“A room without books is like a body without a soul.” — Cicero
Interior designer and author Nina Freudenberger opens her book, Bibliostyle: How We Live at Home with Books, with this famous quote by the Roman orator, statesman, and philosopher. We couldn’t agree more.
At Unison, we believe every home should have a library. That’s why we’re excited to introduce you to the Wolcott Bookcase. This wood bookcase serves as a dedication to our love of books and the modern home library. Tablets and E-readers are practical, efficient, and great for travel. But nothing compares to the experience of holding a well-loved book in your hands. The Wolcott Bookcase represents our commitment to keeping the tradition of the home library alive and well. With this piece, we hope to inspire you to build a library you love.
Recently, we connected with Nina to discuss her latest release and the importance of a home filled with books. She shares with us her design secrets for creating the ultimate modern home library. Read on to learn everything you need to know to create your very own library.
Why Every Home Needs a Library
“I think every home tells a story,” Nina says, “and there is no more personal way to enter a person’s home than through their private book collection. The books in a home tell the hopes, dreams, interests, and values of the owner.” You have hobbies, pastimes, and passions. The books you read represent how you spend your time. Keeping books tucked out of sight does a disservice to yourself and your home. You’ll be more likely to pick up a book if it’s in plain view and attractively displayed.
Your bookshelves also give visitors an insight into your mind. Connecting with guests about the books you love and the hobbies you share makes for great conversation and strengthens relationships. “Books mean so much to us as a society and to us personally,” Nina says. “Their physical presence is a sense of comfort and legacy to every owner and adds warmth to every home.”
How to Build a Modern Home Library
If you’re starting from scratch, building a home library may seem intimidating. Libraries are one of the most personal collections you can have in your home. When you’re creating something so intimate, the key is to listen to your intuition. Follow your curiosity and creative interests. Choose books that are inspiring or mean something to you. As Nina explains, “It is not about the value of your collection but about what you really want to be surrounded with. It is a commitment to start a collection of a larger size that covers your home. I think you have to truly want to be surrounded by books you love, have read or want to in the future.”
When it comes to displaying your collections, a bookcase or decorative shelving works great, but don’t be afraid to get creative. Nina shares a discovery she made while writing her book. “I found that people with incredible collections were actually quite casual in their display. They just LIVED amongst their books… They were just there – in their home – on shelves, stacked on the floor, on top of armoires and cabinets, wherever they found room.”
Showcase Your Collection With a Modern Bookcase
As part of our mission to celebrate the home library, we’ve introduced the Wolcott Bookcase. These bookcases are built by a family-owned company in Ontario, Canada. This company has been carefully crafting sustainable, high-quality, solid wood furniture in North America for over 20 years.
With a focus on premium details, the Wolcott Bookcase features mitered top corners and a rear ledge that prevents books from slipping behind the case. Made from sturdy white oak, this wood bookcase will be a fixture in your home for many years to come. This bookcase is available in a small and large size, as well as two finishes — Sand and Pewter. It coordinates with our Wolcott and Fulton furniture collections, but also looks great on its own. With a variety of options, this bookcase is designed fit in any home.
Books in Every Room
While we admire a grand home library, there’s no reason to keep your collection limited to one room. Spread out your books and store them in the rooms where you use them. Cookbooks on a tidy shelf in the kitchen. Children’s storybooks in their bedrooms. Reference books in the study. It’s functional and practical.
We love the Wolcott Bookcase for its versatility. It comes in two widths, making it easy to find the right size for your space. The large bookcase would be a great anchor piece in your living room or office. The small bookcase works great in compact spaces like bedrooms. However you decide to display your books, there is no right or wrong way to organize them. While working on her book, Nina was fascinated by the many different ways people catalog their libraries.
“I loved how when we explored these 32 homes each and every one had a different organization system – it was personal to each and every owner… They organize their collections by inspiration or by their own distinct reference points – something which is so personal that no one else could figure out other than them. I love that. I think making your library your own is the entire point of having one.”
Nina Freudenberger’s Book Collecting Method
Nina shared with us her favorite approach to building her library. “I collect books as I travel and always pick up a few no matter where in the world I am (and drag them home in my suitcase).” Nina says, “I am very specific about what I keep and always write a date and note in the front when I got it, read it, when it was given to me or where I was when I picked it up. This gives my books a secondary sentimental value and I hope a legacy that my children can piece together when I’m gone.”
Learn more about Nina’s interior design approach on her website: Haus Interior.
Photography: Shade Degges
Get Started
Take the first step to building your home library. Gather the books you already own and decide how and where you want to display them. Allow the books to inspire you and add warmth to your home. Don’t rush building your collection. Choose books that you love and that hold meaning to you.
Shop the Wolcott Bookcase.