Dream Home: Design Report - The Library

Room: Library
Designer: Eva Quateman
Inspiration: Her Favorite Colors - Black, Gray, Ivory and Gold
Favorite ideas to steal:

Faux finish python painted walls

Four armchairs and no sofa

Bleached wood floors

No coffee table - ottomans in the center for comfort, side tables for drinks

Black trim

(At the Dream Home preview, each of the designers spoke to the press about their inspiration, design ideas and sources for their rooms. We're going through our notes to do "design reports" for some of the rooms over the next few weeks.)

Eva Quateman says she has designed lots of libraries for male clients but did this one with herself in mind. No TV means peace and quiet and no sofa means no napping. She got the selection of books on the shelves from all the women in her family. Photos of family and friends warm up the formal space and a large scale portrait loosens things up.

Unusual materials/pieces:

Bleached white oak floors with an ebonized strip

Writing table has an ivory leather top

Chairs are upholsterd in gray flannel

Bookcases are lacquered in black

Sources:

Writing table: from Baker, Knapp & Tubbs

Acrylic Tables: by Allan Knight from Niermann Weeks

Upholstery fabric: from Niermann Weeks

Flooring: Birger Juell, Ltd.

Faux finish Python wall treatment: Exectued by Paul Minnihan

Bronze sculpture: Douglis Rosin Decorative Arts and Antiques

Woven Wool Rug: Stark Carpet

Chairs: R. Jones Brighton Series 7000 from de Aurora

Links to earlier Design Reports: the bedroom designed by Kara Mann and the dining room designed by Tom Stringer

Dream Home (sponsored by the Merchandise Mart and Traditional Home magazine) will be open September 22 - December 22. Hours are Monday through Friday from 9-5 and Saturday from 10-3.