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The Reading Rooms in Margate, England

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Enjoy Georgian grandeur, if only for a weekend, at The Reading Rooms, a classic Georgian townhouse turned into luxury bed-and-breakfast, located in the seaside town of Margate, England. In its heyday, the town was a haven for wealthy Londoners who would decamp for the summer (Lord Nelson, Keats, and Turner were a few of the visiting luminaries who traveled by steamboat up the Thames estuary). Owners Liam Nabb and Louise Oldfield, who have renovated several properties in London, restored the 1760 five-story Georgian house, ripping out the cheap additions and revealing the original fireplaces and structure. The result? Three floors featuring three uniquely designed spaces for guests.

The couple have already garnered five stars and plenty of accolades, and with the opening of the Turner Contemporary museum (designed by David Chipperfield), Nabb and Oldfield have helped restore Margate as a fashionable destination. For more, visit The Reading Rooms.

Reading Rooms Margate

Above: The couple preserved original details and rough surfaces in the remodel.

Reading Rooms Margate

Above: A mantle detail with reading material on offer.

Reading Rooms in Margate

Above: A chair with original upholster and vintage Penguins at the ready.

REading Rooms in Margate

Above: “Room Two looks over the tree tops so there is a lot of green and the dark oak floors bring out the earthy colors, which works with the exposed brick of the fireplace," explains Oldfield

Reading Rooms Margate

Above: The room on the first floor is the grandest, with a gold chandelier and floor-to-ceiling windows.

Above: “The line of the sea in the distance can be seen from the top floor, so here we used gray and white with the plastered walls revealing some distressed turquoise,” Oldfield says.

The Reading Rooms Margate

Above: Nabb and Oldfield left as much of the house as intact as possible, including traces of old plaster and the original coving

Reading Rooms Margate UK

Above: Nabb and Oldfield were taken with the beauty of the sea at Margate, its chalky cliffs, and the nearby Kent countryside, but it was the grand 18th century architecture that proved the biggest draw. Each of the three guest rooms is located on its own floor.

To read more on The Reading Rooms, check out our guest post on Dering Hall.

N.B.: This post is an update; the original story ran on September 28, 2011.

For more places to stay in the UK, see our City Guides.


10 Unexpected Places to Store Books

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We might be able to download a digital book with the click of a mouse, but at the end of the day there is something very reassuring about a home filled with books; they serve as a roadmap of sorts showing where we have been in our lives, both literally and figuratively. That said, having enough room to store books can sometimes be a challenge; here are a few creative solutions for corralling books in unexpected spots.

Barbican Foodhall book storage

Above: Books stored piled high on a custom shelf in the reading area at the Barbican Foodhall.

Belgian sleeping loft with built in book shelves by Vanden Eackhoudt Freyf Architecture.

Above: Built-in book shelves under the eaves of a sleeping loft in a Brussels house by Vanden Eackhoudt Freyf Architecture.

Small space book storage nook

Above: The space between two beams serves as a tiny library integrated into the structure at the Independente Hostel in Lisbon, Portugal.

Ina Matt renovated Belgian Barn with book storage built into stairs

Above: A renovated barn in the Netherlands with cupboard built into the staircase wall and built in shelves for books. Designed by Dutch firm Studio Ina Matt.

creative storage solution in kitchen with built in book shelf by Levitate Architecture and Design Studio

Above: Looking to add an extension to a small Richmond Home, British firm Levitate Architecture and Design Studio added built-in book shelving above the kitchen.

Above: Interior designer Stéphane Quatresous added simple shelves to a plywood wall in this modern-meets-rustic attic studio in France, first spotted on discovered via French by Design; photo by Mads Mogensen.

Staircase book storage in London Home by Levitate Architects UK

Above: Levitate Architecture and Design Studio built this library for a client with an extensive book collection. The library staircase with English oak treads and shelves lined with books on three sides leads to a loft bedroom addition in the attic.

Wall of built in book shelving in home of interior designer Jessica Helgerson in Oregon

Above: A wall of books extending into the eaves with a sleeping space above as seen in the home of Portland, Oregon-based interior designer Jessica Hlegerson. Photograph by Lincoln Barbour.

Garden shed and office with creative storage book shelving by office Sian

Above: The interior walls of a simple garden shed in a London garden serve as shelving, via UK-based architecture firm Office Sian.

Have you got a creative solution for book storage? Let us know in the comments section below; we're always on the lookout for good ideas.

See more storage. check out our previous posts on Bookcases and Shelving.

DIY: Bookshelf Systems, One Easy, One Difficult

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Two DIY wooden book shelves: one for the hardcore DIY-er, the other for the lightweight (count us in for the latter).

studiomama DIY bookshelf storage solution

Above: British based designer Nina Tolstrup created the Studiomama Bookshelf using 96 pieces of half-inch-thick oak planks. Each piece of wood was marked ahead of time to fit into the expandable system that fits the width of the wall. (Since the shelving is self supporting it can be taken apart and re-used.) Click on the Studiomama Video to see the shelves being assembled.

