Dreaming of a Home Library

Welcome to the 34th Metamorphosis Monday!

There’s a room in my home I’ve not taken you into, yet. I’m a little embarrassed to share, despite this room being just a few feet inside my front door and fully visible each time you enter or exit my home, it has remained for the 19 years I’ve live here.  It has always been in various stages of disarray, often acting as a storage room.

If you read the post I created about my entry, you’ve already had a glimpse of this room.  It’s right through those French doors I had installed about six years ago. Don’t you love the intrigue of seeing a room through French doors? It’s a little like walking through a garden and catching sight of another “room” just beyond a hedge or around a turn in a garden path. In my mind, gardening and decorating rooms in our home are completely intertwined, but that’s a post for another day.

I’ve had an inspiration pic tucked away inside my “Someday Book” for at least ten years, just waiting for the day the contents of my pocketbook matched the ideas in that picture and in my head. I’m a stubborn decorator, one who refuses to compromise. I get an idea in my head and if I can’t make it work, I wait…and wait…and wait.

If you visited my home, you’d probably leave a bit perplexed, wondering why one room is fully decorated while another looks forgotten and unloved. Last weekend I moved one little step closer to showing some love for my living room.

I came across this niche in local antique shop.

And, it had a twin…

They are approximately 85 years old…removed from a home built in the 1920’s. Each was priced at $199…the dealer gave me a better price, $300 for both.    I love the way the shelves were designed with alternating shapes.

These beauties are not for the faint of heart, though.  No siree, they require a little construction/renovation to the room where they ultimately go to live. See the back shown in the pic below?  Yep, I see sheet rock dust in my future.

BTW, if you know of a great product for stripping off 90 years of paint, please leave it in a comment or e-mail it to me at betweennapsontheporchatmaildotcom. I want to take these back down to the wood so they will look great once they are painted.

Ready to go into the forgotten room? I’m sorry to say, I’ve misplaced my inspiration pic from an old Colonial Homes magazine. When it eventually turns up, I’ll post this again so you’ll be able to see the catalyst for this room. I’ll try to describe it for you, though.

Come on in…

Welcome to my “some day” dream…a Library for my home.

Ok, imagine a fireplace, but not the one you see leaning against the wall. I bought that mantel, complete with marble surround and marble hearth, a few years ago…it was being removed from a home. But, it turns out that it’s a bit too wide and a bit too big for the niches. I may use the flat marble hearth that came with it, though.

So, try to imagine walking in and seeing…just over the back of the sofa, a beautiful, fire blazing away in the fireplace. A new wall will be created across the end of the room in which to sink the niches. The inspiration room in the Colonial Homes magazine showed a fireplace with niches on either side.

The inspiration room had a camel-back sofa, covered in a red, damask fabric. I bought this Hickory Chair sofa at A Classy Flea many years ago for only $135. It was covered in a very bland, faded fabric so it was perfect to be reupholstered.

The antique “bookshelf” Sessions clock was passed down through family. The old “Bulls-eye” Federal style, mirror was purchased at an antique fair at the Callanwolde estate (the home of Charles Howard Candler, oldest son of Asa Candler, the founder of Coca Cola) during a Christmas home tour one year.

The fireplace-to-be is on an outside wall with the gas line/meter just on the other side, so I think that will work pretty well. The vented fireplaces with gas logs have a fairly realistic fire, from what I’ve seen and read. They are also very inexpensive to operate.

Don’t you love the one flow blue plate? I couldn’t resist putting something on one of the shelves, just to imagine how they might look one day.

Now, about this long wall to the left of the fireplace/niches, it would become floor to ceiling, built-in bookshelves. They would look as if they had been there forever. I envision beautiful molding/trim along the top and vertically in-between each of the sections. ~~~SIGH~~~ I’ve gotten my quote to have those built and it wasn’t as high as I feared it would be.

The view, standing in the corner in front of one of the niches…looking back across the room to the French doors.

View standing in the other corner, in front of the other niche.

This room has two, six foot windows.  I see long draperies, something with a rich library feel.

