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5 Ways To Update Your Home Library

~ Naomi Pederson

The library! An often overlooked or even non-existent room in your home. With smart phones, and computers, home offices, and work offices, the library has suffered a huge decline in popularity until recently.

Recently, with zoom calls, stay-at-home orders, and public libraries closing, the home library is enjoying a renewed interest in it’s existence. As we turn our attention to this room, there are few important things designers keep in mind. Today we are going to discuss 5 simple ways of creating the best library space. If you want additional help in decorating your library, give us a call and book a free one-hour consultation with our top designers.

The first thing you need to do is to find where your plan on putting your library. Will it be in it’s own separate room, in a lesser-used room of the house or even a cozy little nook. All your home library needs is some bookcases and cozy chair-and lots of lovely books of course.

Once you have a location, the most important part about creating a library is the bookcases. Because bookcases are carrying heavy loads, you want to make sure that you avoid the flimsy bookcases sold at local box offices. Solid wood, sturdy well-made bookcases are a must. I have found that those that opt for the cheaply made bookcases often are spending more to replace them a few years later.

Next look for a comfortable chair or couches. It is no fun having a deliciously large bookcase full of lovely books without having a comfortable spot to curl up and a read a book. Make sure, before purchasing couches or chairs that you test them out. You want the furniture in your library to be inviting and wonderfully comfortable.

Good lighting is very important in a library. If you dream of cuddling up to read about your favorite heroine, it is a must that your lighting is well-thought out. Reading with poor light can strain your eyes and can make it harder to concentrate. There are an abundance of library worth lightings options out there from desk lamps, floor lamps and chandeliers.

We all know that books are vital in a library, but one thing we don’t always consider is accessories. Books are cozy, just by nature, but adding well thought out accessories can turn a reading nook into a home. Some simple accessories are pillows for couches and beautiful wall art.

Lastly, consider your rugs. Rugs are just the floors way of welcoming you into its space and inviting you to stay. You can get deep plush rugs, or simpler vintage rugs. What ever you choose, make sure that the colors are accented in accessories.

8 Great Ways Of Designing The Perfect Console Table

~ Naomi Pederson

Who doesn’t love a console table?  It’s such a useful piece of furniture, it adds storage and style to a narrow space in a foyer or tucks up nicely behind the back of a sofa. I rounded up several favorite examples of console tables that add both beauty and practicality to space. I noticed many commonalities in the way that they’re styled with layered objects, here’s a list of “no-fail” objects to gather on yours too.

Branches or Botanicals. One of my favorite things from nature to add to any vignette are branches. In any season, they are tall and sculptural and reach up high into vertical wall space adding organic appeal. But anything botanical works on a console table and adds that “something living” element such as a small vase of flowers or a collection of succulents or a just a few yard clippings from a favorite perennial.

Baskets. Baskets fill the negative space below a console table and add desirable texture. They also bring the benefit of extra storage: linens in a dining room, wood in a living room, shoes in an entry. etc.

Lamps. Singular or in pairs, lamps add the obvious: light! Or better yet, dimmer light than overhead chandeliers for greater ambiance. A great lamp will also be statuesque on your console if its base is curved, faceted, colorful, or alluring in some way. 

Books. New or old, a stack of hardcover books is always appealing on the interesting topics of travel, architecture, history, or design. In a community space, make them ones that visitors will want to thumb through during their stay.

with mutually enriching juxtapositions of refined and ordinary pieces.with mutually enriching juxtapositions of refined and ordinary pieces.A master of illusion, the artist illustrates, once again, that deceptive appearances can be unexpectedly exciting. I love having a lamp to turn, place to put our keys, light a candle so it smells yummy when you walk in, and a little space to decorate when the holidays approach!  So here’s the final outcome….

Mirrors. If your console table is against a wall, prop it with a mirror or hang one above. Mirrors serve two functions, they’re decorative and they pull light into a space, win win! 

Art Collection. Variety is the spice of life as they say and it applies to the gallery wall too. A collection of art puts your personality on display and allows you to get creative by varying both the frames and/or content above your console table.

Distinctive Pieces. A console is a great spot for your unique pair of carved animals or an interesting collection of objets d’art, they’ll be visible to admire for all who pass by   

Personal Mementos. Your home is your haven, it should reflect who you are and the life you lead. Lamps and books and art are all lovely but it’s those little things like family pictures that make a house a home. Include them in your console table styling!