3 Ways to Create a Dynamic Home Library By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team

By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team While e-books and the Internet are clearly here to stay, it doesn’t mean home libraries, or library-style features in rooms, are leaving any time soon. My husband and I have finally agreed to and embarked upon the first of our home renovations. Part of that is turning the “rec room” into a library and office for the both of us. We decided to go with a bold color, which you will get to see in the season finale next month. Create your own inspiring place to read and work with these three tips.

Choose a bold color for bookcases

I typically stay away from staining and wood finishes. Fortune favors the bold, and I believe a dark color can really enliven a dreary, stuffy library design, turning it from boring to brilliant in one step. I love the drama of a high-gloss lacquer, too — particularly with metallic accents added. This is a great way to update a traditional library and create someplace you will want to hang out in all the time.

Customize existing bookcases

In one instance, I used small built-in cases, removed the shelves and had a custom insert built in with a beautiful hexagon pattern. This really updated the boring old shelves. You can achieve a similar look by removing some or all of your shelving and having a cabinet maker add a little zing to what is already there. A fresh paint job will complete the update. This is a fairly economical way to give you whole library a facelift.

Create customized bookcases in any room

This is a way to utilize a spare bedroom that never gets used, or a basement that has seen better days. Create a custom bookcase with your cabinet maker and find a design that really suits you. For example, in one project I had the cabinet maker create a “running bond” pattern — similar to what you see with subway tile — to create a pleasing yet simple pattern. Another time I created a a bookcase with all square, rather than the standard rectangular, openings. In the center I created an opening that allowed us to add a vase and decorative items.  Whatever pattern you choose will make the space truly your own. Please note that this Scottsdale Real Estate Blog is for informational purposes and not intended to take the place of a licensed Scottsdale Real Estate Agent. The Szabo Group offers first class real estate services to clients in the Scottsdale Greater Phoenix Metropolitan Area in the buying and selling of Luxury homes in Arizona. Award winning Realtors and Re/MAX top producers and best real estate agent for Luxury Homes in Scottsdale, The Szabo group delivers experience, knowledge, dedication and proven results. Contact Joe Szabo at 480.688.2020, info@ScottsdaleRealEstateTeam.com or visit www.scottsdalerealestateteam.com to find out more about Scottsdale Homes for Sale and Estates for Sale in Scottsdale and to search the Scottsdale MLS for Scottsdale Home Listings.