I envision a nice table with a lamp at this end of the sofa. I’ll be brainstorming about what color to paint the bookshelves, niches and walls. Should I go with a “library green” color for the bookshelves, niches and trim or should I paint all the shelving white, along with the niches, then maybe an accent color in the back of the niches? Maybe the walls would be pretty in some beautiful green color if I go for white paint on the shelves. I don’t want a stained look in this room since I have a room like that right next door. (see Family Room)

So, do you see it? Do you see a glowing fire in the fireplace…the niches filled with beautiful Imari plates or red and white transferware? Do you see the gorgeous wreath above the mantel at Christmas time? Do you see the built-in bookshelves lining the wall to the left, filled with beautiful books and other assorted pretties? I don’t have an “After” pic to show you, but I’m one step closer.

Additional Info: You’ll find a more recent post done on Feb. 14, 2010, HERE, showing a room that has a similar design to what I have in mind for my future library. This will be a great inspiration room to show my contractor/carpenter.


Looking forward to seeing your Before and After!

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Comments

  1. It has been a while since I have been blogging and loved catching up!! Stop by and catch up with me….Kathy

  2. Michael Lee West says

    Oh, Susan, what a beautiful room! I love the bookcases and your Chippendale sofa. This room is already gorgeous, and it make the perfect library.

  3. Oh wow! You have a dream that, when it comes to fruition, will be absolutely lovely. I'm sure you have a competent carpenter/woodworker who will do your purchases the justice they deserve. This room will end up looking warm and inviting just like the rest of your home. Your long wait will be well worth it, I'm sure. I can't wait to see it all completed!
    Thanks for showing us this room, Susan. I think we all may have an unfinished area that no one gets to see. I know I have one! *grin*
    🙂 Sue

  4. Joan@anthinggoeshere says

    I am a believer…I can see it. They are wonderful and are really going to MAKE this room..with the curved tops and all. I have a room just inside my front door that was just an opening that we added French Doors to…I love that looking through the glass and peeking into another space too.

  5. Okay I guess this trumps my raw eggs metamorphosing into deviled eggs post I was going to do. Sigh. Just kidding.
    When we get a picture in our minds of how a room should look it is never good to settle for less because we won't be happy with it in the end. I am trying to picture it finished and I think you will totally blow us away when it is done.

  6. Debbie at the Shabby Bungalow says

    Can't wait to see your room bet it will be everything you want it to be and more 🙂

  7. Rhoda @ Southern Hospitality says

    Ooooo, Susan, what a deal on those 2 niches from Classy Flea. Looks like they are carrying even better things than when I was a regular in there. I love them! And yes, I can see your vision, what a beautiful room & I really look forward to seeing it all completed & knowing you, it will be!

  8. Blue Creek Home says

    I see it…I truly see it!!!
    Be still my heart with all the talk of floor to ceiling bookcases and built in niches, blazing fires, Imari, and Christmas wreaths! It's gorgeous already!
    Rhonda

  9. Susan,
    I wanted to thank you for your time and attention to detail to all you do. You have a beautiful home and your table settings inspire me to host fun dining parties! My Aunt, Theta Fink, told me today that she has written back and forth with you many times! In fact you have insprired me so much that I have decided to join in on the blog fun. Please forgive my first attempt to link to your site (#7). I tried to delete it once I learned of my mistake, but I was unable to figure out how to do it. I am also trying to figure out how to copy your Metamorphosis button to my site. Any tips? Once again I am excited to join in on the fun and thank you.

  10. Julia @ Hooked on Houses says

    Susan, I'm the same way. I have certain spots in my house that desperately need attention, but I'm waiting for the right time (and money) to do what I want in those rooms.

    I love those shelves you got! They're really going to make the room special. I can't wait to see how it all turns out!

    Thanks for hosting this fun party every week. Hope you're having a wonderful holiday weekend! 🙂

  11. Dear Susan,
    Thx for sharing this room. It does my heart good to see that this is a work in progress like many, many people's homes.

    It's a great room right now.
    I sure like this color for your sweet sofa!!!
    Blessings,
    d

  12. Oh Susan, the two niches are just stunning. I can't wait to see this room all done. Yes, I really can picture it all. I think I like the idea of the bookcases and the niches painted creamy white. That would be just stunning. Thanks for sharing such a great inspiration. Hugs, Marty

  13. You are so clever, I didn't think the window treatment could get any better, but you turned it up another notch! Thanks for hosting!

