library design for a blank slate

3 years ago

Looking for built in book shelves, small desk, scotch bar, maybe a window seat. I was thinking leather and velvet seating. Leaning towards more traditional with a touch of contemporary. Is there some type of design software I can use?

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Comments (5)

jalarse
3 years ago
Finally someone thinking library rather than how big of a tv will go on the wall. I think your ideas of leather, scotch bar etc. is a great beginning. My husband built bookcases around our living room fireplace. When I used all those up we moved upstairs which is open to the living room downstairs, with an octagon opening. There was room for a window seat upstairs, so we built one with storage under it and on both ends, added more bookcases up there. I love it. I can look over the railings and see the fireplace downstairs. Then I got carried away and added a copper ceiling above the window seat. One suggestion.....gray walls don’t say library to me. More warmth, with color and perhaps an oriental rug, floor lamps next to your leather chairs. Don’t forget the glass decanters for the scotch. Keep us updated on your progress. Remember....”Ordinary people have big Tv’s. Extra ordinary people have big libraries.”
jalarse
3 years ago
Sorry I don’t know any software, perhaps others will respond. I’m a “just kinda wing it gal.”
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Glad to be helpful. A credenza below the TV should be 25% wider than the physical width of the TV itself. Center the TV setup on that wall. Can't tell which of your sliders moves to give you access to the balcony, but I presume it is the one behind the cat tower. You might consider a track on the ceiling all the way across that end of the room. Use a semi-sheer linen curtain all the way across. Since you have no view and don't want neighbors seeing into your space, you could keep them closed most of the time, and still have light filtering in while able to slide them to access the balcony. Pic below shows how the track would look. For tables, I'd use a pair of "C" tables. They're handy for drinks, laptops and they can slide under the sofa to be out of the way. The one below is a cheap version, but they come in all styles and price ranges. I would wait and get them to work well with the TV credenza. Then use an arc floor lamp in the corner by the window. A rug should slip under the sofa to that first seam on the arm, and it should extend past the two ends of the sofa by a foot or more.
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decoenthusiaste
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
Not aware of software; others here will be. You probably need to consult with a local cabinet maker concerning custom bookshelves. Consider an upholstered bench at the triple window and a contemporary cart for a simple scotch station tucked in one of the corners. Place your desk so your back is to the wall with the sconce light(s) and you'll be able to enjoy the view with lighting from behind you if you're reading or working there. Float a pair of comfy reading chairs facing your favorite view outside. Anchor all of it around a beautiful rug that nearly fills the room for a cozy, comfortable cocoon to read/study at your leisure. Here's a nice chair and footstool with a bit of MCM vibe (6 colors.) Just following through on the blue theme for concept.

Hariata Mid-Century Modern Wingback Chair and Ottoman Set, Muted Blue · More Info

Dynamic Rugs Avalon 10'11"x8'0" Area Rug · More Info
tcufrog
3 years ago
Here are photos of my library. It doesn't hold all of my books or any of my husband's, but he has lots of bookshelves in his office and we have some more upstairs. The buffet in the 3rd photo is sometimes used as a bar during parties. If money for built-ins is an issue, google IKEA bookcase/bookshelf hacks. I've seen some really impressive ones where people trimmed out IKEA bookcases to look like built-ins. Some are so good you'd have no idea that they weren't customer built. We have some upstairs that have lasted 3 moves and are still in great shape. The key, we've discovered is to use wood glue during assembly. A lot of people have been surprised when they found out that they were from IKEA.
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Angelica Angeli ❤ Interior Design Journalist
3 years ago
Here we have a few library images that might help you get started on your own library. Note the different color choices for the rooms.
Riverland Court · More Info

Riverland Court · More Info

Alberta Ave · More Info

library design for a blank slate

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jalarse

jalarse

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