A Look Inside My Library
Welcome to my little slice of paradise!
Like any avid reader, I spent the better part of my life dreaming about my own personal library. While Beauty and the Beast was the muse behind many of these dreams—that rolling ladder! the high ceilings! the cozy, darkly romantic setting!—my library today is actually aesthetically the total opposite of Belle’s. Come take a tour of my dream-come-true space as I walk you through the backstory, the design process, and all the details with questions BR&B readers submitted via Instagram!
Quick Links:
I live in a 100-year-old home, so this room has been many things—family room, formal living room, playroom… a century ago, it was probably a bedroom for half the family! When we moved in, the space had most recently been designated as a playroom, complete with some old built-in shelves along one wall.
As soon as the house was ours, my husband and I began discussing how we could make the room a home for all of my books! We were going back and forth on exactly how to do this when our painter, who we hired to paint the entire interior of our house Benjamin Moore’s Chantilly Lace, overheard us talking about my dream of, one day, making the room a library. He immediately pitched us the project. He would build the shelves, paint the room, and install the rolling ladder—all while I was in the hospital having our first baby. Looking back, this sounds insane. Actually, in that moment, it sounded insane! But somehow “one day” became that day, and my husband and I forged ahead—blinded by the prospect of a very cute library (me) and getting this off our to-do list (my husband). In a tale as old as time, like with all home projects, nothing happened on time. We returned from the hospital to a room half painted, and I kicked everyone out to enjoy (and stress about) the newborn phase.
Months later, the guys came back and installed the bookshelves and the rolling ladder (I am 90-percent sure it’s from Home Depot, but I unfortunately don’t have a link). Next, we picked a paint color. Fun fact: At the time, I took this to a vote on Instagram and ultimately went with the least popular choice: pink! The color is First Light by Benjamin Moore, and I have absolutely no regrets!
Then, like a serendipitous meet-cute made for fiction, Alex Davin of Davin Interiors reached out! She’s a friend of my cousin and a BR&B reader who had allegedly been admiring my library’s progress (though I suspect her primary feeling was probably panic as she watched my off-the-cuff decisions unfold). She offered me a virtual consultation, and the rest was history. I will share more about working with her in the Q&A below, but I couldn’t have done any of this without her. She even went on to help me with my son’s room after the library!
A lot of the questions I received were about sources—from the furniture to the art. I have organized and linked everything I can here! Many of the decorative knickknacks are older and sold out or from local boutiques, so I can’t link them. I really love Anthropologie for cute and whimsical shelf additions though!
A few of the pieces are custom and can’t be purchased online:
The blue couch is a custom design by Davin Interiors. It is so incredibly comfortable—but a splurge! I saved money by going with these fabulous Target chairs and this Wayfair ottoman Alex found.
Many of my pillows were custom-made using fabric Alex sourced. It’s amazing how much the bolster pillows elevate the Target chairs! I did link all the pillows that were not custom.
The window treatments are custom as well.
I am also a big lover of coffee table books. I am always lugging them home when traveling and filling my wishlist with new ones. They’re part-book, part-art, and part-decor—what’s not to love! You can find all the coffee table books that live in my library linked here. I must confess—back when my sister worked at Barnes & Noble, I used her employee discount on a lot of them. Just between us girls, I have a coffee table book I hope to publish one day. I always get asked if I'd ever write a book—no! But I would write a coffee table book. LOL!
OK, let’s get into the Q&A!
How did you plan the design of the room from a foundational standpoint?
I knew I wanted as much shelving as possible, but there was one wall we couldn’t install shelving on, so that immediately became my future gallery wall (more detail on that below!). I let the experts do their thing in terms of shelf measurements and installation. My shelves are 22.5″ W × 11″ H × 13″ D. Disclaimer: I don’t think my shelves are the perfect size, so don’t necessarily use those dimensions to plan your own library! My shelves are more massive than they need to be for books to accommodate a few structural things with the house.
Can you share a floor plan?
