With clients who are avid readers, interior designer Louisa Roeder creates a space where books could be on full display. With her signature spaces, polished and practical, lovely and livable. And always a touch of whimsy, this project was the perfect balance of all of these qualities. She pairs modern pieces with vintage and family heirlooms to create a unique look as per the taste of the clients. Her generous use of built-ins was key to accommodating the extensive book collection creating a centerpiece of this New York couple.
Starting with great architecture, Louisa says, “The apartment had great bones – high ceilings and big windows that flood the home with light. Therefore, we sought to accentuate those qualities and create the book collection as a centerpiece. Height and light – by drawing the viewer’s eye to the tall bookshelves and curtains and choosing light-toned furnishings. However, my clients didn’t just want a refined space, they also wanted a livable space. We achieved that by using lots of layers: rugs, textures, and wall coverings, to warm the large, open space. However, we also did something really simple, but important to note; we focused on buying beautiful things, but we never bought things unless they were beautiful and comfortable.”
While the space had an amazing structure to draw from, there were some challenges to overcome. Louisa says, “The window treatments were probably the most tricky because the pitch of the ceiling is irregular”
With books on the main display, Louisa used neutral colors to accent the space and provide the perfect backdrop collection. Benjamin Moore’s Decorators White has used the living room with the master and guest bedrooms in Wind’s Breath.
With no definitive time frame for completion, longer lead times for furnishing could be achieved. The contemporary and modern furnishings included a Restoration Hardware Couch, Espasso chairs, and a vintage coffee table for the living room. While the dining room shines with a table from Euro Furniture, chairs from Rove Concepts, and a light fixture from Apparatus Studio.
To see more of Louisa’s beautiful spaces, please visit her website.