  14. I swear, I live in the wrong town! How in the world you can find such great pieces for the money is beyond me. Here in the Shenandoah Valley, everything seems sky high. If you don't have enough room in your living room to do what you want, and you need to get rid of a bureau, give me a call!

  15. Peg @ Bloomfield Farm says

    I do love your new niches… what a bargain! You and I are both fans of Colonial Homes magazine; it was a wonderful source for inspiration and I really do miss it. Your room reminds me of my master bedroom which originally was the living room of our home and has the exact same floor plan. I'm getting ready to redo that room so it will be interesting to see what you do. Inspire me please!!

  16. Sue @ Not the Good Scissors! says

    The niches are beautiful. I can see your vision for the room. What a perfect library. I don't compromise either. I want just the right piece of furniture at just the right price. I have been known to wait more than two years for just the right piece. That is probably why my formal living room is not fully deocrated. It's doable but not exactly where I would like it to be.

  17. Susan, that is going to be a beautiful room. I can see your vision. You have some excellent "bones" and it will be a picture when you are done. Linda

  18. Christi @ A Southern Life says

    Those pieces you found for this room are perfect. Can't wait to see what you do with the bookshelves!

    Christi

  19. Jane (Frugal Fine Living) says

    I can definitely picture your vision for the room. Those niches are fantastic and are going to look great in the room. Also, although I don't have one myself, I have several friends that have gas fireplaces. They are very realistic and best of all, no mess to clean up. I can't wait to see the room when it's done. I am sure it's going to look fabulous!

    Thanks for hosting Met Monday!

    Jane

  20. oooooooooooooooooo my.
    just when i was thinking I could settle for my COZY KITCHEN BY THE SEA…….now I'm not so sure.
    waaaaaaa !
    Your home is amazing…….and mine is…well…just so cozy.

    Ugh……….
    how lovely.
    Wow…a library……..and not a public one either.

    Love the inspiration.

  21. Lynne (lynnesgiftsfromtheheart) says

    Susan, isn't it wonderful once you start dreaming about something, no matter how long it takes it begins to come true! Your "some day" library is going to be beautiful. I'll be looking forward to seeing what you decide about your paint. Are you going to have these recessed into the wall? I notice they aren't flat on the back. Thanks for hosting yet again another fun filled Monday..Hope you've had a wonderful Labor Day Weekend..hugs ~lynne~

  22. Your library's going to be lovely, Susan. I can already envision it. And what a nice bright room..Christine

  23. Love the Decor! says

    Oh my goodness those niches are amazing!!
    The room is going to be quite a treasure when it is all done!!

  24. Graceful Moments says

    I can see it. Actually, I think I have seen it. I loved Colonial Homes magazine. I have quite a few old issues that I couldn't part with in my studio. Your library might be in one of them!
    Love the red sofa. A beautiful green sounds perfect for this room. Can't wait to see the finished product!

  25. Mid-Atlantic Martha says

    I loved Colonial Homes! I can just "see" where you're going with this room – I love what you've done so far and what you're dreaming of too. Can't wait to visit your newest beautiful spot as it evolves.

  26. Susan, Your room will be just wonderful…the two niches are just stunning. I just can not wait to see it done!
    xoxo
    Julie

  27. Wow –this is going to be awesome, but I don't envy the stripping work! It is a beautiful room with so much potential–Looks nice even now…a library….mmmm love the sound of it. We have 2 gas fire places. They are both ventless. One is inside an old fireplace that we capped off because it had over 500 bats at one time…et hem..lets not mention that (except now we have a mosquito problem outdoors…ya can't win) and we have a standing stove gas fireplace. We love both. Best wishes for your dreams!

  28. Those are gorgeous!

  29. Michael Lee West says

    Susan, just had a thought: what about flipping the colors and painting your ceiling the same red as your DR? Add an area rug w/ reds?

  30. Michael Lee West says

    And red in the backs of the bookcases?
    What fun you are going to have!

  31. sara@augustfields says

    those niches are amazing!!!! and i just love the idea of an entire wall devoted to books……..it sounds so relaxing 🙂

  32. Yes, I can see it. It just sounds wonderful. I love everything you're envisioning. I would keep the library shelves white to match the niches. By the way, what a wonderful buy on those!!! That will be some doing to get them implanted in the walls! What a wonderful imagination you have.

