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.)

31 comments:

pve design said...

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

Kerry Steele- Design du Monde said...

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!

Teresa Hatfield ~ Splendid Sass said...

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

Janell @ House of Fifty said...

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

Kristin Peake Interiors said...

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

Unknown said...

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

xoxo Elizabeth

Kwana said...

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

therelishedroost said...

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

Unknown said...

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

ArchitectDesign™ said...

great for cookbooks!

home before dark said...

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!

alison giese Interiors said...

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!

Pigtown*Design said...

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

eLIZabeth Floyd said...

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

Liz

Unknown said...

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

designchic said...

What a cozy idea - adore the last image!!

Irene said...

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

Irene said...

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

Gretchen said...

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.

whiterose42 said...

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

Victoria (Victoria Larson Textiles) said...

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

Victoria (Victoria Larson Textiles) said...

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

Karena said...

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

xoxo
Karena
2012 Artists Series

Dovecote Decor said...

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

Carla Aston said...

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.

SHERRY HART said...

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

Bob H. said...

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.

Bob H. said...

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.

Pat said...

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.

Helena - A Diary of Lovely said...

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

Unknown said...

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

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