Stacked Shelving System new podium designed by JDS Architects for Muuto

Above: A similar look can be achieved with the Stacked Shelf by JDS Architects for Muuto that allows you to create a shelving unit customized to any space. Pricing begins at $119 for a small stacked bookshelf. If you fancy creating one yourself, check out our DIY option with Ikea wooden boxes: Storage High Low Modular Bookshelves.

Get inspired with more DIY.

Paradise Found: A Library Where They Serve Cocktails

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Confession: In elementary school, I was a library aide, which meant I got to skip early morning recess and help our librarian shelve books. Maybe that's why I'm attracted to the interiors of The Old Library in Australia. A library where they serve cocktails? We're there.

Located in Cronulla, a suburb of Sydney, the Old Library building dates from 1908 (it was a Methodist church that was later converted into a library). Owner Mario Kalpou worked with design firm Hecker Guthrie to create a lofty, white-painted vaulted space with fireplace alcoves, industrial lighting, and luxe linen lounge seating. Stylist Sibella Court sourced animal heads by London artist Lucie McCann, rugs by Armadillo, and commissioned library wall murals by Sydney-based Hugh Ford. It all adds up to a bookworm's paradise.

Photographs by Shannon McGrath.

Above: A 1908 library insignia stenciled over the wood-burning stove.

Above: Communal tables anchor the dining room; a bookshelf mural adorns a wall (see 10 Favorites: Bookshelf-Printed Wallpaper for more ideas).

Above: Bookshelf wall murals by Hugh Ford and an animal head by London artist Lucie McCann.

Billiani Aloe Stools

Above: White Billiani Aloe chairs add a modern note to the interiors.

Above: Natural oak tables and benches add a rustic note.

Above: Linen curtains add a note of intimacy.

Above: A tiled bath with a German utility sink and copper piping.

5 Favorites: Literary-Inspired Fragrances

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There is something alluring about the scent of hundred-year-old books and decaying parchment. Something so evocative that the scent has been bottled by some of our favorite perfume purveyors; here are five ways to surround yourself (or your home) with that elusive aroma.

Karl Lagerfeld Paper Passion perfume

Above: Conceived by German publisher Gerhard Steidl (along with his friends Geza Schoen and Karl Lagerfeld), Paper Passion captures the scent of a freshly printed book. As perfumer Schoen says, "the smell of printed paper is dry and fatty, they are not notes you often work with." And if you haven't seen Lagerfeld's library, you can catch it in Diane Keaton's post: Seeing Different: The Artful Home Library.

Byredo Baudelaire eau de perfume

Above L: Charles Baudelaire. Above R: Byredo's perfume Baudelaire carries notes of juniper berry, black pepper, caraway, leather, and papyrus; $145 for 50ml from Barney's New York.

Above: Miller Harris' L'Air de Rien "is the fragrant expression of Jane Birkin's life and style, evoking the nostalgia of dusty libraries and old books"; it's $94.19 from Fragrance Net.

Astier de Villatte's La Tournelle Candle

Above: Astier de Villatte's La Tournelle was inspired by "heavy doors upon ancient rooms of polished wooden wainscoting and opulent libraries," with a blend of Cyprus and Greenheart notes and an accord of "Parchment DNA." The glass candle is $82 from Barney's New York.

CB Perfume's In the Library, book scented perfume

Above: CB I Hate Perfume's In the Library is a warm blend of English novel, Russian and Moroccan leather bindings, worn cloth, and a hint of wood polish. Prices range from $12 for 2ml to $90 for the 15ml size directly from CB I Hate Perfume; also available at Book/Shop.

Byredo candle Bibliotheque

Above: Byredo's Bibliotheque Fragranced Candle features a base of patchouli, leather, and vanilla; a heart of violet and peony; and top notes of peach and plum for $65. For more about Byredo, see World's Least Likely Perfumer?

N.B.: Looking for a room to fill with the scent of books? Find 378 inspiration images of Home Libraries in our Gallery of rooms and spaces.

10 Favorites: Bookshelf-Printed Wallpaper

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Did UK designer Deborah Bowness start the bookshelf-printed wallpaper craze with her Genuine Fake Bookshelf paper? Lately we've been spotting (and admiring) installations of bookshelf wallpaper seemingly everywhere.

Ivory library book wallpaper from Graham & Green

Above: Graham & Green's Ivory Library Wallpaper is £60 per roll; contact them directly for availability and shipping.

Bibliotheque wallpaper at The Tipsy Parson in New York City

Above: Brunschwig & Fils Bibliotheque wallpaper at The Tipsy Parson in NYC.

White library books wallpaper

Above: White Bookshelf Wallpaper by Mineheart is £70 per roll. Each roll is 250 centimeter long and 50 centimeter wide.

Paperback wallpaper by Tracy Kendall

Above: A print of teetering paperbacks by London-based Tracy Kendall.

