Shelf-obsessed
I’ve got a cold, so today I’m writing from my perfectly mismatched bedlinen-ed bed. Oh yes, I too am onto that trend…But right now I’m thinking about books, specifically where to keep them. Check out this window display of a gallery and lending library in Rivington street. Doesn’t it make you want to block out the windows in your front room?
My Friend and I have spent some time talking about how it’s getting boring to have a big wall of shelves in an alcove in the living room. I long for a home library as much as the next man, but while I dream, I’m getting my kicks from stashing books in all sorts of places, splitting them up into batches that have nothing to do with the alphabet. Exhibit A: A single shelf above a door with colour coded books on top.
Exhibit B: A line up that’s colour and height coded. How’s that for extreme styling? You should see my co-habitee’s face when he has to remember the colour of the book he is looking for in order to be guided to its location.
Exhibit C: I’m getting carried away with different heights. Yes, my latest addition is in the living room alcove, but it’s a single, low-to-the-floor number, just above the skirting board. I’ve put some big artsy books on it so my guests will assume they’re in a cultured house. Or maybe they’ll just think, ‘I like the way she placed orange next to pink.’
I have seen these little beauties with my own two eyes… who would have thought carefully arranged books could be so exciting. The ones on the mantle piece are my favorites.
Lovely. But where have you stashed your Jilly Coopers??