Below is the rendering the company that built the shelves put together. For some reason, one of the window seats is not shown in this.
Are there doors?
The library connects to both my husband’s office and the kitchen, and when we moved in, the rooms were separated by barn doors—which might be cute, but serve absolutely no sound-barrier purpose. After a year or so in the house, with my husband working from home and driving us insane with his loud calls, we removed the barn doors and added a proper wooden door between his office and the library. Between the kitchen and library, we added glass french doors that don’t latch and are really more for aesthetics than function.
What was working with a designer like?
It was honestly amazing. We had our first meeting via Zoom, and I explained my hopes and dreams for the room. I made Alex a Pinterest board that included pins like this and this. I already had the paint color picked out—and on the walls—which I am sure made things more difficult for her. I told her I cared most about it being a comfortable space where I could log some serious reading hours, but I also wanted it to be beautiful and reflect my style. Still, I didn’t want anything to be too precious—I have two insane sons! Alex created a few vision boards for me, and we ultimately went with the one below. You might notice it says “Beacon Hill”… I asked her to channel the most adorable bookstore in Boston for the general vibe of my library, and I think she nailed it!
How do you organize your books?
I organize all my books alphabetically by author. Even if I have a decorative section with, for instance, the new Ali Hazelwood book set, I still make sure it’s in the right-ish place alphabetically (meaning, Ali’s set is with the H’s).
On the back wall, I group some fantasy series together because they’re so extensive, and I like giving these other worlds a home of their own.
I also give
, , and Taylor Jenkins Reid their own shelves because I love them!
What about your TBR books?
I have a separate (scary) area for my TBRs. I say it’s scary because it is massive. I don’t get a crazy amount of ARCs (advance reader copies), but I probably get two or three a month, and those bad boys add up! I organize this section by genre. You can see my romance TBR shelf below (please reserve your judgement!).
I also have a “read immediately" shelf where all the books I want to read ASAP live. I like making this its own separate space because I can peruse it when I finish a book without getting overwhelmed by too many options. Often, a BR&B reader will message me, “Have you read XYZ? It’s amazing!” If it’s lurking on one of those big, hulking TBR shelves, I’ll grab it and bump it straight to my “read immediately" section. Speaking of, if you spot anything on ANY of my TBR shelves that I have to read immediately, please let me know! (I must note that, at the time of publication, it is fall—hence all the spooky and cozy reads!)
What percent of your library have you read?
I have read everything in my library except the TBR shelves, so probably around 60 percent.
Do you keep the lower-star books?
Yes! If I finish a book, you bet I am keeping it and shelving it until I run out of room. If I DNF, I donate it!
Do you purge your books?
I have so much bookshelf space, I really haven’t needed to purge quite yet. Sometimes I end up with a few extra copies of the same book, so I’ll give them to friends or do a giveaway! If it’s a book I didn’t love, I will sometimes help it find a new home via my neighborhood’s Little Free Library.
What will you do when you run out of shelf space?
Build an extension! JK! I will purge some books and donate them.
Do you worry about the aesthetics of your bookshelves or just view them as a home for your books?
When I first brought my books into the library (which was an incredible day, as they had all been cooped up in boxes, and I was so excited to finally see them displayed on my shelves!), I simply organized them alphabetically. Then, my designer, Alex, came into town (it was actually the first time we had met in person!). She wanted to take professional photos of the space for her website, and she hired a stylist and a photographer for the shoot. I was blown away. The stylist came with the most stunning flowers I have ever seen in real life. She arranged them all over, and the room was positively dripping with these huge, fragrant bouquets. It was a total dream.
On the day of the shoot, Alex styled each of my shelves. It was a complete game changer. While it did pain me that she un-alphabetized some books for the sake of aesthetics (but don’t you worry, I quickly rectified that), I was so impressed to see how different the room looked with her touch. It’s been two years since that shoot, and the room still has a bit of Alex’s touch—although, I’ve put my mark on it (which probably makes it look worse, but at least I know where all the books are!). Working with her really taught me so much! So, to answer the question, my library is a home for my books, but I do have some aesthetically pleasing shelves mixed in.