Vintage looking faux bookshelf wallpaper by Studiomold

Above: Vintage Bookshelf Wallpaper designed by Young & Battaglia is £70 for a 3-meter-length roll at Studio Mold.

White bookshelf wallpaper from Mineheart

Above: White bookshelf wallpaper, also from Mineheart, in an empty attic space.

Bookshelf wallpaper at Bistrot Bruno Loubet

Above: A wallpapered private dining room at the Bistrot Bruno Loubet.

Abigail Ahern design featuring bookshelf wallpaper

Above: A library by Abigail Ahern featuring Deborah Bowness' Genuine Fake Paper, via House & Home Ireland.

Bookshelf wallpaper at The Maryland house

Above: Photograph of The Maryland by photographer Philip K. Erikson, originally spotted on Desire to Inspire.

Bookshelf printed wallpaper at D'Espresso in New York City

Above: Floor-to-ceiling in the most literal sense: bookshelf-printed wallpaper at D'Espresso in New York.

N.B.: This post is an update; the original story ran on January 21, 2011.

10 Easy Pieces: Wall-Mounted Shelving Systems

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The advantages to wall-mounted, modular shelving systems are myriad: They can be engineered to fit any space, and unlike built-ins, they can be disassembled and reinstalled if you relocate. Here's a roundup of our finds.

Vitsoe 606 Universal Shelving System, designed by Dieter Rams

Above: The iconic Vitsoe 606 Universal Shelving System, designed by Dieter Rams in 1960, is a favorite of design aficionados. The system offers infinite configurations: various shelf widths and lengths, drawers, and desks available to suit any storage needs. An aluminum E-Track and pin enables the shelves and cabinets to be easily hung from the E-track and configured as needed. The Vitsoe is an investment, but it's a system you can add to over the years; the setup shown above costs $6,020; the cabinets run at around $1,000 each (four shown), and the shelves between $90 and $100, depending on length. Available in black, off-white, or beech, exclusively in the US through the Vitsoe Shop in New York or online at Vitsoe.

Made in Brooklyn, the Atlas Industries as4 Shelving System available in white oak, maple and walnut

Above: Made in Brooklyn, the Atlas Industries as4 Shelving System is available in white oak, maple, or walnut with sturdy steel brackets (custom color paint is also an option). The 91-inch-wide white oak configuration with desk included above costs $9,525. Components are priced individually; the full pricing list is available on the Atlas site (along with an easy as4 Builder Guide).

wall-mounted Eiermann Shelving Unit designed in 1932 by German architect Egon Eiermann.

Above: The wall-mounted Eiermann Shelving Unit was designed in 1932 by German architect Egon Eiermann. Now produced by Richard Lampert, the Eiermann shelves feature stainless steel supports and shelves available in white melamine, solid oak, or white powder-coated finish. The Five-Shelf Eiermann Shelving Unit is available at Twenty Twenty-One; pricing begins at £938. Contact Richard Lampert for details and retailers.

String shelving system swedish modular design

Above: The classical String shelf modular system was designed in 1946 by Swedish architect and designer Nils "Nisse" Strinning. The String Pocket Shelf is available for $149 in the US from Nordic Design. The full String Shelf System shown in oak and white above is available in the UK for for £1,460 from Nest.

Sticotti Shelving wall mounted by Argentinian architect Alejandro Sticotti

Above: Sticotti Shelving by Argentinian architect Alejandro Sticotti is made from South American hardwoods; the vertical and horizontal mounts are made of solid lapacho, and the shelves are made with cerejeira veneer. Pricing begins at $1,200 from DWR.

Aliante Shelving System by Rodolf Dordoni for Capellini Wall Mounted

Above: The Aliante Shelving System by Rodolf Dordoni for Capellini is available with polished chromed nickel supports and shelves in oak or mahogany. Pricing starts at $3,462 at Unica Home.

Above: Ulm Shelving System designed by Enzo Mari for Zanotta features aluminum alloy brackets and sheet steel shelving; prices start at $1,284 for a configured bookcase at Unica Home.

Rakks System shelving from the Rangine Corporation

Above: Favored by architects and widely used in university settings, the straightforward, well-engineered Rakks System offers well priced durable shelving manufactured in Needham, Massachusetts, by the Rangine Corporation. Components and pricing available at Rakks Store.

helix white oak 70 wall mounted bookcase

Above: The Helix White Oak 70-Inch Wall Mounted Bookcase features four fixed blond quartersawn oak veneer shelves on a squared metal tube frame of powder coated carbon that can be mounted across a wall. Each ladder is 30 inches wide and 70 inches in height; $199 from CB2.

Driftwood and Platinum Elfa Living Room Shelving

Above: A budget option from the Container Store, the Driftwood and Platinum Elfa Living Room Shelving is $394.69 (as shown above), also available with individual components.

Ikea Broder Wall Mounted Shelving

Above: For a straightforward industrial look, consider the galvanized steel Broder System from Ikea, available in several configurations. The two-section L-foot configuration shown above is $232.50 at Ikea.