  33. Glenda/MidSouth says

    It is already such a pretty room, and it will be beautiful when you finish. I need your talent. 🙂

  34. Hi Susan,
    Fantastic deal on those niches! I'm so excited for you, and I know the project is going to turn out just as beautifully as your magnificent porch (and gorgeous entryway)!

    If you have the September issue of Southern Living, check the article about a house in Nashville. It had niches very similar to yours flanking the fireplace. It's spectacular, and yours will be too!

    Thanks for everything, and have a wonderful Labor Day!

    Bill

  35. Debbie @ ribbonwoodcottage.blogspot.com says

    HI Susan! hey these look wonderful! I can't wait to see what you do and the finishing touches that you are so good at. I hope you are doing well. I always enjoy stopping by your blog and seeing what creative thing you are up to….You always amaze me and I so enjoy it. Big smile.
    blessings,
    Debbie

  36. chandelier magic beach house says

    Thanks for letting me join your party PLEASE Please don't sue me – I'm already embarrassed. I am 43 & 44 because I made a mistake on 43 – I'm so sorry.

    Promise never to do it again.

    Marsha –

  37. The Country Nest says

    Susan, How beautiful….this is why your home and rooms come out so well, you wait for what you want. The mantel in my living room was custom built from a picture in Colonial Homes and I went every where to find the pineapple sconces that flanked the mantel. Turned out they were a reproduction made by colonial Williamsburg. I got them after a while and I still love them. Your room is going to be lovley and warm. Can't wait to see the progress.
    Donna

  38. FOR THE SAKE OF TIME says

    I too, am joining the party! I love your niches. We will all be looking forward to Christmas and the treasures they will hold. They were worth the wait.
    Have a wonderful Monday.

    Charla

  39. Love the white shelf units, curved top makes them so unique!

  40. Embellished Bayou says

    Good luck with your transformation, you've got a great start!

  41. It's going to be fabulous! Can't wait to see the finished project!

  42. prof en retraite says

    Hi Susan! What wonderful niches! They are perfect for you! I think it is terrific that you wait until you find exactly what you want! It is going to be beautiful. I will enjoy following the transforamtion! Happy Labor Day!…hugs…Debbie

  43. Susan,I know that these beautiful niches are so excited that you have adopted them!!! It is so nostalgic to think that they have a second chance to grace another home. They are absolutely perfect for your beautiful room. I know they will love the beauty treatment you have in store for them. I am sure they were splendid in the 1920's home that they were built for but, they will be even more beautiful in your home. They could not have found a better place to live!!!! I just love the detail on the shelves.

    Katherine S.

  44. You are a lot closer to your dream of a library than I am. I don't even have a room for it yet!

    I can see where you are heading and I like it mucho. As far as color, to me a library always has dark shelves, not light ones. But that is just me.

  45. Melissa Miller says

    It's going to be so beautiful Susan! I can see it in my mind finished as well. How about a rich Navy Blue paint color and lots of white to pop from it. It will be gorgeous whatever you decide. Keep on showing us the process.
    This is fascinating!

    ~Blessings, ~Melissa 😉

  46. The DIY Show Off says

    Susan – it's going to be gorgeous! I love the vision! Can't wait to see it all done! 🙂

    Roeshel

  47. I'll be anxious to see the room when it is done. Love your choices and those niches are a great find.

  48. Susan, I DO see it! I really do! And I love Michael's ideas about the reds! THAT would be beautiful! Can't wait to see the finished product. You are a perfectionist in your decorating so I know it will be PERFECT!!!!!!!!!!! Hugs, Pinky

  49. Wsprsweetly Of Cottages says

    Your fireplace screen is just beautiful! Anything with birds catches my eye.
    The entire room is perfect for a library, from what I can see.
    Susan, I see a lot of decorating and you are one of the very best I have ever seen. You just have that touch! Always a thrill to visit with you and see what wonderful treats you have in store for us..and what delicious idea's and inspiration you offer. Thank you!!
    Mona
    P.S. I now have a gas fireplace and didn't think I would like it. I have always insisted on real wood..but it's wonderful and you never even notice it isn't real! Worth the money to invest in a really realistic one. I'm glad we did.

