I'm going to be honest. I would be upset if someone made decorating decisions for me as a surprise. Half -- or more! of the fun of decorating is considering all the options and making choices. It sounds like some of the decisions you are going to make are not easily reversible, such as built in bookcases.

Sorry I'm not answering your question, but why not surprise her all kinds of samples and then do the project together. Most women really do love decorating projects.

You are a real sweetheart to think of something so generous for your wife. I just know you are looking forward to a look of joy from her and not one of stunned disappointment, which is what she may feel.

Again, you are so wonderful to want this for her!

Here's an example of stain colors for cedar shingles -- perhaps there might be a stain color that would work in your new library?

A darker green -- maybe in the sage or even olive tones -- would work well on both the walls and the trim -- just use one color for both to create a more co-hesive look to the small room. Or for a lighter look -- simply paint both the walls and trim in a white ....

Do remember to add lots of good lighting options -- standing lamps, table lamps etc. So important for a great library!

Here is a link that might be useful: color palette

Aw, what a wonderful husband you are! Think about the colors your wife has chosen for your home already and/or her favorite colors. If the room is small, but has lots of natural light, you could choose almost any color scheme, I think. I like cozy libraries with darker colors on the walls, although ours has cherry shelves, chintz-covered couch, and yellow walls and I love that look, too.

I think classic libraries (antique feel?) often have the dark green walls, but you could update that a little with navy, deep purple, or red. All would look good with unpainted shelves and hardwood floors. For a rug in a library, you can't go wrong with a Persian style, in my opinion. Make sure you get a good thick pad to add to the coziness! You are right that the rug can bring all the colors together. I would paint the trim white, but that is just me. A nice wing chair or two with a foot stool will be lovely. I am sure you will get lots of input on this project.

Hey, if you have time, please call my DH! My birthday is coming up, too! ;)

I agree with dedtired, sort of. We need to know more. Do you and your wife have the same taste and have done many projects together that you are very sure this is the look she will like? If the answer is yes, then go for it!
After all, it is a library, not a kitchen or bathroom.
Cedar can go with many colors. What are your wife's favorite colors?
I agree with teacats about green. But then again, I like green!

When I began posting, no one else had answered, but by the time I finished (after interruptions), I saw ded's absolutely brilliant idea.

I LOVE the idea of getting some samples (paint chips, fabrics...), pictures of cozy, lovely libraries, etc. and filling a box that she could open. I agree that she will be thrilled to be involved and you will end up with a room that is exactly what she wants. Can't see any downside to that.

I do hope you will let us see what you end up with!

If you take some photos of other rooms your wife loves then perhaps we can help. Does she enjoy decorating and design. If so, I agree syn and ded's ideas.

Obviously everyone on this site would want to be hands on types :-)

However, some ppl just dont care to do these things. Guess the question is...which type is your wife?

You are are very sweet to want to do this and I like your ideas!!

Well, what a lovely idea! I agree with other posters though. If your wife really enjoys decorating, it might not land with quite the aplomb you are hoping for. The last thing you want is the sound of a soft thud..., like, "Oh! A library..." If she 'surprised' you with your next car, all picked out by her, would you be thrilled by the gesture, or would you rather have a say? Only you know your wife of course....

Having said that, I LOVE libraries, and couldn't resist sharing a few thoughts... I'm not certain about the wing chairs. I know it is a very traditional look for a library, but my idea of time spent in such a place would include cozying into a chair, with a nearby table for my tea, and an ottoman. I have never felt super comfortable in a wing chair, so perhaps there is a better choice there? Also, I have always loved the idea of a table in such a room, perhaps a drop leaf table that sits with the leaves down, but can be easily pulled up for a light meal or paperwork.

Here is a link that might be useful: [A great resource for libraries...[(https://www.houzz.com/magazine/libraries-for-everyone-stsetivw-vs~12629)

What a wonderful present! I second the idea that you surprise her with your plan, not with a finished room. Colors are tremendously important to me, and no one could choose them for me. Besides the samples Dedtired recommended, how about a drawing of the room as you imagine it? Made either on a computer or by hand. You might even have overlays. One drawing could show the room's basic floor plan, and you could have another layer that shows your ideas. Or just one with your ideas on the floor plan. You present it to her and ask how she would it to look.
I think you'd have the ideal gift.

Since the room is small, you might also consider making your shelves 9" deep. I'm a medical librarian w/ lots of large books and they fit well on shelves that size.

Thanks a TON for all the responses and ideas!! My wife is not the project type unfortunately but that's OK, that means i get to have all the fun. I am very confident that i know her style and things she likes and i know she will love this surprise, but thanks for the idea. One of the things i was up in the air about was the trim color, should i paint it a different shade of the wall or a nice white? Also the room is a dark purple right now, i was thinking of going a few shades lighter but not to light, and i think that would go good with the wood tones. I will post back with more progress. Thanks!

Chad...how fun!!! I would go with a nice medium brownish gray. Or just a medium gray. Its a wonderful color for a library! I would definitely paint the trim an off white. Depending on what you have in the rest of your house. Cant wait to hear updates!!!!

You are going to have SO much fun, Chad! I would go with a creamy white for the trim. Please don't forget to come back and post in-progress and after pics when you finish. :)

How are you going to be able to keep this a surprise?

The rooms in my house are plain, uncluttered, everything in its place; but the library - it's my super comfy, over stuffed worn furniture,books, collections, you name it place. Dark green side walls, yellow ochre on other two walls and ochre 14' ceiling with chandelier, with a wide border under the crown molding. Oh, and long dark green vintage velvet curtains on the large picture window. And the oriental design rugs over hardwood floors. One thing lacking though is enough good lighting for reading of all things. I tend to go for ambiance instead of function in this room! ha. So do consider plenty of outlets for chair side lamps.

She has known about the remodel gift for awhile but she doesn't know the extent :) I have an old front door lock that I am putting on the door to the room just in case she gets tempted. I am thinking creamy white for trim and possibly the doors and some shade of purple. And i will defiantly keep everyone updated as the project matures. Thanks!

Ok so here's an update. I have painted the room and trim/molding/baseboards. The room is a tan/wheat color i guess is what you would call it and the trim is an antique white. Kinda boring i know but i wanted to be able to put any kind of furniture in there and it match. I have also picked out the wood flooring, it is a light cherry color if that makes sense. My big dilemma now is the bookcase. I would like to use cedar and just bring out the natural red in it but i am kinda unsure on what to use for that and I'm not sure if that will match the floor, i have been told just poly it or use tongue oil.Or i could just get a pine and stain it a color that matches. I'm not sure why i am kinda stuck on cedar but i am :). Thanks again for the help.

Chad,

It sounds like its coming along nicely. I don't think tan, off-white & cherry wood are boring for a library. The books, accessories and other furniture will bring in that depth your looking for.

Personally, I think cedar sounds too rustic. Are you working from an inspiration photo that has cedar bookcases?

You described the room as small and wanting it to look antique. I think using pine and painting it the same antique white as the trim would be a better choice. Staining the pine to match the wood would also work but I'd be afraid it would shrink the room. If you did choose to stain the wood I'd recommend a rug.

The bookcase is just along one wall, right?

Jennifer

Thanks for the suggestion. I never thought of painting the bookcase but i guess it would make it look more "built in" if it was the same color as the crown molding and baseboards. It is a 9x10 room and the bookcase is going to be along one of the 9 foot walls. I am planning on building 3 smaller bookcases and adding molding to make it look all built in instead of building one huge bookcase. If i painted the wood should i do that before or after i build the bookcase? Thanks a Ton!!