See more posts on Storage.

N.B.: This post is an update; the original story ran on May 19, 2010.

Past Meets Present: Ampersand Bookshop in Portland, Oregon

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I like to judge a city by its art bookstores, and on a recent trip to Portland, Oregon, everyone was telling me, "you have to visit Ampersand."

So I took the advice of Currie Pearson (of Beam & Anchor, a recent Austin, Texas, transplant) and Giovanna Parolari (of Luce and Una) and went to Portland's Northeast neighborhood to search out the black-painted store front. A gallery, specialty bookstore, and retail archive, Ampersand focuses on visual content, buying and selling vintage photography, art, design, and photography books. The store carries a mix of new and used titles, along with a rotating gallery of vintage photography. Their intent, as Ampersand says, is to "investigate the colliding point between now and then, past and present, vintage and contemporary."

For more, visit Ampersand Bookshop and Gallery online and in person at 2916 NE Alberta Street.

Ampersand bookshop in Portland, Oregon art book

Above: Vintage prints in protective plastic sheaths next to typography and photography books. Photograph via Edwin Himself.

Ampersand bookshop in Portland display shelves

Above: A minimalist display of black and white crates on top of a small industrial shelving unit. Photograph via Edwin Himself.

Ampersand bookshop and gallery in Portland, Oregon

Above: Vintage prints hang in silver frames. Photograph via Edwin Himself.

Ampersand bookshop in Portland from Cool Hunting

Above: Wide library drawers house art and design books. Photograph via Cool Hunting.

Ampersand bookshop in Portland, Oregon exterior

Above: Ampersand's black-painted exterior gives way to a brightly lit store inside.

N.B.: Traveling to Portland, Oregon? Visit 29 shops, hotels, and restaurants in our Portland City Guide.


DIY: Industrial Bedside Pulley Lamp

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Looking for a touch of industrial lighting? Here's a great idea: an adjustable bedside reading lamp made with a simple metal pulley, spotted in the home of Montreal architect Paul Bernier and Joëlle Thibault, featured in Dwell.

Bernier used a vintage clothesline pulley, picked up at a flea market, and a light fixture made with standard issue cord. Use the following components below to create a similar look of your own.

DIY bedside industrial pulley lamp wth clothesline

Above: The bedside pulley lamp that can be adjusted.

DIY Industrial clotheline pulley lamp

Above: An industrial pulley is attached to the ceiling. Photograph by Alex Hobbs.

vintage industrial pulley

Above: Scour local flea markets or check Etsy for vintage pulleys like this one found on Wanelo for $43. Sunkeeper also offers a Heavy Duty Clothesline Pulley for $19.99.

custom electrical cords from earth sea warrior

Above: Custom cords are available in a choice of colors and lengths with plug options online from EarthSeaWarrior.

Regolit Pendant Lamp Shade

Above: Add a shade for diffused lighting; the Regolit Pendant Lamp Shade is $5 from Ikea. Or use an A19 Silver Tip Bulb for a more industrial look; $5 from Schoolhouse Electric.

In a Modern London Addition, Books Come First

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The homeowners of a remodeled London townhouse gave their books pride of place, but still managed an appealing (book-free) kitchen addition and a built-in den for their cat.

Spotted on Dezeen; London-based Platform 5 Architects led a Victorian townhome remodel in Hampstead, whose owners flaunt an impressive and growing collection of books. They wanted their tomes at the heart of their home, and Platform 5 obliged with a double-height built-in bookshelf wrapped around a modern staircase, sacrificing two rooms in the process. But the rest of the home was not neglected: A kitchen addition now lures the bookworms outdoors to the garden, and the kitty-in-residence even got her own private niche.

Photography by Alan Williams courtesy of Platform 5 Architects.

London townhouse with full height bookshelf wall pale Oak wood

Above: The owners forfeited a first -loor bedroom and entertaining room in favor of a double-height library to house their extensive book collection.

Bookshelf wall staircase addition in London townhouse of pale Oak wood

Above: The fireplace at left is one of the many period details the owners elected to keep.

London townhouse with oak bookshelves and built in home office and desk

Above: The winding stair leads to a small office sited over the ground floor, which reaps light from a clerestory garden window.

Oak staircase in London townhouse full height bookshelf wall

Above: Books rest on stair treads at the bottom of the staircase before the oak bookshelves begin to climb the walls.

Built in bookshelf wall in London townhouse with Tom Dixon tall beat lights

Above: Three Tall Beat Lights from UK designer Tom Dixon hang above the dining table.

Tom Dixon beat lights tall in black with brick party wall and Oak addition in London townhouse

Above: The architects expanded the existing kitchen at the rear of the house by adding an oak rib-and-skin structure to adjoin the brick parting wall.

Tom Dixon tall beat lights in modern London kitchen with brick wall and eat-in kitchen

Above: The kitchen extension added some additional shelving; this time for art, not books.

