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Reading Rooms
I am an architectural design writer who often focuses on how environment can affect behavior. Before consulting privately, I received my MA in writing and ran a design boutique in Los Angeles.
I am an architectural design writer who often focuses on how environment... More »
Whether it's the fact that my two little children just started the school year, that I now therefore have a bit more personal time, or the nesting instinct that fall ushers in with its brisk winds: I am in the mood to cuddle and read. For our own selves, and especially for those who are trying to encourage young children to love reading, carving out an actual space is important.
Of course we all love manor libraries, those elusive grand rooms with persian rugs and velvet curtains and a chess table on the side, as if tea service or a brandy might appear at any moment. But as established and elegant of a reading space can be created even from a hallway corner, if done right.
Here are some ideas. Enjoy, well, reading about them.
Of course we all love manor libraries, those elusive grand rooms with persian rugs and velvet curtains and a chess table on the side, as if tea service or a brandy might appear at any moment. But as established and elegant of a reading space can be created even from a hallway corner, if done right.
Here are some ideas. Enjoy, well, reading about them.
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| A reading corner can literally be carved out of a corner. Wedge a chair diagonal in front of a book shelf, add a lamp and even a small round side table for setting a cup of tea. In the day, make use of natural light. |
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Rethink an extra coat or utility closet. Take off the doors, hang a curtain, and create a distinctly cozy and inconspicuous extra room.
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This shows how even the end of a room can be segmented for more reading privacy. Even when not in use, the curtain adds a soft, classic touch to a library. For a traditional fall/winter weight, think velvet.
A comfortable chair, fireside, can become a perfect reading space. I have a writer friend who, when she's in a public space in her home but busy with reading and writing, she places a DO NOT DISTURB sign she found at a flea market beside her space.
| Another view of the open setup of this living room area.
Love the classy touch of a black grand piano along the wall. Classic furniture arrangement, classic fireside furniture elements, but with a simple and mod twist. |
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| Reading in outdoor spaces you've created can be some of the most invigorating experiences. But a $100 firepit and throw on a duralog, wrap in your favorite sweater, grab a cup of coffee, and breathe in the crisp fall air as you finish off War and Peace (why not, while we're thinking grandly). |
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One perfect artistic touch gives an intellectual and classic-manor touch to a custom-created reading corner. It gives weight to such a small space and shows that a chair has not just been placed in a corner, but a deliberate space has been created.
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by Stacie Velten
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| Looking at the bare bones of this room, it could have been created into anything. With inserted shelves floor to ceiling, and a roll-out bed placed into the corner like a fainting couch, and as elegant of a library as any is created. I love how the simplicity is maintained. Love how they've organized the actual shelving. |
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Another arrangement of books that creates art in the process of organization.
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I adore this kind of hit-and-run library shelf running along the beautifully minimalist corridor here. I hope along the way somewhere there is a cozy place to land. I picture the same kind of roll-out-bed-turned-fainting couch along one wall somewhere...
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Another view, showing one end and the width of the hallways space.
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With perhaps a more ergonomic chair, this work space could easily convert at will into a reading corner. If you could keep your eyes on the pages. What a view.
![modern living room [ Steven Ehrlich Architects ]](http://st.houzz.com/fimgs/5c6125f107682bc5_1000-w422-h330-b0-p0--modern-living-room.jpg)
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Always also thinking of how those with children can navigate, I love that a space such as this maintains a clean structure, but is open and inviting from the most elegant guest perched with poetry to the most casual little guest sprawled with Seuss.
Ideabook updated on Nov. 9, 2010.
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I absolutely love these pictures and ideas... so peaceful and serene.
Thank you for sharing!