Reading in Style: Home Libraries

Library in the project Ross Historic. Photo: Paul Dyer

Despite being in the digital age, we still want to hold and read books. Ann Lowengart Interiors' clients often have a dedicated home library to showcase their volumes. These rooms feature well-loved books, not props, as described in The Great Gatsby. Annie chose high-gloss pink paint for a gated estate's library in Ross. Pink is the wife's favorite color, and the design team included it for the lounge chairs upholstered in a cerise mohair velvet from Brunschwig & Fils and Christopher Farr's hot pink linen print that covers side chairs surrounding an antique rent table. The couple can relax and read or play a favorite card game.

Library in the project Comfortable and Collected. Photo: Paul Dyer

Ann Lowengart Interiors created a library with high gloss lapis blue walls at the heart of this two-story Colonial Revival home on the Peninsula. The design team centered an antique French limestone fireplace mantel on one of the walls. A pair of Italian mid-century-styled armchairs flank it, upholstered in dark blue leather with a rustic carved wood and sheepskin bench acting as a table. Pops of red come from the tribal rug, and the sconce shades in raspberry and indigo paisley linen from Peter Dunham. The room is where adults and children can dream away for hours.

Library in Lafayette.  Photo: Paul Dyer

This Lafayette library's rich black walls and vaulted ceiling contrast with the light oak woodwork; Annie anchored the space with a blue and rust geometric mohair rug in the Swedish tradition. A trio of whimsical rattan light fixtures dance in the air. Bookshelves bracket the framed glass windows and doors; one of the bookshelves hinges open to reveal a secret room fitted out as a wet bar. The family can read or observe the landscape from the curved back sofa upholstered in Sandra Jordan's midnight ombre striped prima alpaca or the lounge chairs covered in a forgiving charcoal tattersall.