London townhouse modern addition with L-shaped reading nook and concrete countertop

Above: A built-in seat with corner glazing offers a prime spot for reading indoors while enjoying the garden.

Concrete kitchen island in modern addition to London townhouse gray and white palette

Above: Concrete floors and a concrete kitchen island complement the warmer tones of brick and oak used throughout the home.

Modern and Victorian details together in London entryway remodel

Above: A Victorian cornice, antique doorbell, and ornate chandelier supplement modern features like a rolled steel handrail and modern stair trim.

Built in space for cat in London townhouse remodel kitty litter cat nook

Above: With a built-in den all to herself, Kitty doesn't know how good she has it (though her owners probably do).

Indoor outdoor living in London townhouse remodel with white orange and brick walls

Above: A pivot-hinged steel door opens fully to create an indoor/outdoor living experience (a rarity in London).

London townhouse with modern garden for indoor outdoor living

Above: By bringing the brick parting wall into the interior of the home, the architects created visual continuity between the dining room and garden.

Looking for more inspiration? See 378 images of rooms with books in our gallery of rooms and spaces.

Full-Spectrum Color Stories Paints from Benjamin Moore

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Benjamin Moore's full-spectrum Color Stories line features a 240-color palette, divided into Color Stories (Elemental Greens, Fluid Blues, Violet Twilight) and formulated with up to eight pigments (conventional paints feature three).

Notably, the paints are made without black or gray, with means they won't look muddy in dim light. The paints are available in a limited number of stores; go to Benjamin Moore to find a retailer.

Above: The Color Stories range.

Above: Photo via Linda Holt Interiors.

Above: Photo via Linda Holt Interiors.

A Modern Atelier in France, Books Included

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Based just north of Paris, interior designer Marianne Evennou believes that houses have souls and are the "carriers of mysteries and stories"; her aim is to "create interior spaces that transcend fashion and trends and are a refuge from the world."

Photos by Nicolas Tosi; spotted on Desire to Inspire.

Above: White slipcovered furniture and sculptures by Franck Evennou.

Above: The entry hall features pieces by Franck Evennou.

Above: A steel staircase leads to a loft bedroom.

Above: In the open kitchen shelving, a disciplined collection of stainless and white implements adds an informal note.

Above: A tree mural in chalk, drawn on a strip of chalkboard-painted wall.

Above: An artist's studio with classic Tolix chairs and a table made from sawhorses.

Above: Polished concrete floors add an industrial note.

Design Sleuth: Can You ID This Lamp?

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In our recent Steal This Look: Library Loft in Barcelona, I scoured the internet in search of this distinctive cone pendant lamp to no avail. I'm hoping one of our eagle-eyed Remodelista readers can provide a match. Any ideas?

The closest facsimile I could find was Tom Dixon's Large Cone Pendant Light ($1,285 at Y Lighting); the Moooi Icon Suspension Lamp is another option (but the exterior is flocked). The Cone Lamps in the Alouette Collection at Areti look similar; but they don't make a pendant version. Oh, and to see more of the space, go to Steal This Look: Library Loft in Barcelona.

Above: Photography by Jordi Miralles via Shoot 115.

5 Favorites: Design-Worthy Book Covers

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Would you cover your book collection in white paper and hand letter the titles on the spines? If we had the time, we probably would (yes, we are that fanatical). Here are five ideas for turning your book collection into a design statement:

Above: In her Paris apartment, A+B Kasha designer Ida Cederlöf covered her books in white paper and wrote the titles by hand; photo via Design Sponge.

Above: A stack of books covered in gold paper; via Katrin Schake.

Above: A selection of books covered in linen and Kraft paper from Juniper Books.

Wax Paper Book Covers

Above: A set of three gray Wax Paper Book Covers is $10.65 at Rakuten Global Market.

Above: Custom covered books by Paislee Press.

London's Most Beautiful Bookstore

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In 2009, literary agents Sarah Lutyens and Felicity Rubinstein opened their Notting Hill bookshop (named after their eponymous literary agency, Lutyens & Rubinstein) on a simple premise: to recreate the magic they remembered from the bookshops of their childhoods.

With more than 4,000 hand-picked titles, a visit to Luytens & Rubinstein is like popping into your favorite boutique where you feel a kindred spirit with the owner; implicitly trusting their judgment and knowing with full confidence that you’ll be going home with that perfect something you went in for. With an intent to replicate this experience with books, the pair worked with young architecture firm De Rosee Sa to convert a 1,100-square-foot, two-story space into a bookworm’s paradise; using intelligent design to maximize space on a modest budget.

Unless otherwise noted, photography by Dennis Gilbert/View.

Lutyens & Rubenstein, London bookshop, shop front in Notting Hill

Above: Lutyens & Rubinstein is on Kensington Park Road in London's Notting Hill. Reams of text flying out of an old fashioned typewriter designed by Container Plus is an example of the witty spirit to be found within.

