Comfortable, personal and unique, we explore eight of our favourite home libraries that provide hardcovers and paperbacks with the attention they deserve.
While public libraries are often incredibly vast and mundane, private home libraries boast intimacy and calm. Whether formal and sophisticated, or warm, cosy and understated, home libraries can create the perfect place of reflection.
Key focal points such as a rustic fireplace, working desk, or snug sitting area can keep things just as interesting as the volumes on the shelves. From pared-back spaces to rich timbers and homely furnishings, join us as we delve further into our top home library picks.
House 3 by Coy Yiontis
With its exposed brick fireplace and crisp white walls, Coy Yiontis have chosen to display books across the entire wall, creating the perfect large-scale design element for an incredibly tasteful home library in ‘House 3’.
Yvonne Koné’s Home
Given Yvonne Koné’s predilection for the art of subtlety, stripped-back style and lashings of white infused with the earthy timber, this home library is the perfect representation of its chic owner. Floor-to-ceiling shelving, weathered timber floorboards and a ceiling rose with rustic pendant make for the perfect space to unwind.
Albert Park Home by Robson Rak
Design studio Robson Rak were asked to create the Albert Park Home as a place of sanctuary, for a busy family who spends the majority of their year travelling overseas for work. This home library evokes an art gallery-like atmosphere, with its sleek, streamlined cabinetry and contemporary furniture and lighting.
Domain House
The interior of Watts Studio’s Domain House consists of a mix of the owner’s existing furniture and art pieces, combined with a carefully curated array of complementary new and antique objects. This polished inner-city apartment’s library combines rich, dark flooring and cabinetry with warm, earthy hues to build the perfect spot for downtime.
12th St Loft by INC Architecture and Design
Located in the heart of Greenwich Village between University Place and Broadway and originally a shirt factory, INC Architecture and Design have taken the 12th St Loft back to its rustic roots. Fully expressing the steel and brick vaulted ceilings with a sense of rustic charm, and offering plentiful storage options, INC Architecture and Design have created the ideal NYC loft library.
Alfred Street Residence by studiofour
This single level, light-filled Victorian home on Alfred Street is located in the heart of Prahran, Melbourne and proved to be the ultimate blank canvas for interior design studio studiofour. This sunken home library is an addition of the kitchen/dining area and features light-toned timbers throughout, providing an instant flow and sense of cohesion in the home.
1930s House by Nexus Designs
With subtle references to the 1930s seen through careful use of colour, fabrics and detailing, the Nexus team have successfully created a glam 1930s feel with a relaxed sense of style. Black aluminium windows contrast with soft, white sheers which drape over the shelved wall in this home library. Touches of yellow and blue in the furniture add flair to the space without overpowering or cluttering.
Elsternwick House by Fiona Lynch
The owner of the Elsternwick House was encouraging of Fiona Lynch and her team’s exploration of colour, letting them take on an evolutionary approach from room to room. Creating a bold statement with the dark feature wall and pressed panelling, this home library exudes an effortlessness sense of style.
