Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Library Kitchens?

We all know library dining rooms are wonderful but what about a library in the kitchen?  When I saw this kitchen by designer Mary Evelyn, it had me thinking how successful a kitchen library combination can be.  Although these are two rooms, the strong connection between them makes it feel like one cohesive space.
In this case, books share equal footing with kitchen cabinets creating a uniquely interesting space.  (image from here)
In this small space, a cozy kitchen feel is added to by the proximity of this library dining area.  (Image from a Homeaway cottage rental here.)
at

31 comments:

  1. pve designOctober 17, 2012 at 8:09 AM

    The heart of the home is always the kitchen and there always seems to be a library of sorts....books, and what not. Lovely images.
    pve

    ReplyDelete
  2. Kerry Steele- Design du MondeOctober 17, 2012 at 8:23 AM

    I have long wanted a kitchen with a cozy sitting area and a bookshelf. Putting the entire library in the kitchen would be a luxury indeed!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Teresa Hatfield ~ Splendid SassOctober 17, 2012 at 8:41 AM

    Oh my gosh! How cozy and inviting, Michele.
    Happy Wednesday.
    Teresa
    xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  4. Janell @ House of FiftyOctober 17, 2012 at 9:24 AM

    I have to confess I've never really seen anything like these rooms and I adore them!! Particularly the top kitchen...what a great way to enjoy this part of the home. Janell

    ReplyDelete
  5. Kristin Peake InteriorsOctober 17, 2012 at 9:31 AM

    Have always loved a sitting area either in the kitchen or attached to the kitchen. Love the idea of people having a comfy place to sit and chat with the cook, now adding a library into the mix? Wonderful idea, it makes for such a cozy space full of character. Great Post! Stop by when you can :)

    http://kristinpeakeinteriors.blogspot.com/

    -Kristin

    ReplyDelete
  6. UnknownOctober 17, 2012 at 9:36 AM

    I love it....full of cookbooks or classics. Cozy spaces are always my favorites!!

    xoxo Elizabeth

    ReplyDelete
  7. KwanaOctober 17, 2012 at 9:54 AM

    I love this. I have a small space off the kitchen where I want to do a small library. Thanks for these images.

    ReplyDelete
  8. therelishedroostOctober 17, 2012 at 10:34 AM

    I absolutely love that last image! So quaint, makes you want to cozy up with a cup of tea!!!
    Karolyn

    ReplyDelete
  9. UnknownOctober 17, 2012 at 11:04 AM

    I never ever thought of a library kitchen, but I love it. Especially the 2nd picture. It makes perfect sense.
    Have a great day.
    xo Nancy
    Powellbrowerhome.com

    ReplyDelete
  10. ArchitectDesign™October 17, 2012 at 11:55 AM

    great for cookbooks!

    ReplyDelete
  11. home before darkOctober 17, 2012 at 12:12 PM

    Love these images. Our still in the middle redo has turned our dining room (adjacent to kitchen) into a library/dining room. I'm using a piece of furniture to hold books and china at the opposite in of the 53' long space. Books will be everywhere! Cookbooks, art books, design books and everything in between. Can't wait!

    ReplyDelete
  12. alison giese InteriorsOctober 17, 2012 at 12:29 PM

    My in-laws have this kind of set-up, complete with lots of natural light. It's not big, and is so cozy. They also had kilims and persians in the kitchen before it was cool.
    Love this look!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Pigtown*DesignOctober 17, 2012 at 2:17 PM

    My friend, Julie has a huge kitchen in her 1880's townhouse and one whole wall is filled with cookbooks!

    ReplyDelete
  14. eLIZabeth FloydOctober 17, 2012 at 8:10 PM

    I love the idea of combining a library with a kitchen... and as my cookbook collection continues to grow, it also makes sense.

    Liz

    ReplyDelete
  15. UnknownOctober 18, 2012 at 12:02 AM

    oooh this is pretty much my idea of heaven. Unfortunately i can barely fit my pots and pans, let alone books!

    ReplyDelete
  16. designchicOctober 18, 2012 at 12:03 AM

    What a cozy idea - adore the last image!!

    ReplyDelete
  17. IreneOctober 18, 2012 at 3:17 AM

    Ok , so I am not a design pervert for keeping my favorite books in my kitchen shelves. Great post. Thank you.

    ReplyDelete
  18. IreneOctober 18, 2012 at 3:28 AM

    Ok , so I am not a design pervert for keeping my favorite books in my kitchen shelves. Great post. Thank you.

    ReplyDelete
  19. GretchenOctober 18, 2012 at 10:41 AM

    As eating and reading are two of my favorite activities, I like this idea. I believe it depends upon how much room one has available, and what kind of cooking one does, too. The thought of grease, smoke, and smells permeating my books doesn't much appeal, which I guess is why I like library dining rooms...the food is already cooked. But, with loads of space, or in families where "cooking" means reheating takeout or frozen food, it would work.

    ReplyDelete
  20. whiterose42October 19, 2012 at 7:56 AM

    Great images, a fresh idea for me, one I haven't seen before...something to consider:-)
    Fiona x

    ReplyDelete
  21. Victoria (Victoria Larson Textiles)October 19, 2012 at 8:48 AM

    Great images! Food and books all in one space? It's the best of everything.

    ReplyDelete
  22. Victoria (Victoria Larson Textiles)October 19, 2012 at 8:48 AM

    Great images. Food and books all in one space? It's the best of everything!

    ReplyDelete
  23. KarenaOctober 19, 2012 at 11:35 AM

    I think it can work perfectly Michele; I am already thinking of ways to make it happen!

    xoxo
    Karena
    2012 Artists Series

    ReplyDelete
  24. Dovecote DecorOctober 20, 2012 at 11:12 AM

    I'll take book cases anywhere, but having great reading and T.V. space in the kitchen is great! Having my thousands of ancient cookbooks handy is inspiring.
    Best,
    Liz

    ReplyDelete
  25. Carla AstonOctober 20, 2012 at 1:43 PM

    Yes, I think built-in bookshelves in a breakfast area add a charming quality to the entire space. Lazy afternoons spent with tea and a great book?...I think so! The books are a beautiful backdrop for the kitchen. I love the second image... A cozy little nook is a great way to use the extra space that would otherwise be wasted.

    ReplyDelete
  26. SHERRY HARTOctober 21, 2012 at 6:13 PM

    Anytime you can put books in a room it gives it such a lived in feel. These are great images!

    ReplyDelete
  27. Bob H.October 23, 2012 at 12:28 PM

    This is fine for everyday books, but even in a kitchen kept very clean there is an accumulation of air borne grease particles over time that can damage fine books, For me, removing all the books from the shelves and dusting them every three to four months would be too much work, mine will remain in one of my two libraries.

    ReplyDelete
  28. Bob H.October 23, 2012 at 12:28 PM

    This is fine for everyday books, but even in a kitchen kept very clean there is an accumulation of air borne grease particles over time that can damage fine books, For me, removing all the books from the shelves and dusting them every three to four months would be too much work, mine will remain in one of my two libraries.

    ReplyDelete
  29. PatOctober 29, 2012 at 1:47 PM

    I think I'd have glass doors on the kitchen bookcases. I actually do have them on my " library" bookcases downstairs. Saves a lot of dusting.

    ReplyDelete
  30. Helena - A Diary of LovelyOctober 30, 2012 at 5:57 AM

    I love the idea of a big, bright, airy kitchen filled with books.

    ReplyDelete
  31. UnknownOctober 31, 2012 at 4:20 AM

    Yes, please...this is my idea of heaven ;-)
    Catherine
    xx

    ReplyDelete