Lutyens & Rubenstein, London bookshop in Notting Hill, book sculptures hanging from ceiling, black book shelves, modern globe pendants, staircase with white railings, Sarah Lutyens, Felicity Rubinstein

Above: "The design of the shop reflects the characters of its owners, Sarah Lutyens and Felicity Rubinstein," say the architects De Rosee Sa. Photograph on right by Tif Loehnis.

Lutyens & Rubenstein, London bookshop in Notting Hill, book sculptures hanging from ceiling, black book shelves, modern globe pendants

Above: Sculptures by Container Plus, made from the pages of old books, decorate the ceiling.

Lutyens & Rubenstein, London bookshop in Notting Hill, book sculptures hanging from ceiling, black book shelves, detail of modern globe pendants

Above: The architects designed innovative custom lighting that was less expensive than off-the-shelf lighting.

Lutyens & Rubenstein, London bookshop in Notting Hill, book sculptures hanging from ceiling, black book shelves, modern globe pendants, staircase with white railings

Above: "The bookshop has been designed for complete flexibility; joinery cubes on castors allow for the rearrangement of the counter, while shelving modules have the ability to be transformed from seating alcoves to three different book display arrangements," say the architects. Photograph by Container Plus.

Lutyens & Rubenstein, London bookshop in Notting Hill, book sculptures hanging from ceiling, black book shelves, modern globe pendants, staircase with white railings

Above: A high level steel rail supports the modular globe lighting.

Lutyens & Rubenstein, London bookshop in Notting Hill, canvas bags by Re-wrap, Westbourne Honey jars

Above: Lutyens & Rubinstein also stock "other necessities," such as Lutyens & Rubinstein canvas tote bags produced by Re-wrap and local honey made by Rubinstein's husband. Photograph by Tif Loehnis.

Lutyens & Rubenstein, London bookshop in Notting Hill, book sculptures hanging from ceiling, black book shelves, modern globe pendants, staircase with white railings

Above: The book sculptures and bespoke globe lights draw the eye upwards from below.

Lutyens & Rubenstein, London bookshop in Notting Hill, sliding black bookshelves reveal offices behind

Above: Downstairs, sliding bookshelves conceal the office of the literary agency, Lutyens & Rubinstein. When the sliding bookshelves are open, the entire space downstairs can also be used for film screenings or book signings.

Lutyens & Rubenstein, London bookshop in Notting Hill, book sculptures hanging from ceiling, detail of black book shelves with Container Plus book sculpture

Above: A book sculpture made from an old book by Container Plus shares shelf space with new books. Photograph by Tif Loehnis.

Above: The architects discuss the design challenges and their solutions with their client Felicity Rubinstein while displaying the engineering behind the sliding bookshelf in this video via The Architect's Journal.

N.B. Lutyens & Rubinstein also stock CB Perfume inspired by novels, poems and libraries from the Brooklyn-based, award-winning former cab driver Christopher Brosius, who hated the synthetic lingering perfumes left by passengers in his cab so much that he was compelled to develop one of the most unusual ranges of scent in the world. For other perfumes inspired by literature, see 5 Favorites: Literary Inspired Fragrances.


5 Favorites: Bookshelves for Small Space Living

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Some days I reminisce about the simple and small living spaces I was surrounded by after my college years. My roommate and I lived in a Bauhaus-styled apartment building which had been completely remodeled, yet the owners managed to retain its original charm. Here are a few small bookshelf options for those who have limited wall space or who live small.

Madga Bookshelf Steel

Above: The Magda Bookshelf is made from painted steel tube with ends of lathed beech wood; $150 from Leibal. It comes in black or white.

Hold On Tight by Colleen and Eric Bookshelf

Above: Hold On Tight by Colleen and Eric; the bookend cube and wing nut is made of powder-coated aluminum; the shelf is made of beech wood. (This shelf is still a concept idea.)

Wall Clamp by Brendan Ravenhill

Above: The Wall Clamp by Brendan Ravenhill can be screwed into the wall, allowing you to turn any flat material into a shelf. See this video for a demonstration of how to use the clamps. A clamp is $75 and available from Areaware.

Magneto Bookshelf by Henry Julier

Above: The Magneto Shelf Systems by Henry Julier is $140. The shelf set includes a metal back panel, mounting hardware, and four shelves.

Bookshelf & Bookmark by Ruperti Workshops

Above: A Bookshelf & Bookmark by Ruperti Workshops; €37.29 from Pure Nature. This bookshelf allows you to stack your books and provides you with a bookmark.

Umbra Conceal Bookshelf

Above: The Conceal Bookshelf by Umbra is $13. It is made from powder coated steel, and the floating book shelf becomes invisible behind a stack of books.

Duo Bookshelf by Brooklyn-based Ana Linares Design

Above: A Duo Bookshelf by Brooklyn-based Ana Linares Design is $160. Made from steel and available in two colors: black or blue.

N.B.: Looking for more bookshelves? Skim through 119 of our favorite Bookcases and Shelving ideas.

