1Hang Artwork
Lisa Romerein "The room doesn't get a lot of light, so I decided to make it cozy and turned it into an English-style portrait room, which is ridiculous, but fun," says celebrity chef Alex Hitz. He lined his study with books from floor to ceiling and then hung a portrait of his friend Nan Kempner by Peter Rogers. Across from the armchairs is a statement wall upholstered inGastón y Daniela's Tree of Life fabric.
2Make It Modern
Fiona Lynch From the inky stained wood to the modern side chair and clean-lined ladder, this home library designed by Fiona Lynch is a gorgeous contemporary take on traditional design.
3Hide It
Studio Seilern This library designed by Studio Seilern has so many glorious hidden quirks. In fact, the room itself is a secret, as you enter through a door disguised as a bookshelf. And though there are only two levels, the mirrored ceiling gives the illusion of a never-ending tower of books.
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4Choose Sculptural Shelves
Nicole Franzen Display your books on sculptural etageres and shelving units instead of opting for the classic built-in look. If anything in this world deserves to be on a beautiful pedestal, it's your books.
5Try an Academic Vibe
Nicole Franzen Give it a scholarly twist with globes sprinkled into the mix and then continue the retro-inspired feel (plus save some money) by repurposing old bottles as decor.
6Choose On-Theme Wallpaper
Tim Street-Porter The book-print wallpaper sets the cozy scene in this reading nook designed by Martyn Lawrence Bullard.
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7Bring Them to Bed
Tamsin Johnson In this bedroom designed by Tamsin Johnson, the elaborate, moody bookshelf contrasts with the modern bedskirt and pale blush pink and white color scheme. Take note if you don't have a separate room dedicated to books but still want your collection to have a special home.
8Tulip Table
Bailey McCarthy Bailey McCarthy gave a Texas home's ungainly addition a new feel by replacing plain walls with white-oak millwork. The '70s amber-glass tulip table with swivel chairs, found on 1stdibs, is the family's favorite spot for game night.
9Install Modular Shelves
Hecker Guthrie Opt for a modular shelving system for a clean, linear aesthetic, as exemplified in this space designed by Hecker Guthrie. It's perfect for a home study, where storage is of utmost importance.
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10Have Fun
David A. Land This modern home library went wild with print, pattern, texture, and more. The leather chesterfield sofa asserts a timeless look, and is a classic choice for a study, while the blue velvet chairs and glass table feel decidedly modern.
11Blend In
Nicole Franzen In this contemporary California sitting room designed by Corinne Mathern, the library collection complements the neutral, earth-toned color scheme throughout the space. The decorative items adorning the bookshelves also create visual flow so that the built-ins feel like they're fully integrated.
12Use All Available Wall Space
Simon Watson No space goes unused in this eye-catching study. The built-in cubbies framing the doorway and under the stairs create visual impact and keep useable floor space clutter-free.
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13Mirror the Ceilings
Tamsin Johnson Mirroring your ceiling will make a small home library feel larger while also adding a modern touch. Take note from this one designed by Tamsin Johnson.
14Find Good Reading Light
Paul Raeside Set up a cozy reading nook near your book collection and a window with good light. A comfy chair, lamp, and a side table for a mug officially designate it as a reading spot.
15Transform a Nook
Arent & Pyke If you have a little architectural quirk like this empty nook in a space designed by Arent & Pyke, put it to use by building in some floating shelves.
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16Make It Multi-Purpose
Nicole Franzen This NYC dining room features wall-to-wall bookshelves so the space can be used as a formal entertaining area as well as a study.
17Use Lacquer
Angie Seckinger Cameron Ruppert Interiors transformed this dining room and its shelves into a jewel box, thanks to the vibrant, reflective blue lacquer. It pops out against the animal-print carpet and floral wallpaper in the distance.
18Store Under the Seat
House Beautiful Customize seating with open storage for books in a small study, guest room, or even an entry way.
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19Bring It to the Ceiling
Crosby Studios Similarly, if you don't have enough space to store all your books but do have super high ceilings, use that vertical space! Here Crosby Studios broke up the powdery blue monochrome with a white cubby lining the tippy-top of the wall.
20When in Doubt, Go Red
Victoria Pearson "Nothing transports like a deep red room," says designer Mary McDonald of the sumptuous library in a Beverly Hills home. The window was covered with a bamboo shade to create an artful backdrop for the photograph by Augusta Wood.
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