If you are a voracious reader with a book collection to prove it – then it’s time to create a retreat within your home where you can “unplug” from the daily grind – and decompress and relax among your favorite books.   And what better place to do this than in a home library.

Decorating a room with books never gets old.  It provides warmth and character to the space instantly drawing you in.  Relaxing among books  somehow warms our souls as we surround ourselves with longtime friends and curious adventures.

Whether your home is spacious enough for a dedicated “library”, a mini- library or a transformed  corner of a room– there are a few key elements to keep in mind:

• Designate a quiet area within your home where traffic is at a minimum.
• Take inventory of your collection and assess whether the newly designated wall space is able to house them all – if not pick those in the best condition and donate the rest.
• Make sure that this space is able to tolerate floor to ceiling bookshelves and the excessive weight of the books it will hold.
• Prevent the shelves from bowing by increasing their thickness to 1 ½” thick.
• Design the shelving to reflect the style and integrity of the home and have them fastened together and scribed to the wall for greater strength.
• Select a material and finish that best showcases your collection. (Shelves painted a dark blue or black allows for the books to pop)!
• Provide a functional floor plan/layout. Have the shelves easily accessible with ample seating to curl up in.  A simple furniture arrangement such as a pair of oversized chairs, sidetables and lamps may be all you’ll need.
• The proper lighting in your “library” will have a great impact over the space – and highlight your gorgeous collection. The combination of natural, general  (overheads, preferably on dimmers), task  (lamps with tri-light bulbs) and accent lighting (lighting shelves, plants, art etc.) will provide you with the best overall result.

Home libraries can be implemented anywhere.  So take a good look around your house – and see if any of these locations work for you.

• Beneath the stairs
• In a hallway
• Around doorways and windows
• Within the living room
• An unused corner of a room
• Loft or upper mezzanine landing
• Bedroom
• Family room
• Home Office
• Dedicated library retreat (its own space)

These deep dark shelves highlight the colorful collection – and the table and chairs vignette functions perfectly!

Photo: Cote de Texas

Incorporating window seats and bookshelves into this hallway immediately transforms it into a highly functional and beautiful space.

Photo via Patricia Gray Blog

This ideal home library nestled directly beneath the stairs fits in seamlessly with the overall design of the home – creating a multi-functional living space.

Photo via Apartment Therapy

Here is a clever use of space in a very quaint room.  The shelving wrapping around the entrance frames the doorway, highlights the neighboring space and creates a focal point within the room.

Photo via House Beautiful

I just love the dark cabinetry offset with rich bursts of red.  The lower base cabinets visually anchor the tall shelving unit.

Photo via Southern Accents

A stunning two-story library showcases the owner’s extensive book collection and the home’s spectacular architectural styling as well.

So where is the best place for your library space?

Stay Inspired!

I encourage you leave questions or comments below this post, and fill out the form on the right hand side of this page to receive your free copy of my special report: “15 Money Saving Strategies When Planning Your Home Renovation”

Article by Lori Gilder, Architectural Interior Designer, Los Angeles, Ca. © 2011 Lori Gilder. Interior Makeovers Inc.

Whether you’re designing your home from the ground up, remodeling your existing space, or simply redecorating within – homeowners are no longer satisfied with living the cookie-cutter-lifestyle in a one-size-fits-all floor plan.

Embellishing, enhancing and styling your home’s interior by incorporating specific architectural details into the mix will help you achieve your ideal home environment – and undoubtedly set your home apart from the rest.

These details can be considered anything that adds visual interest, texture, character and charm to the integrity of the home – while fitting in seamlessly with the structure’s architectural style.

Some architectural details may include:

• Wainscoting /board and batten
• Moldings and baseboards
• Doors and windows
• Staircase and railing details
• Ceiling beams or coffered details (when applicable)
• Fireplace mantles and surrounds
• Wall niches
• Columns
• Arches………….

To infuse instant grace and glamour into your home – introduce an arch or two into the mix.  They can act as a framework highlighting a spectacular outdoor view, separate rooms from each other, create a focal point within a space or act as a portal from one space to the next.  Either way, the options are endless.

Many arch styles exist but the 3 most common ones are:

The Soft Arch:
The soft arch is also referred to as the segmented or eyebrow arch – where it is a segment of a circle.  These work beautifully with both high and low header heights.

Soft Arch:                      Photo/Design: Lori Gilder Interior Makeovers Inc.

The Half Circle Arch:
The half circle arch is reminiscent of Roman Architecture and is typically introduced into more Tuscan, Spanish Colonial and Traditional interiors. This arch tends to require more generous ceiling heights due to radius of the arc.  You typically would like a minimum of 6’-8” at the lowest portion of the arch.

Half Circle Arch Photo Via Houzz      Design: Summerour Architects

The Elliptical Arch:
Lets just say the Soft Arch + Half Circle Arch = Elliptical Arch. This elliptical shape has a much more subtle radius in the center and a tighter corner radius.  It is a true combination of the segmented and roman combined and is able to generously span greater widths.

Elliptical Arch Photo via Elle Décor

Here are a few more inspirational ideas for you to enjoy.

Photo via Country Living

Photo Via Architectural Digest.           An enclosed outdoor space turned office.

