By Bobbi Holmes
My fantasy room is a home library, with floor to
ceiling bookshelves, and one of those ladders that rolls along the shelving.
There is a set of French doors in this fantasy, which opens to a garden. My
desk for writing is in the library, along with a cozy fireplace. Although I
could't get my fantasy room exactly, I managed to create a realistic
version of the library, which turned out to be my favorite room in our home.
If you believe your fantasy room is beyond your budget, perhaps you too can
create a realistic version. Here is how I decorated and created my home
library.
Instructions
1
Install a new floor. We tore out the old carpet and
installed a wood-look laminate floor. It is easier to clean, and gives the
room a homey and welcoming look.
2
Choose a color scheme. I wanted warm colors, and fell
in love with this burgundy couch. We ordered it in a hide-a-bed, so the room
could double as a spare bedroom. The yellow in the pillows gave me an idea
for the walls.
3
Paint the walls. I painted one wall a buttery yellow. I
will confess, the first paint we tried was too yellow. I repainted, toning
down the wall to give it just a hint of yellow. The rest of the walls are
white. We used enamel, as it is easier to clean.
4
Order bookshelves. I looked for oak bookshelves. I
wanted tall bookshelves, and found these that are about 6'9" tall. I had to
measure, to make sure they would not block the window on one wall, and would
leave room for a desk on the other wall.
5
Position the bookshelf in the corner. The two
bookshelves sit on adjacent walls, creating a library corner in the room.
6
Hide ugly books. Not all of my books are hardbacks, I
have a few worn paper backs that I want to keep, yet do not want to display
on the bookshelves. I purchased rectangular baskets from Ikea, which fit
nicely on the top shelf of the bookshelves. Paperback books fit neatly
inside. I also use several baskets on the lower shelves, to store tattered
cookbooks.
7
Get a cat for the window. I was lucky, the room had a
large window. It may not be French doors, but it works to let in the
sunshine. My cat, Spooky, is a perfect accessory for the window.
8
Purchase live houseplants. Live houseplants provide
fresh greenery for the wide window ledge. Spooky also likes them.
9
Buy a desk. I chose a roll top desk, because then I can
hide my mess!
10
Install a fireplace. Okay, a real fireplace was outside
my budget. But this little electrical unit looks amazingly real. It can also
be used as a heater. Or, the flame can be on without the heater. You can
purchase one for under $100 at Lowes or Home Depot.
11
Arrange your accessories. I have several antique
rocking chairs in the room, a favorite throw blanket, and
family pictures.
12
Place a dressing table in the corner. Our home library
is a nice size room, and I am able to fit in a lot of furniture, without
making the room feel crowded. This dressing table belonged to my
grandmother. It can be used as a sewing table (my sewing machine is sitting
under it) and for guests who stay overnight in the room.
13
Find a small television. I wanted a television in the
room, but I did not want it to be a major feature of the library. I found a
small flat screen that fits in the bookshelf. The best thing, it was on
sale!
14
Use large baskets for storing extra magazines or books.
15
Find an interesting doorstop. I am using an antique
iron. It works terrific!
16
Get a puppy. The puppy, like the cat, will help the
room feel more cozy. Just remember to move the baskets, the puppy loves to
chew on them!