Leaving the city for 2 solid weeks means 1 thing: I'll be getting lots of reading done. From plane rides to car rides to long days stretched in front of me with nothing to do but relax with family, I'll be devouring a few new books (this, this, and this are in my bag, waiting to be opened). Speaking of books, I love a beautifully-designed bookshelf. Here are 10 of my all-time favorite stylish shelves:
#1: Fashion designer/editor Laurann Claridge converted her Houston home's guest room in to a library and office to house her extensive collection of books:
You might recall the photos above being shared over and over in the blogosphere circa 2010. Lauren did a beautiful job on her entire high-rise.
#2: The millwork detailing in this library designed by Hein + Cozzi is perfection. I love shelves that are incredibly intentional and have interesting panelling. The peacock wall color is lively without feeling overwhelming (although I kind of wish it was lacquered):
#3 J. Randall Powers' Houston home was featured in 2012 in a before and after series on Architectural Digest. I fell in love with the wallpapered ceiling, the Paul Ferrante light fixture, and the olive green paint color on the shelves:
#4: Architect Ariane Provost's Marimekko House in Perth, Australia features a wall of books in a space that can be indoors or outdoors, based on whether or not the adjoining doors are closed:
#5 Alessandra Branca's bold red library includes a ladder (of course), sharp black trim, and brass swing-arm sconces:
#6: Both Aerin Lauder's library...
...and her dramatic home office are framed with a perimeter of bookshelves:
#7: Caroline Seiber's Nottinghill Home has a room that serves as both the dining room AND the library. The space was designed around an eighteenth-century Indian textile depicting the tree of life that hangs in the room's window:
#8: Last but not least, I cannot get enough of this Manhattan dining room and library, designed by Celerie Kemble. The Tony Duquette California Sunburst fixture for Remains Lighting is one of my all-time favorite lighting pieces, and it makes a statement against the blue paint and ceiling panelling. I also adore the Liz O'Brien dining chairs:
And speaking of books, my latest obsession is collecting vintage entertaining manuals/self-help books. Here are a few I've had my eye on:
How to Be a Party Girl (originally published in the 1968 by Pat Montandon):
Entertaining is Fun! by Dorothy Draper:
Happy Friday, and Merry Christmas! I hope you all have a great weekend and holiday.
XOXO,
Sam