Do you have any special edition books that you consider must-haves?
I am a sucker for Juniper Books’ beautiful book sets. I was gifted this Bridgerton set, which is absolutely stunning on my shelf—although I feel like a total fraud because I haven’t yet read the entire series!
I added this ACOTAR set to my wishlist for the holidays a few years ago, and my parents got it for me. I love how the breathtaking Night Court skyline looks in my fantasy section. I felt it was only fitting for my gorgeous custom Veuve bottles by Carolyn Creative Co. to stand beside to Rhysand!
My most recent addition is the Ali Hazelwood Steminist Romance Book Set. I can’t say if it’s worth the price because you’re really paying for the same paperbacks you might already own—but with snazzy new jackets! (Side note: Sometimes Juniper will offer lower-priced sets with just the jackets to add to books you already have, but that option isn’t currently available for this one.) But, as an Ali Hazelwood superfan, I personally knew I HAD to have these!
I also have these Rifle Paper Co. In Bloom Book Collections with a few Jane Austen titles and other beloved works. Their whimsically illustrated design matches the aesthetic of my library perfectly. They are adorably sized, and I like having some classics in there. (If you love these too—keep reading for a giveaway at the end!)
Tell us all about the gallery wall!
I knew I wanted a gallery wall that felt like mine. I get a bit indecisive when picking art for the rest of the house, but in this room, it was so easy—and fun! When I was shopping or browsing online, if it sparked joy, I decided I could find a place for it on the wall. As time has gone on, I’ve swapped some of the pieces and will probably continue doing so until I croak. There is just so much great art out there! Let me run you through everything:
This was a gift from my mom for Valentine’s Day this past year. She found it at Sweet Mandy B’s, my absolute favorite Chicago bakery.
If you’ve read ACOTAR, you know the impact of these lines. I mean, I think we all know where we were when we first read them, no? When I stumbled upon this print, I had this moment of realization that this is my room, and I can put anything on these walls! I felt so excited that I could hang this. The print is from Etsy, and I got it framed it through Framebridge
This print came back with me from a trip to Malta. My mom’s dad is from there, and we still have a lot of family there that we visited a few years ago. I am so proud of my Maltese roots! (Fun fact: Romance author Anna Todd was there this summer filming—she hasn’t revealed what, but she shared some snaps in an Instagram post!)
The cake that started it all! This strawberry cake caught my eye and became the first of many cakes to adorn the wall—and serve as the muse for the creation of my Cake with Katie author series.
This little Parisian poster is by European artist Katharina Puritscher. Paris is on my bucket list, but until then, I will gaze wistfully at this print.
“It’s Called Maximalism, Babe” by
is totally whimsical and life affirming, and two things I am constantly chasing are whimsy and joy! I love Lyndsay’s poems (find her book of poetry, A Bit Much, here!), and this is my absolute favorite. I have caught many guests reading it with smiles on their faces. You can buy Lyndsay’s work on her website!I found this coffee print on sale at Anthropologie!
This matchbook illustration is inspired by a restaurant in Nantucket that my husband and I visited on our honeymoon—a restaurant that allegedly also inspired Elin Hilderbrand’s The Blue Bistro!
I have to admit, I fell in love with the typeface first—and then the quote.
Pride and Prejudice is one of my all-time favorite books, as well as the blueprint for many of my present-day favorites. I bought the print of this classic collector’s edition cover on Etsy and sent it directly to Framebridge, so they could print it on their fancy printers and frame it!
This Riley Sheehey print is the very first thing I bought for my gallery wall. I feel like it was custom made for me (though it most definitely was not!). I love Riley’s inspiring and playful pieces, and she’s become a dear friend in the years since buying this! (Another fun fact: If you’d like to learn more about Riley, my editor wrote this profile on her before she was my editor. Small world!)
