Libraries/Reading Nooks
"Also in Boston, Ruhl | Jahnes Architects designed this reading room that can be closed off as needed. Built-in bookshelves highlight another search term that grew in popularity this year. Interest in 'library wall' is up 61%. The space is also a good example of a 'snug,' a term common in England that refers to a cozy den-like space used for quiet relaxation activities. Searches on Houzz for 'snug' rose 157% year over year."
"In Boston, Hisel Flynn Architects, Rachel Dunham Design and Design Plus Construction created this light and airy home office area with a recessed corner nook for lounging and reading."
"3. Reading Rooms Spaces dedicated to reading and relaxing are also on the rise. Searches for “book nook” are up 69% year over year, while searches for “reading corner” increased 45%. This Grand Rapids, Michigan, home by Colonial Builders features a kids space with an inviting book nook that includes a trundle bed and bookshelves."
"2. Garden Connection A long row of windows and a set of large French doors soften the transition between indoors and out at this London kitchen by Higham Furniture. The same flooring material in the kitchen appears to continue onto the patio, with an inviting seating area drawing people outside. Houseplants set on deep windowsills also help tie the two spaces together."
"Here’s the other side of the bookshelves seen in the previous photo. This space is the living room but it also has a library feel. Making space for the book inventory took a lot of planning. Not only did DeForest take a detailed inventory of every book on every shelf, table and mantel inside the couple’s previous home, but he also made notes about their reading habits. These included reading newspapers in the morning with their two beloved dogs nearby and reading at bedtime. So he knew he needed at least 300 linear feet of shelving, and he also knew where he needed to plan for good reading light, seating and spots for dog beds."
"The architect also helped the homeowners celebrate some of their favorite quotes and phrases. The wall behind the staircase is a “word wall” that extends three stories. Seventeen family members chose favorite quotes and passages to include on the wall, which has everything from Yogi Berra quotations to beloved family recipes. DeForest Architects A skylight bathes the word wall in light. The homeowners and the design team laid out all of the words, then worked with a local sign shop to have the letters routed into seven 4-by-12-foot MDF panels. “The hardest part turned out to be painting all those incised letters neatly,” DeForest says."
"10. Study/Break In the Fitzroy neighborhood of Melbourne, Australia, Hindley & Co Architecture collaborated with the homeowner, who’s an architectural colleague-turned-artist, on a renovation that included this combination work-daydream space. A bank of discreet handleless cabinets above the colorful niches makes the most of the high ceilings."
"3. Dapper Plaid Checkered patterns have been on trend for several seasons now, providing pleasing contrast to all the botanical prints. At this market, the designer buzz was about check patterns — especially plaid — in traditional menswear materials. Often paired with rich textures, dark leathers and tailoring details (leather welts, contrast piping, metal hardware), plaid added warmth, visual structure and a subtle heritage reference without being overly rustic. Looking ahead to 2026, we expect plaid to be used as both punctuation and the main pattern in rooms: on a pillow, a chair back, wallpaper or even an entire sofa. Fairfield’s Flynn sofa, pictured here in front of a wall covered in plaid, doubles down on the trend."
Q