Thursday, August 16, 2007

The Dining Library




The shape of the American floorplan is ever evolving. Where once a multitude of purpose-driven rooms stood, now stands the hybrid. Working in New York, I saw many of these "dining libraries", but even in homes where space is not so limited I rather like this idea. After all, books make a great conversation starter at dinner parties.

Top image: designed by Jonathan Adler
Others: from my random collection of tear sheets--my apologies. If I had ever known I was going to start blogging, I would have taken better notes!
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15 comments:

  1. diana murphyAugust 16, 2007 at 2:42 PM

    Aaah. Food, books and conversation. Sublime combination.

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  2. goldenfiddleAugust 16, 2007 at 2:51 PM

    see you later, decorator!

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  3. Things That InspireAugust 16, 2007 at 2:57 PM

    I love the idea of a dining library, particularly since it is a room that is not used very often in many American homes. I remember a room from a showhouse done by John Oetgen (I think...it was 5 years ago or so), and the dining room was filled with books, all with white paper covers. It was memorable.

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  4. Brilliant AsylumAugust 16, 2007 at 3:31 PM

    I love John Oetgen and don't believe I have seen that room. In fact, I have not seen much of him lately. I wonder what he is working on...

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  5. a.August 16, 2007 at 3:51 PM

    Love, love, love it! My dream is to have a library and this is a lovely idea!

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  6. girl meets glamourAugust 16, 2007 at 5:05 PM

    I love this idea. I always find myself reading at the dining table anyways, so why not! Great collection of image :) Oh, and thanks for stopping by my blog.

    ~Kate

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  7. The Peak of ChicAugust 16, 2007 at 5:08 PM

    I adore this idea and would love to do one someday. Re: Oetgen, a house he did was on the cover of HB last month.

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  8. Brilliant AsylumAugust 16, 2007 at 5:53 PM

    I don't have a subscription to House Beautiful. Thanks for the info, I will look it up now!

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  9. UnknownAugust 16, 2007 at 7:35 PM

    I also love this concept of the dining/library. It makes so much sense in making this little used room do double duty. I have close friends who have their library in the dining room. I love sitting at the table facing the bookshelf during dinner. I always spot I book that I just have to read.
    Good pictures, good post. Thanks for the inspiration.

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  10. katiedidAugust 16, 2007 at 9:10 PM

    This is such a beautiful solution to the typical traditional dining room. Love it!

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  11. cassandraAugust 16, 2007 at 11:52 PM

    i love this idea ~ so classy. and that first room is one of my favorites! i have it saved to use in my "room of the week" series! thanks for your comment on my blog!

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  12. cotedetexasAugust 17, 2007 at 12:06 AM

    I love where you say you would have paid more attention if you knew you were going to be blogging! Yes!!! I relate!


    Joni

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  13. Style CourtAugust 17, 2007 at 6:12 PM

    The second room was designed by Alexandra and Michael Misczynski of
    http://atelieram.com.

    I have this room in my "California/Michael Smith Alums" notebook, and it's a favorite! Totally inspired me in working with a tiny combo library/dining area.

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  14. Brilliant AsylumAugust 17, 2007 at 6:26 PM

    Thank you style court!

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  15. AnonymousDecember 21, 2012 at 6:03 PM

    The striped pillows really caught my eye.

    -Zane of ontario honey

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