Top- The martini print is my newest addition. It’s by Erika Lee Sears, and the frame is Framebridge.
Bottom- This Jardin de Fleur print and its frame are from Artfully Walls.
What’s your best advice for selecting gallery wall content?
I’ve slowly collected things I love over the years. My biggest piece of advice (that I am sure no interior designer would agree with) is don’t be scared to switch out your art! I keep changing mine, so the frames are no longer aligned perfectly (which is why I think trained professionals would advise against this), but I keep finding things I love! And life is too short to not surround yourself with the things you love!
Do you have a bar cart in the library? Feels quintessential—although, with littles, maybe not.
I do have a bar cart I brought from our place in the city! It’s from Target and the wheels are literally falling off, but it’s been great when I am mixing up a drink or hosting people in the library. But re: children—none of the usual suspects you’d normally see on a bar cart live there any longer, because my kids are always climbing all over the thing!
Do you have a speaker in the room? If so, what’s playing?
I am a huge Sonos fan and have an older version of this speaker in my library. I love to read with some mellow tunes in the background, and I am a seasonal listener. In the spring and summer, I’ve usually got a Nancy Meyers-inspired playlist going. In the fall and late winter, I’m all about jazz and the Rat Pack (Frank Sinatra is always in my Spotify Wrapped at the end of the year). During the holidays, Christmas music is playing 24/7.
Do you do most of your reading in this room?
In the colder months or when it’s outrageously hot, yes! Otherwise, I really want to be outside.
Is this room mostly for you, like an office, or is it a multi-purpose space for your family?
It is mostly for me, though my children would be shocked to hear that. They spend more time than I’d like to admit trying to climb the ladder and pull the books off the shelves.
How do you keep your kids from taking all the books off the shelves?
See question above! This is, sadly, unavoidable. Luckily, I like my books to be worn and loved, and I think it’s good for kids to be surrounded by books! I should note that my B.R.A.D. (Beach Read After Dark) bookshelf used to be at eye level for the boys, and I had to move that, thanks to all the shirtless men. I will also reiterate that the rolling ladder is NOT kid-friendly and, quite frankly, a questionable decision on my part—but it’s so cute, I would do it again!
Do you let friends and family borrow from your library?
Yes! I am always encouraging it when anyone is over! When my cousins lived closer, they’d borrow books every week. It was like a true library. I wanted proper due-date slips to put in the jackets of my books, but then I wondered if I was losing my mind. I’ve just always wanted one of those date stampers! I just got this new “From the library of…” stamper that I love using. A girlfriend got me one as a wedding gift, and I thought it was so thoughtful and on-theme!
What would you do differently with the library?
Nothing—I love this space! In my dreams, there is a wood-burning fireplace and (this might sound sacrilegious) a small TV. Like a nice Frame TV! Sometimes I like having Gilmore Girls playing in the background while I read. Sue me!
Thanks for visiting my library! I hope I answered all of your questions. If you think of anything else, ask away in the comments, or just let me know what you’d include in your dream library. You can also find more photos of the space on my Pinterest page!
Want a piece of my library in your home? If you find yourself perusing coffee table books at your local bookstore, and you stumble upon The Living Room, you’ll spot my little BR&B library on page 236! Or check out this Apartment Therapy article featuring the space. (If the former home owners are reading this, I did not call your room “pukey green!” LOL!)
Leave a comment, and I’ll randomly choose one of you to win the Rifle Paper Co. In Bloom Book Collection pictured above on one of my bookshelves!
Editor:
Interior designer: Alex Davin of Davin Interiors
Stylist: Kimberly Swedelius
Photographer: Sarah Crowley (unprofessional photos by me!)
So beautiful! You have to read It’s Different This Time by Joss Richard! Such cozy fall vibes and a dreamy New York City setting. It’s such an amazing romance story! I read it over the weekend and I still can’t stop thinking about it!
Beautiful!! This is where I want to be reading everyday! Thanks for the encouragement to just hang up my art, life's too short to not be surrounded by things we love!!