20 minutes- and a completely different look- that is my kind of decorating.
If you saw yesterdays post about the refresh in the little cottage- you saw the drama we added with the charcoal painted bookcases, the delicious sparkly chandelier and brass table- and the vintage modern inspired chairs. And you also saw one of the ways to display the vast amount of books I have collected over the years.
Fun facts about book buying:
I will buy books because I like the content- I have quite a few favorites in my collection.
I will also buy books because of their age- I cannot resist a delicious cover with gliding– even if it is damaged and peeling.
And I buy books without covers because I love the texture of the nubby sewing on the spine so much.
And I will also buy books with the most ruffly delicious pages- even if they are newer. Texture is my thing.
Basically- I buy books whenever I find singles, stacks of them or interesting anything. I Love them all.
And many many of my books are wrapped in simple paper. I love a good neutral backdrop but I am not about to take the covers off the more colorful ones just to display them. And many of the books I have have been in discard or discount piles and are damaged enough that the covers are beyond display.
And while I love the neutral pages and no cover books or pages side out on repeat- I can also go the the more English cottage library colorful side. Which is what I am showing today.
Those colorful covers on repeat from top to bottom create a look my mom refers to as. ‘Downton Abbey’. That delicious English library, quintessential vintage charm that makes you feel as if you have stepped into a home from a different era- with proper everything, lots of cozy & that has stayed the same all the years later.
I love, love, love the look of proper libraries as well. And all.those.colorful books on repeat mingling with the dark moody paint of the bookcases?
An Exquisite mix.
And I do completely love it.
And as you can see – I styled the books BOTH ways. This bookcase is full of my grandmothers collection of books and various books I have collected over the years. Yes, some of the books are still reversed and missing their covers- but most of the others of all different ages are facing spine out. Any that were a crazy wild or bright coloring were placed elsewhere to keep it more muted rich and saturated in tone. (does that even make sense haha?)
I wasn’t sure what way to show first- but decided this was a great opportunity to show you how one simple change completely changes the feeling of the room.
Both displays add their own unique touch to the styling of the bookcases.
One is a balancing act. Layers of texture and neutral colors that offsets and lightens the drama & mood of the darker paint.
One loves and plays up that bold mood. With all those colors and details mingling- they bring in lots of richness to make this even more of a dramatic statement.
Ideal for me – would probably be in between.
I LOVE the spines of the books with that gold lettering. LOVE. But when the books are not cohesive in color, saturation, etc. – that mish-mash can get to be a tad too distracting unless that is the look I am after.
That said- I love the look of these books turned the opposite way just as much as I love the neutral pages and spines on display- and I can appreciate the gorgeousness of both.
The best part about this- is it takes just a few minutes to completely change the look and feel of the room- just by flipping the books around.
If you would like to see more of this room including the huge gorgeous chandelier and furniture we added- you can find that post HERE. And shopping details:
Okay folks- I am off to grab a ‘spot of tea’ and sit over by this bookcase for a bit. Happy 20 minute decorating all.
Love your library .
Your Mom is right,it feels like Downton Abby ❤
It definitely does!
The new Bookcase paint color is so inviting and cOzy, i love the dark Color With your beautiful marble mantle. I think it really elevates The room. I’m in agreement with you on the love of any and all books! GORGEOUS TABLE too.
so beautiful courtney. I’ve always loved the cozy library look. You’ve aced it in your little cottage. I too love the bright, light look in my home, but we also have a little library with leather chairs and lots of wonderful books in our cottage. satisfies all my decorating needs/loves.
Very elegant. I love the look, and feels very cozy and inviting. Sit down with a good book and tea.
What is the paint color on the bookcases?
So cozy! Downtown Abby for sure:0) I love old books as well. The darkness really sets off the chandelier and the gold accents. Enjoy your tea..you deserve it!
Beautiful courtney. What color did you use on the othet walls in the room?
I would love to be in that cozy spot, on a rainy dAy, reading and drinking a glass of wine.
Sorry, it seems like im YELLING BUT my ipad is stuck In Caps!
OMG! Your books look just like mine. I buy books the same various ways that you do. I love going to yard sales and finding old books, i have some from the 1800’s. I have this one old bible. I love the looks of them and am intrigued by the way they used to write books. It’s amazing what interesting books you can find when you’re looking!
Im redecorating my home office and i alreAdy Have black bookcases and i’d thought of pAinting them a lightEr color. Now that i’ve seen you wonderful idea of painting the wall around the bookcases black, i think ive found a new vision! Ive collected first edition signed books of my favorite authors for years. Of course keeping the book jackets is important, but i may try putting them in thE bookcases backwards. Love that effect! Thanks for the lovely idea!