The ultimate sanctum: A look at the modern home library

The ultimate sanctum within a home, a library provides a place to retreat and to revel in a collection of books that reflects the residents of the home.

In this digital age, where readers commonly access books via audio downloads or eReaders, is there still a place for reams of shelves within the home?

A 2017 survey by the Australian Council for the Arts found that 95 per cent of Australians report enjoying reading books for pleasure and 68 per cent would like to read more for the purposes of stress release, with print books being the most common way people read.

Modern and chic libraries have been springing up in homes around Australia, further highlighting a love of books. From the choice of shelving through to the flooring; the colour palette; the shape and size of wall features and whether the room is connected to the lounge room or a standalone space, there’s so much scope to customise a library to suit any home and lifestyle.

Rosa Coy & George Yiontis of Coy Yiontis Architects have established their versatility in designing home libraries and two recent projects provided vehicles for her adaptable approach.

“We designed our own home library as a quiet retreat from the bustle of the rest of our home, occupied by a family of six. The smaller library was designed for a downsizing couple with no children,” says Coy.

“Both libraries consider the proportion, weight and size of the books. It is important the shelving is solid and the shelving span not too wide, otherwise the heavier books will cause the shelves to sag.

“Both libraries require access ladders to retrieve books on the upper shelves. The larger library’s shelves extend into the next room also, though the photo conceals the ladder, and it has an enclosed shelf concealing audio equipment. The smaller library has a corner desk incorporated into the design which allows it to double as a work space.”

Derek Trebilcock of Trebilcock & Associates Architects has designed several home libraries for families and couples.

A recent project for a musician, her husband and children in Chelmer, Brisbane, enabled him to blend function and form in a design that was accessible to all the family.

“The challenge was to keep it light and fun,” Trebilcock says. “The french doors open to a large open verandah and lawns, so while needing to be quiet, there is also an option to be part of the large verandah and gatherings there.”

In keeping with the creative family feel, Trebilcock customised features with a sense of quirkiness.

“The ladder was recycled from an old one left under the house and the running gear was purchased from the Putnam Ladder Co. in New York. The boys adore the ladder and have taken over the higher shelves for their books. It brought back the fun of getting a book down, reading it and putting it back.”

Trebilcock’s library for a family based in Greenslopes, also in Brisbane, had a different feel altogether. The young, professional couple and their children are regular travellers so part of their remit was that their home library be intimate and a place for family time.

Trebilcock designed the library to be located near the kitchen as a quiet and recuperative counter to the noisiness and communality of the kitchen space.

“The oak and dark colours pull the walls in, making for a cosy space, while the more contemporary furnishings keep it open,” he says.

“Library rooms still pull you back into a contemplative space. A favourite book or a mood that goes with a cover that reminds you of your childhood are still what entice people towards books and libraries.”