Reading Nook Under the Stairs

This is so much better than a closet under the stairs, right? via

J is for Jasmine

The Jasmine Fairy by Cicely Mary Barker via

In heat of summer days

With sunshine all ablaze,

Here, here are cool green bowers,

Starry with Jasmine flowers;

Sweet-scented, like a dream

Of Fairyland they seem.

And when the long hot day

At length has worn away,

And twilight deepens, till

The darkness comes—then, still,

The glimmering Jasmine white

Gives fragrance to the night.

Since their first publication in 1923, Cicely Mary Barker's Flower Fairies have enchanted both adults and children alike around the world. The botanically accurate drawings in the 170 original illustrations, coupled with the enchanting fairy images based on real children from Cicely's sister's nursery school still endure.

My Kind of Room

Strike a match and light the fire and this room would be perfect on this cold, rainy Sunday. via 

Don't forget, tonight is the final episode of Victoria, Season 2 on PBS. Sniff, sniff. I love it so!

Library with Open Fire

No TV over the fireplace. Hooray.

Just stretch out on the sofa and read books.

Or talk to each other.

Secret Door in A Home Library

I wonder where this book door leads? There was one in a local 1920s house that I viewed last year that led to a back staircase. via

New House Looks Old Birmingham, AL

That old world charm coupled with fantastic traditional interiors and a nice balance of masculine and feminine qualities, this Birmingham, Alabama abode is an absolute stunner. Built for the architect himself, this was constructed by James F. Carter with interior design by Jane Hawkins Hoke. Image courtesy of James F. Carter. More views here at his website. Click on the word VIEW in the logo to see all of his work. I think most of the interior photos in the slideshow are of this amazing house. Swoon!

Stone Barn Converted to Guest Cottage and Library

All photos by Paul Massey

Wanting a place to display her treasured collection, Emma Burns, senior decorator at Sibyl Colefax & John Fowler, transformed a converted barn at her country home into a sitting-room-cum-guest-cottage full of hidden surprises and witty details...tour the inside here.

Amelia Handegan Virginia Restoration

18th Century Rose Hill Plantation

The music room at Rose Hill, an 18th century estate. I adore this painted floor.

The library holds books that have been at Rose Hill for two centuries.

Isn't this the perfect place to enjoy the books in the Rose Hill library before retiring to the adjacent master bedroom? The open fire is the icing on the cake. This old house has been decorated in such a livable manner. Read the article and see many more photographs of this plantation country house via Architectural Digest. Have a great weekend. xo

Perfect Spot to Sit and Read

This chair looks very comfortable and it has a matching ottoman and to me, that's a huge plus. The lamp is on the left and there's a side table. I love the mahogany piece against the wall and the free-standing bookcase. I wish I could see the rest of the room before I declare it perfect. via

The Nicest Office

This would be great for me. I could have all of my research books in one place and plenty of room for my tall flat files full of prints and maps. Love it. Would like to see the rest of this room please. via

Need More Bookshelves

Oh, Yes. I can relate to this in a very personal way. via

No Negative Space

WOW

A collector lives here, for sure.

via

Nice Library with Fireplace

Easy chairs, reading lamps and an open fire. Who could ask for more in this lovely library? via

Amazing Library

That decorative plasterwork!

Those fine bindings and antique furnishings.

Love it all!

via

Tartan Books and Staffordshire Dogs

Tartan Book Jackets and Staffordshire Dalmations! This photo made my morning. via

Grand Living Room

I especially like it all. Actually the draperies are a little heavy for my taste but I'll take everything else. Happy Friday. xo via The ottoman is really fabulous, isn't it?

Staircase Bookcases

This is very efficient use for a difficult space, isn't it? Bookcases everywhere is my idea of heaven. Have you said hello to October yet? via

Wonderful Early Bookplate

Great early bookplate with a wonderful message for anyone who borrows James Moore's book.

"Note! Neither blemish this book nor the leaves double down. / Nor lend it to each idle friend in the town: / Return it when read -- or if lost please supply / Another, as good to the mind and the eye. / With right and with reason you need but be friends / And each book in my study your pleasure attends."

photo source

A Wonderful Library 1902

Now this is an enviable library. It has everything I need except an ottoman. The big table is really nice for doing research, the easy chair looks comfortable, and the big windows let in nice light plus the wonderful view. What else is there. Robert Hall had wonderful books and wonderful taste! Love.

photo source

Bookplate, 1902. Robert Hall, an avid collector of Kelmscott Press books.

On the library table are Kelmscott works, including William Morris’s The Glittering Plain and his 1895 translation of Beowulf. All the books are clearly bound in the distinctive Kelmscott full limp vellum tied with silk ribbons. The Wood Beyond the World is open to show a Morris-designed woodcut border and frontispiece. Leaning against the bookcase is a copy of the 1896 edition of Chaucer.

A Quote from Shelley

I think this quote from Shelley is so beautiful, don't you? Photographed from one of my old books.