Small Wonders: Studio Visit with Furze Chan

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Safe to say, I love everything that artist Furze Chan does. From her whimsical paper puppets and soft toys to her miniature art books, there is a sense of wonder and purity in the small-scale productions of this Hong Kong designer that appeals to the child in me.

It is no surprise then that Furze Chan's sun-lit studio should also be an inspiration. In a space that is both minimal and personal, this paragon of paper and stitch lords over a kingdom of miniatures, curating and creating goods for her two brands: Ferse Verse and With Her Animal Poetry.

desk of Furze Chan

Above: Surrounding herself with personal treasures, Chan uses a wall above her desk as a rotating inspiration board.

Furze Chan studio scarves

Above: Hung along the wall, Chan's subtly hued scarf collection is a work of art in and of itself.

book vase by Furze Chan

Above: Chan's miniature book vase is just big enough to hold one tiny bloom.

RMMs Owlendar in Furze Chan studio

Above: Keeping the date on Chan's shelf is RMM's "Owlendar."

gold and silver books by Furze Chan

Above: A precious pair: Chan's Gold and Silver books are small enough to hold between your finger tips.

Furze Chan studio balloons

Above: Furze's ever-rotating wall of inspiration, today sports soaring balloons.

red hat Furze Chan studio

Above: A peak into Chan's creative space reveals her beloved red, felt hat.

Furze Chan studio with doll

Above: Plants with personality are heavily featured in Furze's studio. This succulent sits next to one of Chan's hand-sewn dolls.

miniature books by Furze Chan

Above: The covers of The Crypt, Beneath the Black Ice, and Under the Doormat feature pencil drawings by Chan.

fox legs by Furze Chan

Above: Awaiting assembly, fox legs from Chan's paper puppets; $8.

embroidered fox by Furze Chan

Above: A stitch project: little embroidered animals.

inspiration board by Furze Chan

Above: More bits of inspiration, as well as items for her shop, adorn the walls.

deer by Furze Chan

Above: A new member of Furze's extensive menagerie.

N.B. For more, see hundreds of inspired small-scale office spaces in our Gallery of rooms and spaces.

Instant Indoor Garden from Flora Grubb

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My quest for an entirely maintenance-free house plant continues, but this vertical garden kit from Flora Grubb comes close:

Airplant Frame

Above: A lightweight Airplant Frame made of powder-coated aluminum won't rust, so the vertical garden kit is suitable for indoor or outdoor use; 19 inches high by 11.5 inches wide and available from $195 from Flora Grubb.

Airplant Frame

Above: Designed by Landscape Architect Josh Rosen, the vertical garden kit can be removed from the wall with tillandsias still attached. Submerge the whole thing to water your air plants.

For more ideas, see DIY Vertical Garden Kit: Just Add Water (and a Wall).

(N.B.: This is an update of a post originally published November 2, 2012.)

A Clubhouse for Creatives, San Francisco Edition

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Working from home has its perks and its perils: think blogging from bed and Skyping in sweats, to name the advantages. The downside? It can be a lonely affair. Such was the predicament facing self-described strategist and matchmaker Rena Tom after she sold Rare Device, the San Francisco shop she started with Lisa Congdon. After several months of hauling her computer to cafes, she rented her own work space; ironically, though, she found herself heading back to the coffee shop for camaraderie.

Rena took matters into her own hands and enlisted two friends—Victoria Smith of SF Girl by Bay, and Suzanne Shade, of art site The Beholder. Very quickly Makeshift Society was born: a bright, airy, well-designed work space with both a long communal table and a quiet space to sneak off when silence is required. Membership has taken off, primarily by word of mouth and has drawn a creative crowd: photographers, writers, and artists alike. As Rena points out, "It's a self-selecting group, a bit like Craigslist was in the beginning." Membership is available at different levels, and perks include monthly mixers and classes (out-of-towners can buy a guest pass) as well as a couple of bikes for running errands in the neighborhood. In short, it's much more than a workspace; it's a creative clubhouse where like-minded people can connect, collaborate, and socialize. Self-employment has never looked so good. To learn more, visit Makeshift Society.

Photography by Victoria Smith.

Makeshift Society San Francisco long work table

Above: To help launch their business, Makeshift Society enlisted several sponsors including Restoration Hardware who supplied this extra long farmhouse table. The mismatched chairs were sourced from Anthropologie and Greenhouse Design Studio. (That's Victoria's dog, Lucy.)

Makeshift Society book shelves

Above: Rena missed the books she had on hand at Rare Device, so she created a library at Makeshift. The ever-growing collection now boasts more than 500 design books and a healthy supply of magazines that members are free to peruse.

Makeshift Society Loft

Above: Victoria spearheaded the design, enlisting local wood worker Michael Woo to help build out the space. He created the book shelves and a meeting room, as well as the loft area shown here accessed by ladder and with a recently installed chaise (for those accustomed to an afternoon nap).

