After years of waiting, you’re finally ready to build the custom home you’ve always wanted. While you haven’t decided on a floor plan yet, one of the must-have items on your list is a home library. An avid book reader and collector, you lost count years ago of how many volumes you have, but you look forward to adding to your collection. Follow these tips to help you design the home library of your dreams.
Select the Perfect Location
Do you hope to spend many enjoyable hours reading your favorite books in your home library? If you desire peace and quiet in this space, locate it in an area of your home with less traffic. Placing your home library adjacent to your kitchen or great room may not be the best idea.
Don’t Be Afraid of Color
Home libraries of yesteryear were filled with dark colors—browns, burgundies, and hunter greens. Nowadays, modern home owners are selecting light and bright color schemes for their studies. Regardless of whether you gravitate toward darker hues or lighter ones, choose colors that reflect your personality and, most importantly, will help you relax in your space.
Make Your Space Function for You
Modern home libraries often serve multiple purposes. You might wish to include a home office in your library as well as a small sitting area. If your home library will be a multi-purpose room, you’ll need to make it large enough to accommodate different activities. For example, your home office may require a computer, printer, or other equipment. You may wish to place a sofa, loveseat, or chaise lounge in the sitting room portion of this space. Custom home builders can help you make this room the right size and dimensions to serve your specific wants and needs.
Ensure Lighting Is Adequate
Proper lighting is essential for home libraries. For maximum natural light, you might wish to install multiple windows in your space. Consider adding a large picture window. Bay windows with built-in seating make beautiful additions to home libraries. Besides windows, you may want to invest in side table lamps and recessed lights. Bookshelf lighting is also a smart option, allowing you to quickly locate the book you want to read at any time of day.
Go Vertical for Optimal Storage
If you have an extensive book collection, consider utilizing the full height of your walls for optimal storage space. You can even install bookshelves over the entry door. To gain access to books on higher shelves, think about investing in a swinging ladder. In addition to helping you retrieve beloved volumes, this piece will add classic elegance to your space.
Create Coziness with a Stunning Fireplace
To make your home library inviting and warm, consider installing a stunning fireplace. A fireplace can make your home library feel cozier and less formal. Depending on your personal preferences, custom home builders can construct a fireplace surround from brick, marble, quartz, or some other type of rich, elegant material.
A home library can be a wonderful place to retreat to after a long, stressful day at work or school. If you’re considering building a custom home in the Des Moines metro, the fun possibilities are virtually endless. Homes by Brill would love to help design and build exactly what you want. Contact us, or download the free ebook below to learn about our home building process.
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