Bookshelf Envy
I spend a lot of time looking at houses and even more time imagining the shelves that will hold my future self’s extensive book collection. So I of course, need to talk about a few of my favourites.
With nearly a half century of architectural experience, Peter Cohen designed a home for him and his wife Sally in the coastal forests just outside Ellsworth, Maine. The living room is separated from the dining room by a beautiful bookshelf fitted with speakers, a space for a records and a record player, as well as a section for CD’s and a stereo. The mid century speakers are complimented by a pair of black leather and chrome LC2 chairs that are positioned to take in the best views of the river below.
The Jacobson House, designed by Judith Chafee has a custom bookcase that forms a stair case up to a reading nook with stunning views and natural light. Chafee was a master at creating finely-crafted buildings and homes that fit within the environment they were planned for, especially the Sonoran Desert environment of Tucson. She always put thought into how the sun would affect the building and the people within.
A room I’m forever going back to look at is the sun-filled dining room of the Elias Residence by Carter Bradley based in LA, California. The entire house is impressive; boasting multiple floor-to-ceiling bookcases, industrial skylights and huge wood-burning fireplaces. A multiphase renovation took place over the course of 11 years to transform a once neglected, water damaged building into a home full of high ceilings, huge windows, concrete beams and wood used wonderfully throughout.
Gallery of Images by Manolo Langis
An honourable mention due its environment is the built-in bookcase seen in Marcel Breuer’s Hopper House II. Constructed in Baltimore in 1959, the house was built to function as an idyllic, quiet retreat and sitting gracefully in its woodland setting, it would appear to live up to its purpose. The carefully considered and extensive use of glass produces a natural flow between inside and outside spaces and allows light to flood the house, making it the perfect reading spot throughout the day.