  50. I see it! I see it and I am in awe. Can't wait to see the final picture.

  51. Susan, I love the niches and your vision for that room is beautiful. I can't wait to see the finished product.
    I linked incorrectly to the party tonight (sorry) so my #49 link does not work. I figured out my problem and relinked (at #60). I hope that doesn't cause any problem. Thanks, Jane @ Mamie Jane's

  52. Hi 'other' Susan. It's been a while for me and oh, your ideas are wonderful.

    Those niches are sensational. As for stripping, I'd go with one of the citrus strippers. I've used it on old wood (Lord that finish was in terrible shape) and that is what Cabinet Man (aka hubby) uses the few times that he will refinish furniture for select clients (mostly 'cause he hates doing it…something I might take over for him). Anyway, I apply it very thickly, then walk away. Since it is citrus, the smelly isn't quite as nasty. You might go back at some point and slap another layer of it on. I think I left it for 24 hrs. Then went back with a plastic scraper and just shoved it all down to one end of the dresser, got it off and applied it again. I need to go back and do a thorough cleaning of it and stripe it one more time to be sure I got it all…mine is 1940s quarter sawn oak. And then I'll refinish it and use it in the office or living room for storage. And yes, I'll post it here to. No longer have the 'before' photos (thanks to the IT guys at my former place of work, but I will have 'grungy' pics of it 😀

  53. Cindy (Applestone Cottage) says

    OMG Susan!
    This room is lovely already and can I ever see the future! It will be a masterpiece, a stunning and snuggly escape! I can hardly wait for you to finish! Hugs, Cindy

  54. Susan, what great finds! These niches are going to be perfect for your library. Yes, I can just imagine the cozy spot in front of a fire. You have such vision and incredible patience to wait for the perfect thing to come along and fulfill your dream. You are amazing! I have such fun reading about your home and the creative things you do to make it such an incredible spot. Hope you enjoy your holiday. ~ Hugs, Sarah

  55. Um, I love it! I'd love to stay put in a place where I can have a room like that. I'd paint the shelving white and put an accent color in the back. I have a friend who did that after a decorator in Atlanta advised her- she actually used wallpaper and attached it to some sort of thin board so she could pop it out easily if she desired. Her room has a lot of the feel you're describing with some of those jewel tones. I think I have a photo somewhere if you'd like to see it.

  56. SmilingSally says

    I see what you mean about Blue Monday, but it's a pretty blue dish.

  57. I like the direction you're going with your library. It will be fabulous once you get it finished.

  58. Oh, I LOVE what you're doing to the room! It's really looking lovely!!
    Blessings!
    Myrna

  59. Marianne@Songbirdisnesting says

    Congratulations on getting a step closer to your library dream. I'll be staying close by to wait for the next episode in your 'I am getting a library' series.

  60. I CAN see it and it's beautiful.
    One day!
    a bientot
    Maggie @ Normandy Life

  61. I think it is always so fun to have a space to be working on. Looking for just the right pieces and then when you find one or two it is so exciting to begin putting it all together. I can so see your vision! What a fun project. Share with us the finished after when you have it together.

    Thank you for hosting — it is such fun to participate in your MM.
    -Angela

  62. Cottage Lifestyle says

    Susan, I can see it! You scored. I am in love with the mirror as well.

    Renee @ Cottage Lifestyle

  63. You have great vision and persistence – I can see exactly what you are describing and hope you get to do it soon. Have a great day!

  64. That's going to be an awesome room Susan, it already looks so nice. I love the new shelves you got, they look amazing.

  65. Wow! Those bookscases are so unique and lovely. I can't wait to see the finished room.

  66. Susan-This room is going to be beautiful–reminds me of some of the lovely antebellum home parlors with a modern flair. I love the corner niches especially the curved tops. Love the sofa–I have a pink camel back in my attic that I can't use and can't bear to part with 🙂 Happy Labor Day!

  67. Oh my goodness, yes I can ses your vision too. It will be so charming and cozy, and surely it will be sooner rather than later.
    The niches are perfect for it.
    Have fun creating your space!

  68. Don't you love that Oh My Gosh! moment when an idea comes together? Love the look of a warm welcoming home library.
    I had to grab my quote notebook when I read about your "Someday Book." I have one of those and now it has a name.

