Your new home should be both comfortable and versatile, supporting a variety of needs—from dinner parties for you and your friends, to slumber parties for the kids. Often times your home doubles as an office. Having a workspace that is both homey and sophisticated will ensure you stay focused yet relaxed on nights when you have to spend office hours at home. Regardless of whether you plan to use your personal library for serious reading and work or as a space to relax after a difficult day at the office, your library should inspire your intellectual side.
There are a few ways you can design your executive retreat to fit your scholarly needs.
To start, you will need proper furniture to hold your books. Floor-to-ceiling recessed bookcases are best and act as a natural focal point for the room. Mid-Atlantic offers several options for built-in bookcases, something you should consider when customizing your floor plan with our interactive design portfolio. Think about using dark finishes to match your stately hardwood flooring.
Comfortable seating is also very important. Besides a desk and chairs, I would suggest a nice reading chair or chaise for lounging. A simple side table and reading lamp will create a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Before focusing to acutely on furniture, consider architectural details and other accessories that might elevate your scholarly side. Molding is an excellent feature to add architectural sophistication. A small detail that goes a long way is paint selection. Coordinating the molding color slightly darker than your furniture and walls will help create an intimate setting. An antique chandelier and a Persian rug will establish a posh but regal style.
There are personal accents you can add to the library to create your own touch. The most important are books. Books can say a lot about your background and experience, and, when displayed proudly, they will quickly personalize your space. Memorable gifts or souvenirs from travel can help you fill space on your bookshelves in places where your collection feels limited. Also, when decorating the walls, keep in mind you don’t want the space to look too busy. A vintage map or inspirational painting will keep your mind active but not distracted.










