Friday, October 8, 2010

"My" Top Ten Design Elements

#4 Books * I want you to remember that this is my personal list . . . To each his own, but for me, a space is not complete without a few books.

Or even a lot of books. I love how the sofa is against the bookcase , and then the art adds the pop. This is a interesting space, one that will not be forgotten.

You would be surprised at all the places one can add bookshelves. In a small home, they are much needed and add so much charm.
Do you have a " box" of a room , lacking a focal point? This bookcase with the added curtain , is providing the "wow " factor for this space.



I love this look too. Just pile them on a coffee table . . . you can tell a lot about a person by the books they collect. I always notice what others are reading. Are you a book worm too? Where do you keep them? Are they in every room? Inquiring minds want to know . . .



25 comments:

  1. Omg, that room with the beige/cream check? Dream room! I gasped! My favorite thing is to see artwork hung in front of bookshelves. Great pictures and inspiration, thanks!

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  2. I love books! They add warmth, color, texture and a peek at those living in the home through their titles. Beautiful pictures!

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  3. Love the beige and cream check with the draped book case as well! just lovely!

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  4. One can never have too many books. I agree, an important design element!

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  5. Love that book wall w/ the curtain!! Beautiful!

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  6. I like leaving books on every table, very casual and inviting. Hoping my guest will feel welcome to open and enjoy.

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  7. I totally agree with you...a room without books seems void of charm to me. They add such warmth and interest. You have posted some beautiful and inspiring images here - thanks.(-:

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  8. books would be on my list too. I only have bookshelves in the living room, but the china hutch in the parlor holds a few books lined up with some dishes and other pretties. The photos you selected for this post are a great source of inspiration! Thank you.

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  9. Hi Vicky,
    I love using books to decorate with and yes, I have books in pretty much every room but my laundry room. I love all of the images that you showed, books just make a room warmer and more personal, don't they!
    Hugs, Cindy

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  10. Oh, I love books! Yes, they are in every room. I love the picture with the art hanging in front of the bookcase!
    Everyone in my family is a big reader so the kitchen table usually has several books on it. My kids like to read as they eat! (Not a good habit I know) But NEVER for family dinners! Only when we are eating separately!
    (That was probably MORE than you really wanted to know! LOL)

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  11. * BOOKS, you say??? B*O*O*K*S???~~~ Wellll, since my collection of design/home/decorating books is multiplying like rabbits (!), and it seems my love of said books has overtaken the "sensible" part of my being, I MUST agree with you, Vicky!

    Jim prefers to buy all his books in paperback, as he reads HIS books when flying, & when finished, leaves it behind for others to read n' enjoy... (BESIDES, they're not "CLASSIC"s like MY books are (ha-ha-ha!)...

    Super-dooper pics here, Vicky! ~ loved them all! Note: We're STILL deciding on the built-in bookcases for the study, but they way things are going & more books arrive weekly, I may have to extend those book cases to OTHER spaces as well!!! (BUUUT, it's SOOO FUN!!!)...

    Warmest hugs,
    Linda in AZ *
    bellesmom1234@comcast.net

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  12. Thanks guys, so good to see you here ms. Linda!

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  13. I love old books...they are like art work to me. So pretty and can be used in so many ways besides enjoying them to read.

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  14. Hi Vicky. I totally agree! Books have so much character and add a lot without being fussy. The first two photos are fabulous. I included books in my response to your signature style challenge. I'm always looking for vintage books at estate sales. :-).

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  15. Sometimes I have to weed the books out but I do keep my favorites. I love the look of all the different spines and hate the trend of covering the books in the same colored paper.

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  16. We have a designated "library" in our house where we keep most of the books, but I do really love to have a few in the living room or on my bedside table. Adds that homey lived in comfy feel. I love the photo with the books behind the couch and the curtains. That is very unique.

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  17. Naz, I HATE that too. I did a "Pet Peeve" post on that last year. I am not up for tearing the cover off and binding them together either. Leave Books alone!!!

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  18. OK, this might be my most favorite of all your posts (except maybe the one featuring my kitchen - haha). Seriously, I love books. My next house must-must-must have a library. hugs-s

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  19. I agree books in every room! Every shape and size but especially old ones.

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  20. I simply adore that last photo. I could easily live in that space. I'm dragging it to my inspiration file.
    D.

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  21. Very inspiring photos, Ms Vicky. I have three rooms that house my books. (Family Room, Den, and Craftsroom.) My biggest dilemma is what I should do with my magazines (namely decor and fashion) as I do have my favourite issues and just hate to part with. Any suggetions besides storing them in boxex or cupboards.
    -Brenda-

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  22. Room service Decorating 101October 19, 2010 at 4:36 AM

    Brenda, I have started tearing out the pages that I want to keep and filing them. I then toss the rest. But this may take me months, as I want to keep them too...

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  23. When company comes all they usually see are the coffee table books. I hide the piles of magazines and books under the sofa. Reason #1 to have a piece or two of furniture in a room with a skirt.
    We can not live without our books. Our home is without a nice bookcase so we hid them everywhere. Thankfully I have a large office closet.

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