  69. CINNIBONBON says

    Found your blog a couple of weeks ago. I truly love what you've done here. Those shelves are beyound amazing; they are a real treasure. I think you did well in finding them!! Thanks for sharing.

  70. Wonderful finds you have there. I recommend Peel Away 7 for getting the old paint off. You can see the results I had by looking at my blog post http://openhouse.homegoods.com/index.php/2009/06/09/stripping-paint-off-old-woodwork-one-part-time-strippers-true-story/
    I've also got a great tip for getting the paint of hinges and other hardware so let me know if that's an issue for you.

  71. Eileen @ Star's Fault says

    Love the niche shelves you found. They are perfect for the room, aren't they? I had one built into my home and have always loved it. Can't wait to see the finished room, it's so pretty even in these first stages.

    Blessings ~ Eileen @ Star's Fault

  72. inner_child says

    Those are gorgeous! I am so impressed with such a great find. Wish I could find some just like it for my very own :-).
    Paula ~ Mise en scène

  73. I am so envious of those shelves! What a find!!

  74. The Crazy Suburban Mom says

    Whoa! Thats a pretty amazing room already 🙂 And that find – the shelves are really great and no, no idea how to get all the paint off. Although gotta say in the pics it adds something cooly rustic and charming. But maybe it person its more shabby than shabby chic. I know sometimes thats the case.

  75. Ohhhhh YES. I CAN see your vision, and it will be elegant, charming, and cozy…just like all the other rooms you have shown us. I wouldn't have the guts to paint the niches interior…would end up popping color against the white….But, I bow you your instincts bucause everything you have done in your home is spetacular. I'm in the process of trying to find a good cabinet maker for our den. I'll be interested to see how you trim out the bookcases.

    p.s. I have stripped several pieces using Formbys…stinky, and messy to be sure, but it worked wonderfully…last time I did it, I found it at Walmart.

  76. Oh my goodness Susan I would of snatched those beauties up too! I love your vision of this room.. it is and will be gorgeous, with your inspiring touch. I know.. you have this figured out with the fireplace, entry and things.. but have you thought about placing the fireplace and niches on the 18 foot wall? Combining library shelves with niches/fireplace adding shelving on end walls? Well, just a thought.. Can't wait to see it finished.. Cindy

  77. O, how beautiful. Even now, this is a beautiful room, Susan. When finished, oooo, my!! I can see a round table, in the middle of the floor, in front of the fireplace, with comfy chairs around it….ummmm…don't we love to dream!!

  78. I worked on my blog this morning – following the suggestions you gave in your post on making blog photos larger. It worked like a charm.

    Now, do you have suggestions about banners/headers?

    Your living room is going to be gorgeous. I love those niches you picked up.

    Lorrie

  79. Love the two cases you found & what a great deal for both! UGHHHH the bad part is stripping them to get down to the wood. And as for paint colors, I am NO help since I went neutral to play it safe when we painted this summer. You know how it is when in the back of your mind is lurking… we might sell & then it would all have to be repainted. Can't wait to see what you do. It will be great no matter. And, we do have one of those vented to the outside fireplaces & we love it! Wiah we had put that kind in the Master Bedroom too instead of the traditional fireplace with chimmeny. Have a great week.

  80. Funky Junk Interiors says

    I am in total AWE with this find! Those shelves are exquisite! I would have paid it too. Gorgeous! Have fun decorating them!

    Donna

  81. Fifi Flowers says

    Happy Labor Day!
    Sorry so late… better late than never!
    THose are FAB fines and look FAB in the home!!!

  82. ~Country Lady~ says

    What fantastic niches. Made to order for your special room. You have such vision and what a deal you found! I can't wait to watch you make this room as gorgeous as all your other projects! Thanks again for hosting this inspirational event! Blessings.

  83. Hi Susan!

    Thanks for doing a fabulous job of hosting Met Monday, as usual!! Wow…your niches are wonderful…what a great price for something of such obvious quality and character. They will be simply stunning in your dream library someday…all your plans sound great! I wish you all the best in making those dreams a reality!

    Have a great week!

    Blessings,
    Becky S.

