Calling All Book Lovers: This Backyard Reading Retreat Is Library Goals

Backyard sheds are all the rage right now. They provide convenience for homeowners who have hobbies, but don’t have the square footage to bring their vision to life indoors.

For avid readers, the image of a perfect home includes an elaborate library; fully stocked with first edition novels and a rolling ladder for easy access. Architects at Board & Vellum conjured up a backyard shed—known as the Reading Retreat—for a Seattle couple in need of an intimate space dedicated to books, comfort, and quiet time.

The Reading Retreat blends in nicely with nature, thanks to its all glass enclosure, with doors opening up to the wood patio and gas fire pit. Inside, the chic shed is equipped with floor to ceiling built-in bookshelves and a daybed for reading comfort.

“The multi-functional backyard shed can be a reading room, a guest suite, or an entertainment space,” notes Board & Vellum, which was responsible for the architecture, interior design, and landscape architecture, while the project was built by Proform General Contractors. “Outside, it features an additional shower for an easy rinse heading in or out of the sauna or hot tub, and a wrapping deck and patio connect it to the fire pit and the main house.”

And that dreamy wallpaper overhead has both form and function. It hides the speakers the homeowners requested but didn’t want to be visible—installed inside the lofted ceiling and then covered up with drywall and that gorgeous pattern from Abnormals Anonymous, the team says.

Though the space was designed for reading, it houses a full bathroom and lofted bed. All that’s missing from this would-be tiny house is a kitchen, but that’s just a few steps away in the main house.

h/t Curbed