The home library is experiencing a revival as both a storage space and a space for quiet, creativity, and retreat. This edit explores home libraries as cosy reading nooks, open-plan living rooms, and multi-functional home offices that blend with the rhythms of daily life.
Collector House by Arent&Pyke
Sydney, Australia
Arent&Pyke principal designer Sarah-Jane Pyke describes Collector House as a celebration of “the power of the unexpected,” where bold furniture, distinctive accessories, and unique textures come together in surprising ways. This concept is vividly realised in the home library, where the striped and sculptural Up Series 2000 armchair by Gaetano Pesce for B&B Italia takes centre stage, complemented by custom bookshelves and an eclectic art collection. Mid-century influences subtly permeate the space, evident in the Cesca chairs by Marcel Breuer for Knoll and the warm glow of the Akari E light by Isamu Noguchi for Vitra.
Erskine House by Kennedy Nolan
Melbourne, Australia
The home office and library in Kennedy Nolan’s Erskine House project blends playfulness and sophistication through its bold design choices. The red-backed shelves offer a vibrant contrast to the amber-toned carpet and clean white walls, showcasing an eclectic mix of books and art that invites curiosity. A long, richly stained timber table anchors the space, while a sculptural pendant light by Anna Charlesworth adds visual intrigue.
Casa dos Aguas by 5 Solidos
Medellín, Colombia
The living space in 5 Solidos’ Casa Dos Aguas project embraces a minimalist design inspired by Japanese aesthetics. The built-in timber shelving, thoughtfully curated with books and art, serves as a focal point beneath the triangular window, which filters in the colours of the natural landscape. Cream, low-profile sofas and sculptural black stools anchor the room, with their clean lines enhancing the sense of calm and cohesion.
Tamarama by Flack Studio
Sydney, Australia
The living space in Flack Studio’s Tamarama project revolves around an eclectic, mid-century-inspired library. The custom timber bookshelves tie in with the warm wood panelling on the ceiling and walls, creating a cosy and inviting atmosphere. The rich texture of the patterned rug, complemented by textural furnishings like the leather Camaleonda sofa by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia, and the Draga & Aurel resin and copper coffee tables, enhances the space’s curated yet lived-in feel.
200 Amsterdam by Studio Mellone
New York City, North America
On New York’s Upper West Side, Studio Mellone has reimagined the interiors of a penthouse apartment. The home office, enhanced by an impressive book collection, features rich wooden accents and mid-century-inspired furnishings. A floor-to-ceiling window frames a breathtaking cityscape, infusing the space with a sense of openness ideal for reflection and focus.
Architect Manuel Aires Mateus’ Lisbon Home
Lisbon, Portugal
This adaptable library-office-dining area, situated in the historic Lisbon home of architect Manuel Aires Mateus, is defined by its use of simple, authentic materials and wide double doors that usher in natural light. Built-in white shelves, stretching from one end of the room to the other, display a large, intentionally disordered collection of books, highlighting the architect’s preference for characterful, lived-in environments. At the centre of the space, surrounded by the presence of the books, an elegant wooden desk offers a tranquil spot for reflection, study, work, reading, or, on special occasions, dining.
Architect John Wardle’s Kew House
Melbourne, Australia
The study in architect John Wardle’s Kew house features an expansive library wall. A Bohemian armchair by Patricia Urquiola for Moroso offers a place for quiet reflection with his extensive collection, while a built-in desk and large window allow natural light to flood the space, connecting the interior to the lush garden outside.