Table on wheels at Makeshift Society San Francisco

Above: Several small desks on wheels in the rear of the space can be easily configured into a large meeting table when needed.

Makeshift Society San Francisco

Above: The conference room can be booked by members for Skype calls and meetings. Woo used whitewashed pine on the walls and covered the built-in benches with gray felt.

Makeshift Society Loft

Above; The original tiled floor was kept intact; rugs warm up the space and add color.

Makeshift Society

Above: A communal kitchen in the rear of the clubhouse (L) and industrial lockers for rent with brightly painted knobs (R).

Makeshift Society San Francisco

Above: The large window at the front of the space has built-in seating.

Makeshift Society San Francisco

For more inspirational work spaces check out our Gallery.

Do you work at home? We'd love to hear your secrets for staying sane; let us know your strategies in the comments section!

DIY: Accordion Book Keepsake with Angela Liguori

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When photographing Angela Liguori's studio last week, I admired a small accordion book among her treasures, open to reveal a charming story by her son, Hani. "They're easy to make," she explained. "I could show you how in a few minutes." Yes, thank you!

A master bookmaker, Angela demonstrated for me two ways to make an accordion book: the easy way (hardcover), and the even easier way (paperback). Here are her instructions:

Accordion books by Angela Liguori

• Step 1:Choose your cover. Angela and I selected one of her own papers, made in collaboration with Moontree Press, as our paperback cover, and a square of English paper that Angela's friend gave to her as our hardcover. For archive quality, make sure the paper is acid free. Places like Paper Source, Kate's Paperie, New York Central Art Supply and Hollanders have a nice selection of fine papers. Origami paper also works very well for smaller books like these.

Angela Liguori sizes her accordion book

• Step 2: Determine how big you want your book to be. Ours were 3" by 2.5" (about 7.5 x 6.25 centimeters). For the hardcover, cut a piece of acid free book board to the desired size. Then, using your book board as a guide, trim the decorative cover paper so that it measures about 1 quarter inch (or 1 centimeter) larger all around. Book board or binder's board is available at Hollanders; $1.50 per sheet or $25 of 24.

Angela Liguori pastes the cover of her accordion book

Above: Step 3 - paste the cover to the board. Place your cover paper on a piece of scrap paper and with a small amount of acid free glue ($4.50 to $65) on your brush ($10.75), start at the center and brush out towards the edges. Make sure you do not use too much glue, which can saturate and warp the paper. Remove the scrap paper underneath, then carefully place the book board in the center of the glued cover sheet and press down.

Angela Liguori trims the edges of her book

Above: Step 4 - trim the cover. Trim all four corners of the cover sheet along the diagonal, leaving about two millimeters (.25 centimeters) between your cut and the edge of the book board.

Angela Liguori folds the cover

Above: Step 5 - fold the edges of your cover around the book board. Using your bone folder ($4.94), lift one edge of the cover, press it first onto the side of the board and run the tip of the bone folder down the entire edge to make sure it adheres. Then carefully fold the paper onto the back of the board, smoothing with your bone folder. Moving to the next side, first fold the corner in the same manner as you would a package, tucking in the short edge before folding the side up. Repeat until all four sides are done. Then gently tap each corner with the flat of your bone folder, so that they are not too pointy. Repeat so that you have two hardcovers.

constructing the inside of the accordion book

Above: Step 6 - folding the inside pages. For the inside of the book, cut a long strip of acid free, text weight paper which are available at most art stores. Ours measured 18 inches long (46 centimeters). The width was about 2.75 inches (versus the 3 inch cover), giving us a small border. Fold the paper in half, pressing the crease with your bone folder. Then take each of you halves, folding each in half again so that the edges meet in the middle, to make four equal sections. Then fold these back on themselves again until you have 8 equal sections.

pasting the inside pages

Above: Step 7 - gluing the pages to the cover. Whenever gluing a book, you want to avoid getting any glue on your work surface which may mark the cover. Therefore it is always important to place scrap paper under the glue surface. Once you have glued the top piece of your accordion pages, center it onto your cover and press. Repeat with the other side, but remember to make sure each cover is right side up!

taping the paperback

Above: Taping the paperback cover. For the even easier paperback version (This is the one your kids can do.), simply cut any piece of heavy stock paper so that is only slightly larger than the inside pages. Then lay 1/4 inch, double sided tape around the edge of the cover being careful not to overlap the tape, which may cause a bump in the cover. Then place the inside pages in the same manner as the hardcover, and you're done. Double sided archival tape is available at Talas; $8.74.

Accordion books

Above: The results! Because of the dramatic way that they open, accordion books make wonderful keepsakes. You can use them as mini photo albums or travel journals, or to print a menu or program for an event. Easy to DIY, they make excellent favors for weddings, showers, or even kid's birthday parties.

Three Men On a Dig

Above: A collaborative effort between mother and son: "Three Men on a Dig."

N.B. For another fun and easy book project, see our books covers made with antique maps.

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