  84. Thanks for being so faithful a host. I enjoy when I can join in but always enjoy visitng others for inspiration!

  85. Brenda@ **Dragonflys and Stars** says

    I can definitely see the room you are imagining. What a great find!! Thanks for hosting Metamorphisis Monday!

  86. I vote for white bookcases, if you're just doing them beside the fireplace, but, if you're doing them along the left wall, I would go with the darker cherry-ish wood-tone to match the furniture. Three houses ago, my dining room was a jade green that the builder's decorator selected, but it was very pretty, and went well with many colors. It was called
    Duron's Ultra Deluxe Satin Low Sheen Green Suede. If I can find a picture of it on my blog, I'll come by and give you the link. Can't wait to see the final result. The curio and secretary are gorgeous! I keep looking for Kevin (Home Alone) to be dancing in your living room/library. ;O)

  87. Goodwill Haunting says

    What a beautiful room and will be gorgeous when it is finally completed! I see it already! Thanks for hosting and sharing pictures of your beautiful home!

  88. laurie @ bargain hunting says

    Susan, what a find! They are perfect for the library you are creating! Oh that sofa is beautiful. This is going to be such a cozy but beautiful room with your special touches. I am not a patient person and often "settle" for something. I wish I were more like you and could wait until I find the perfect thing. I think the room looks so pretty right now, and I'd be using it "as is" until I got everything like I wanted it. laurie

  89. I love them! Your room is coming together little by little. Thank you for sharing that you, too aren't all done and complete. We are all works in progress. I think the completed rooms are so much more interesting when pieces are added over time rather than bought at one time to be perfect.

  90. Cathy Miller says

    OH!!! I can see it!!! I love it already…my heart is beating faster at the thought of it. It's my dream to have a library in my home, but alas-every room we have is packed to the brim with people! But someday…someday!! Can't wait to see the room when it's all Susanized!!! Love, your favorite stalker!

  91. I love the niches! What a steal. I can see the room and can't wait til it's finished.

  92. Great sitting room Susan. The book cases are too stunning and will certainly be a great addition to this room. I think this will be one of my favorite rooms.

  93. Get to work! I can't wait to see it finished!

  94. Love the niches!!!!!!!!!!

  95. Shady Creek Lane says

    Oh, a library, how cool is that. It looks like your vision for this room is coming together nicley.

    Thanks for doing the Met posts. It is a great outlet for so many peopls.

  96. I have not been able to sit and enjoy blogs for a long time…because of my sugery and the meds. I am playing catch up now!

    Amazing find!!!

  97. Hi Susan….that room was fabulous before but you really have some vision….What a find with those cabinets…..Can't wait to see the room all finished….Will it be done by Christmas??
    I have a new blog with daughter….If you ever knew a man that did something stupid this blog is for you….
    http://www.stupidthingshusbandsdo.blogspot.com

  98. Blondie's Journal says

    So…we can rest easy that there are no skeletons or dead bodies wasting away in the mystery room on the right, which you know, everyone in Blogland has been whispering about since you started blogging (just thought since I am your only 'true friend' that I'd let you know about that nasty gossip, in which I played no part).

    I love the niches!! I would have done the same thing (waited for the perfect pieces) but I would have been a bit more fervent in my quest!! I love how you have been designating bits and pieces…the gorgeous clock and mirror to this beautiful room. That would be me too…

    I wish you much luck and loads of fun working on your room. Please do not tell us that there is another dream item, ten years off, that you hope to find for your library!!

    BTW, thanks for your help in my recent blog/computer problem. Worked like a charm! 😀

    xoxo
    Jane

  99. Cottage Rose says

    Hey Susan;;; OH how I love your forgotten room,,, which is not forgotten any more… wow what deal you got,, it is just gorgeous,,, I can't wait to see it all gussied up with your loving touch…. have a great week.

    Hugs;
    Alaura

  100. Denise Marie says

    girl, you are getting there. I can just see your face when you see the fabric or color that pulls your dreams together. What a fantastic snag finding those twin shelves.

  101. Your flow blue plate looks so much like one in my living room that I have to go and check it again!!

    I love your new bookcases!

  102. May your dream come true!It is very beautiful, and I love your finds. You have certainly got an eye for envisioning perfect landscapes, rooms, tablescapes…

  103. Susan,

    I love the pieces you got for beside the fireplace at "Classy Flea". I adore this room and I see it just like you do. I love my library wall as I know you will love yours. I love the idea of green walls and cream or white bookshelves. Our library is a camel color and we painted the bookshelves white, with the back wall camel. It just dresses them up.

