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Books, Books, and More Books

by habituallychic

12 . 07 . 12
While in Toronto, I was part of an interesting conversation about design and books led by the founder of Indigo Books, Heather Reisman.  She said there are two types of book lovers.  The first are voracious readers who always have a book with them and buy a new book before they finished with their current book.  The second are book collectors, people who love books because they are beautiful and remind them of certain times in their life.  Clearly I fall in the latter category as I think most people do in the worlds of design and fashion. I admire books not just for their content but their beautiful covers and history.  I love to display them so I can see them each day.  This was definitely something I thought about when working on my book Creativity at Work.  It’s rare that people sit down to read coffee table books but I’m thrilled that so many are doing just that and also love its orange cover.  In honor of all the book collectors out there, I’ve put together a compilation of my favorite libraries and bookshelves.  Enjoy. 

via Elle Decor

Kelly Klein Residence

Julia Leach via Lonny

Estee Stanley via Lonny

Minnie Mortimer

Minnie Mortimer

via Nuevo Estilo 

Stefano Tonchi

via Elle Decor

via Domino

Diane Von Furstenberg

Blair Voltz Clarke via Lonny

via Lonny

Veere Greeney

via Domino

Julia Leach

Lorenzo Castillo

Nigella Lawson

12 Comments
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  1. Slim Paley December 7, 2012 | 1:43 am

    LOVE this post Heather!
    That Nigella Lawson photo is totally ME with my books & mess (except, without the boobs 🙂 )
    xxSP

  2. My Piece of the World December 7, 2012 | 2:17 am

    Very interesting and some awesome photos! I think I am in the first category of book lovers – always have at least one book going. Today I just bought two books I’m already dying to read when I am still reading three great books!

  3. Tricia Rose December 7, 2012 | 2:33 am

    How do you feel about cutting books up for decorative purposes Heather, or taking off the covers for a deconstructed look? I think that is far more polarising!

  4. WeirdRockStar December 7, 2012 | 6:59 am

    ZAP! This post just got bookmarked under the ” library ” tag. I know it´s only 7th today but according to my calculations, I´ve already bought more than two dozen books this month. I´m one of enthused readers, when ever a slot of time appears- there´s a book for that occasion and place and mood. Also I do admit to accumulating books. Experience has shown me that I can live without a living room, but I can not cope without a personal library.

  5. MJH Design Arts December 7, 2012 | 12:01 pm

    I love this post. Nigella Lawson’s space makes me feel right at home–if I were to organize everything, I would be lost. The Lorenzo Castillo space has the most unusual reading chairs–I’m a chair addict, but this form is new to me. Thanks for this amazing post–I’ve saved all of it.
    Mary

  6. rebecca @ beurrista December 7, 2012 | 12:32 pm

    I love these photos. I have too many miscellaneous shelves and have dreamed of getting some built-ins.

  7. Lilac In May December 7, 2012 | 1:16 pm

    Great photos, I have a foot in both camps, love books, love memories of books and always have a book.

  8. Angelica Joy December 7, 2012 | 3:29 pm

    OMG my two loves combined into one! Books and home decor LOL these libraries are absolutely to-die-for. I’m going to cherish this post, this is in my “fave” files.

  9. Karen Albert December 7, 2012 | 5:10 pm

    Heather, I love all of these libraries!
    I believe I am both kinds of book lovers! I read voraciously and always have a book or two to read next. I also adore the gorgeous Deign and Art books!

    xoxo
    Karena
    Art by Karena

  10. Diane James Home December 7, 2012 | 5:59 pm

    Love all the different styles of bookcases from the serious to the whimsical! I can’t wait to transform my small family room into a book-lined library someday. Thanks for the inspiration, Cynthia

  11. Kitchens For Living December 13, 2012 | 8:49 pm

    What could be better than books except more books!!