Photo via Elle Décor

Photo via House Beautiful

Photo via House Beautiful

Which arch is your style?

Stay Inspired!

I encourage you leave questions or comments below this post, and fill out the form on the right hand side of this page to receive your free copy of my special report: “15 Money Saving Strategies When Planning Your Home Renovation”

Article by Lori Gilder, Architectural Interior Designer, Los Angeles, Ca. © 2011 Lori Gilder. Interior Makeovers Inc.

According to the National Association of Home Builders, single-family homes are continuing to get smaller and all indicators show this trend is likely to continue.  So it only makes sense that this trend apply to the interior of your home as well.

When it comes to conceptualizing your home design and decorating projects, downsizing and minimizing creates a more zen-like atmosphere. Rather than fill a space full of furniture, artwork, accessories and objects at every turn, consider downsizing for a more sophisticated and elegant look.  The more upscale homes are often the ones that incorporate elegant pieces, keep clutter to a minimum and exude light and airy interiors – where less is more.

Before you begin your home design project, take stock and inventory of what you have.  It will help you identify which pieces will stay and which will go!  Don’t be a hoarder – be willing to let go!

Here are some design tips when streamlining your home.

• A room with high ceilings does not mean that it requires over-sized furniture and elaborate draperies on the windows. To the contrary, the openness of the ceiling can be a beckoning call to minimize other distractions.
• Rather than focusing on heavy, bulky furniture, think about incorporating smaller scaled furniture that are well proportioned.
• When purchasing new pieces don’t compromise on comfort! Purchase the best you can afford.
• Don’t compromise on function.

The fun thing about down scaling is that it allows you to upscale on the patterns used in a room. For example, the trend now is to introduce larger geometric prints on window treatments or even wall coverings.  These punches of pattern can create a dramatic effect while complimenting the elegance of moderately sized furnishings.  For some added elegance and drama, consider using black and white photographs and prints as artwork.

Another important tip when it comes to decorating a small space is to introduce reflective metals and surfaces.  They can include silver, chrome, gold, mirrors, crystal, and other types of metals. There is still a heavy focus on mirrored chests and dressers today and these pieces definitely add sophistication and elegance to any space. Mirrored wall tiles will have a dramatic effect when reflecting killer views and natural light.  And don’t be afraid to install a beautiful glass and crystal chandeliers in the more unconventional spaces like bathrooms and bedrooms for that added glamour.

Remember that when it comes to home design and decorating projects, less is more and will make your room feel more spacious.

Dining spaces can be formal, casual, or a combination of both. Many traditional homes have both a formal dining room and an informal eat-in kitchen.

When planning for a remodel of this area, whether you’re converting an existing space or adding on, consider:

• The size of your family
• The number of guests you typically invite to dinner parties
• The types of occasions when you’ll use the room.

These facts will help guide you in planning the size of your dining space, the layout, and the furniture you’ll ultimately choose. Also consider traffic flow and especially the proximity to the kitchen for serving meals.

Your dining room is also a great space to store extra-large serving pieces that don’t typically fit in your kitchen. Whether you incorporate built-in cabinetry or individual storage pieces, make sure to provide enough clearance for cabinet doors to open fully. When planning lighting, consider all the uses: dramatic enough for elegant dinner parties and bright enough for your kids’ birthday parties.

10 Tips To Consider When Designing A More Formal Dining Room

1. Add character in your dining room by adding simple wood panels, moldings, or beams on your ceiling.
2. For a more traditional feel and layered look, install some paneled wainscoting and beefy crown molding around the perimeter of your room.
3. Increase the size of your baseboard by adding another piece of molding to the existing material to make it look chunkier and more substantial.
4. If you’re lucky enough to have hardwood flooring beneath that old green carpeting, then simply re-finish and stain it in a deep rich tone.
5. When renovating your dining room, check the plans to make sure your existing furniture will fit back in to the new space.
6. Rectangular dining tables are best suited for rectangular dining rooms. If you need to seat 8 to 10 people, the recommended room size is a minimum of 10’6” x 15’.
7. Square dining spaces look fantastic with either square or round tables. Rounds are my personal favorite as they provide for a much more intimate dining experience. For 8 to 10 people, the recommended room size for an 8 ft. diameter table typically is an 18’6” square space.
8. Provide a focal point in the dining room either by enhancing an existing fireplace or creating a new vignette by introducing a beautiful hutch for storage, and flank your favorite piece of art above with a pair of colorful lamps.
9. Use a combination of light sources. In addition to a central fixture or chandelier, it’s tremendously effective to add some recessed halogen light fixtures to highlight artwork, or any other key pieces—and your crystal and silverware will sparkle like diamonds.
10. Hang your chandelier anywhere from 36” to 42” from the tabletop (from the top of the table to the underside of the fixture). Keep the diameter of the fixture 9”- 12” smaller than the width of your table.

I encourage you leave questions or comments below this post, and fill out the form on the right hand side of this page to receive your free copy of my special report: “15 Money Saving Strategies When Planning Your Home Renovation”

Article by Lori Gilder, Architectural Interior Designer, Los Angeles, Ca. © 2010 Lori Gilder. Interior Makeovers Inc.