    I can't wait to see the finished project. You have such great taste.

    Gretchen

  104. Love the niches! I just wanted to say that there are niches in the living room of the "Father of the Bride" (Steve Martin version)house, and there was a golden glow coming from the top of each – they were wired for a tiny light! Lovely.

    Anyway, I was just watching and I had to run over and tell you.

    Good luck with this project. I can't wait to see the result.

    Maria

  105. Susan (Between Naps on the Porch) says

    Hi Maria,
    Thanks so much for sharing that! I just went over to Julia's, Hooked on Houses, blog because she always does posts on Movie houses. I checked out the Father of the Bride post and I got to see just what you were talking about! 🙂 I LOVE it…maybe I should wire in some lights like that! Thanks so much for telling me about it! Here's Julia's post if you want to see the pics. 🙂
    http://hookedonhouses.net/2009/06/14/movie-monday-the-father-of-the-bride-house/
    Thanks again! I love this idea!
    Susan

  106. Everything you touch is beautiful and exquisite. Your tablescape post is wonderful. I imagine it must be so much fun and so rewarding to create and recreate and recreate. Each image is perfect. And your room in progress will be another star I'm sure. Can't wait to see it. Your home and beautiful touches are the "inspiration pictures" for me.

  107. Hi Susan–

    I've gotten behind on many things, including reading your beautiful blog. Today I saw the interview with you on Houzz, and I was reminded of how much I love your blog. . . so here I am again! And this time I'm going to add you to my blogroll at Imparting Grace so that I'll always remember to click over here.

    Congratulations on finding those niches! What a wonderful library this will make. I just love that "library" is your vision for this room, instead of "parlor." You could so easily have compromised and just done a pretty room here–but one that really never got used. Instead, you've waited, and you're going to have a room that will be beautiful and useful! What a great space this will be–I look forward to seeing your "After" photos one day.

  108. Susan, I am sitting here late at night, going through your older posts,( I confess I don't look at blogs on a daily basis), and I came accross your LR! I have always been curious , but I knew it would be fabulous, and it is! I ADORE all of your furniture, it so reminds me of my favorite magazine, Colonial Homes. I have put it, and your gorgeous Family Room in my favorites! I love English Country, and I wish I could do it as well as you, but I can't! Girl, you are GOOD! I miss the old days at RMS! Love Ya! Connie

  109. I am a writer. says

    Thank you for posting this. Decorating has been a real mystery to me. Your comments and the photos are helping me to understand the process of taking a room from it's idea state to the finish. I'm learning quite a bit more than from most decorating magazines because of the explainations.

    Looking forward to reading more.

  110. Liz - Infusewithliz.blogspot.com says

    I'm a new follower of your blog and can't say enough about how I enjoy your pictures, your explanations and descriptions! I love this room and the niches you found. Many years ago I used to get Architectural Digest magazine and they always had ads for Harden Furniture with these shelled motif cabinets that I was always intrigued by. Seeing this brought back those memories and renewed my intrigue of them! I have visualized this room with the help of your description, I hope to see it finished! Liz

  111. This has always been my favorite of all your posts. I even saved it to favorites last year. Can't wait to see the finished product. You are an inspiration!

  112. Susan (Between Naps on the Porch) says

    Anonymous…thanks! One of these days I'm going to complete it! 🙂

  113. those bookcases are fabulous, what a find!!! i love the inspiration room and i think you are well on your way….

  114. "Stubborn decorator" – oh my gosh, I know exactly what you mean. I am just like that. If only my paycheck could support everything I want to do with my house and garden! Though I recently finally did the kitchen remodeling I had been hoping to do for some time. Anyway, thanks for all the decorating inspiration!

  115. I so love all of your rooms and your attention to detail. I especially love your office. I am eagerly awaiting your library!!! I hope its your next project!

    • Thanks, Cathy! I wish I could do it now, but I have three bathrooms that need updating first. I’d much rather spend $ on this room, though…not the bathrooms, but I know the bathrooms need to be done for resale when I eventually move one day. It’s no fun being practical. lol

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