Lauren Library

The master of WASPy living shows us how it is done in Town and Country's preview of his upcoming book, Ralph Lauren. (Click on photo to enlarge).

Of his New Bedford library he says, "It's my refuge of old-world heritage and elegance, my dream of England but filled with American energy. English style grew out of an attitude about everyday living. Their houses, whether cottage or grand estate, were the same, filled with old polished furniture, faded textiles, old plaid blankets, books and family photographs. It is not a constant race for what is next but rather an appreciation of what has come before. These are the feelings I would like my work to inspire. This is the quality of life that I believe in."

For a clip of the Ralph Lauren Spring 2008 runway show, click here.

Bedtime Stories

TV producer Lisa Wagner had these built-in bookshelves added to the bedroom to accomodate her husband's book collection of several thousand. Personally, I do not know if I could sleep with all of those books staring at me. (Photo from Martha Stewart Living, Sept. '07).

Bill Blass (1922-2002) kept books near his favorite reading place, the bed, in his 18th century Connecticut residence. (From At Home with Books).

Fun Fact: In 1994 Blass donated $10 million dollars to the New York Public Library. At the time, it was one of the largest donations ever made. "Books change peoples lives" said Blass. Right on!

At Home with Books

"I like a project that never ends, and library is that."
David Hicks

I am probably the last person on the planet to know about this book, but the second I pulled it off the shelf at a friend's house, I knew I had to order a copy for myself. Even though it was published twelve years ago, At Home with Books: How Booklovers Live with and Care for Their Libraries is my new favorite. With text by Estelle Ellis and Caroline Seebohm, and photographs by Christopher Simon Sykes, this is a fantastic collection of libraries and their caretakers. I could honestly stare at the pages in this book for hours. There are over 200 images and it is fun to scrutinize each of these well-known book lover's collections.

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!