stacked ball" lamps for an updated look. Add a matching standing lamp too!

Clear the older silk flowers -- look for updated versions -- like silk orchids in simple ceramic containers.

Here's a possible table lamp! Check around the site for more ideas!

Here is a link that might be useful: Lamps plus table lamp

My den's a more formal dedicated office, but it has a wall-mounted tv and a couple of lounging chairs not in this photo. You can see more photos by clicking on the picture.

Here's a picture of our family room with built-in bookcases.

{{!gwi}}

teacats.. Thanks so much for all the wonderful suggestions, I'm going to check out the website for covers. I think I know what it is

Chief..I love the color of stain on your shelves. Do you mind me asking what color it is.

linely..what a beautiful room with the windows and lots of great space to store your books.

I would love to restain our bookshelves. I've never stained anything and have no idea how to start. Anyone have any experience or ideas to share on the subject???????

Also If I stain the bookshelves, I suppose that means I'd need ti restain the wood on the doors and all the trim in the room? Is this true???? It'll bealot of work, but I know I'd love it when it's finished.

Well -- you could just paint the bottom trim in the room to match the walls. And then just stain the trim around the windows .....

As for staining -- do check the Minwax site -- there may be suggestions and ideas there ....

I do believe that Red -- who has posted her kitchen cabinets that she stained -- might have some ideas.

Dino, the stain was a DIY job. I used Minwax stain, approx 4 parts Sedona Red to 1 part Ebony. It was actually harder than I expected to get that really dark stain - around 4-6 coats or so.

The rest of the trim in the room is painted, including the doors.

tea cats and chief.. thanks for the stain colors. I just posted to see if anyone on the board has any experience in staining wood. I may find it's more work or money than I'm willing to do now, but hopefully not. I'd love it darker.

Dear dinobambino....my suggestions are similar only I would stain the bookcases even darker like closer to ebony but with an undercoat of a brick-red showing through on edges, etc. And I agree a modern accent of brushed white metal lamps and hardware would help. I would add exotic, tropical plants in bamboo planters or tropical-style urns, and simple shades & curtains. I have had good success with covering my books in white paper and then selecting nice accessories to place on the bookcase shelves. In my case, I chose a turquoise and soft greens & blues...colours to remind me of the ocean! Plus I added sea shells everywhere...in tall hurricane vases, etc. Maybe you could also get new endtables to update even further.