Dear Alice | Libraries - Changing for Modern Lifestyles
/This week, we’re chatting Libraries. They are a luxury and a space that has really shifted over the past year. This week’s episode can be found on Apple Podcast, Spotify, or Google Podcast.
We love libraries! They are kind of a luxury to have in a home, but have become such a necessity in 2020 and into 2021. Libraries, studies, offices, and homework rooms have become very popular and significant as more people work from home, school from home, or need a space to focus. We’ve seen these rooms become used more AND become more collaborative as an office, study, homework room, or hobby room. We’ve talked about this before, but 2020 really demonstrated the need for each space to have more functions for the family.
What is a library? It’s no longer just one big desk for the man of the house. Modern libraries are a very multi-functional and custom spaces. They are less formal than they’ve been - tossing aside the stiff chair at a looming desk (with 2 chairs in front of you as if you’re conducting an interview). They are more serious spaces - something dark, moody, and intelligent. And designed for how YOU use the space - learning, paying bills, writing poetry, creating art, or playing family games.
SOME OF OUR FAVORITE LIBRARY FEATURES INCLUDE:
BUILT-INS - If you have the space and the inventory (actual books) to display, we always recommend built-ins. The first step here is determining how much of the room that you’d like to dedicate to shelving vs. wall space. If you have a unique art collection, maybe you will want more wall space.
COLLECTIONS - One interesting thing that we discover is that most people have a collection. Maybe it’s a collection of vinyl records, magazines, artifacts, rocks, or things you’ve picked up on your travels. The library is the perfect place to exhibit these collections and bring some personality. Book collections are an obvious choice here. A lot of older generations have collected books over the years, so they will want to go through and choose favorites. To display book collections, we recommend taking off the jackets to show off the linen spines. We also love books organized by color or topic. Categorizing your displays will add an artful touch.
PULL-UP TABLES- These are one of our top tips for a usable library space! Round Tables for gathering, studying, and crafting. We included one in Rachel Parcell’s library and one one of our visits, we noticed a huge lego masterpiece was being assembled on it.
Go big with your table. The top should be 36” - 60” around. In contrast to a desk, you can move the table or chairs according to what’s going on. It’s the perfect spot to open up a laptop or pay bills. But it also makes a great game table. We’re currently working on a study for one of our clients and she asked for a space to play Majong with her friends. Cue the pull-up table.
COMFORTABLE SEATING - Libraries are meant for passing and enjoying time. A stiff desk chair is not going to cut it. Include soft sofas, lounges and club chairs for comfort. We’re designing an office for one of our clients. When we asked her how she would use the space, she said, “I take a lot of calls and I like to lie down when I take them.” So, instead of focusing on a grand desk, we gave her a luxurious chaise to relax on while she takes her calls.
PRIVACY - We love a library with a beautiful set of doors. Closing it off from the rest of the home allows for focus and privacy. This means your Majong game isn’t going to be interrupted or you can gossip without the kids hearing you.This also gives you the space to take private phone calls or handle sensitive documents. In an office, you can leave your papers and files out and come back to them. This is quite different from the kitchen table, where you have to clean up all of your project - even if you’re in the middle of it. You could even start a game of Chess and come back to it every day for a week.
We’re working on a woman’s office space right now that is far enough away from the rest of the home so that her kids don’t have the immediate access. This is her sanctuary - a place of her very own to plan and dream.
HOBBIES - if Harvard Law Books aren’t your thing, don’t add them to your study. There are so many options for making this space functional and fun for your family. Add a Piano or other musical instruments. Include a telescope for stargazing. A styled bar cart makes the space feel extra lounge-y.
LADDERS - Admittedly, ladders really are a luxury. But, they add so much charm and interest. If you don’t have the space (or need) for a larger ladder, you could also include a smaller decorative step stool to be able to reach high objects.
LIGHTING - Lighting makes our list for every space. It’s for a reason! Lighting sets the mood. A library isn’t the place for stark overhead lights. Instead, you’ll want a chandelier with a dimmer and then lots of task lighting. Pair each sitting area or chair to a lamp. This will really make the room usable and charming.
We don’t want the library to become extinct! And we’re definitely seeing a shift that tells us it’s here to stay - just better.
The modern uses for a library or office space are family, fun, and function. It’s becoming a hobby space. A space to showcase your treasured collections and sentimental items.
Take a look at your home. Maybe there’s a room that isn’t being used to it’s full potential. Take a guest room that only sees guests once a year and add a pull-out sofa bed and use the rest as a library. We also had a client with grown children that decided to transform the play room into a music room. Your home should evolve with you and function for your lifestyle.
Any questions or podcast ideas? Email us at dearalice@alicelanehome.com