Home library

1. An expression of one’s personality: This aspect is completely lost with the digitalization of books and music. With the advancements in technology most evident in such devices as the iPod, Kindle and now the iPad, we are losing the ability to learn about a person just by observing a record on their shelf or a novel in a bookcase. It used to be that you could learn an awful lot about a person’s interests just by taking a brief glance at what was sitting on their shelf; this is not the case anymore with e-readers that have reduced books to a collection of 1’s and 0’s.

2. A great way to impress guests: What better to show guests that you’re cultured and intellectual than some strategically placed Marcel Proust or 19th century Russian literature on your shelves? The best part is you don’t actually have to read them. They serve their purpose just sitting their collecting dust while you watch your favorite MTV reality shows.

3. Makes for a good conversation starter: In this case you probably need to have read the books on your shelf or at the very least read the blurb on the back of the dust jacket. A guest might see a book in your library and realize that you both share an intense interest in rare miniature frogs; a new friendship is then instantly formed.

4. When done right, it just looks cool: A shelf full of iPads is totally unnecessary – not to mention an odd design choice. Books, on the other hand, make for endless amount of decorative possibilities. You can outfit your home library in antique or modern leather, color sorted covers, vintage cloth, custom wrapped solids and whatever else looks good covering a book.

Yes, designing a home library can be a daunting task. How do I organize the books – alphabetically, by genre, chronologically, by size or color of book? What type of covers do I use for the books? Do I go with a contemporary or classic look? I suppose the answers to these questions depend much on personal preference, but there are companies whose sole job is helping you answer these types of questions. One such company is Juniper Books and founder Thatcher Wine. Juniper Books helps owners and designers build custom book collections for home libraries – fully customized based upon interests, design preference and budget. Afraid you don’t quite have the knowledge of a Harvard literature professor? No problem. Thatcher Wine’s knowledge of literature, history and art is broad, and his source for new and antique books is diverse. Not simply just a book worm, he also fully understands the creative and aesthetic possibilities of books. Wine is able to cater the bindings, color and size of the books to your particular design needs. To find out more about Juniper Books’ services visit www.juniperbooks.com.

Custom book library

Ok. So maybe that’s only four reasons, but “five reasons” makes for a better title. Still, these four reasons should be more than enough to justify the continued existence of home book libraries into the 21st century. Feel free to share your reasons for a home book library in the comments section.

The Bagatelle Collection’s humorous, imaginative design invites users to touch and play with the faucet handles, knobs, buttons and shapes that have been cleverly fashioned from signature elements of a pinball machine. Slender lever handles are reminiscent of a pinball machine’s flippers and the round shapes found throughout the Bagatelle Collection echo the round bumpers and ivory balls of the table game.

THG Washbasin Faucet in Gold Finish

THG Roman Tub Set in Black Obsidian

Sense27
Combining elegance with flawless style, the Sense27 Collection is designed by world renowned designer, Clodagh. Known for blending leading-edge technology and innovative materials to create harmonious feng shui inspired environments, the Sense27 Collection is reflective of Clodagh’s vision. With clean shapes, accented with unique hammered accents, the sleek and modern look of the collection is truly timeless.

Watermark Sense27

Titanium
The Titanium Collection lives up to its bold name with streamlined, single-lever monoblock units that make a striking statement. The faucets feature hydro-progressive valves that control the temperature and volume with a single motion. The valve is available in a smooth or knurled-texture that not only enhances the grip but creates an original contrast to the polished surfaces of the base and spout.

Watermark Titanium

CC51
Model CC51 of the Classic Contemporary Collection draws its inspirations from legendary architect, Philip Johnson. Capturing Johnson’s affinity for modern design with an iconic twist, CC51’s solid brass handles are first molded into acentric rings, then precisely cut and pressure-fitted back together, creating a subtly intricate and reflective design. The entire Classic Contemporary Collection captures the spirit of avant-garde design, featuring eleven lav-set handles, each inspired by a legendary architect.

Watermark CC51

Corbett Lighting
Corbett Lighting is known for their creative use of hand-forged iron and hand-applied finishes. They use the finest glassware, shades and natural material.

Vertigo by Corbett is truly mesmerizing just to look at, with an assortment of circular hand-crafted iron rings in various sizes fused together. It is available as a two, three or four light pendant, one light mini-pendant, and one light sconce in either a bronze/gold leaf finish with caramel ice diffuser or a modern silver finish with citrine ice diffuser; this dizzying design creates a perfect mixture of motion and balance.

Vertigo by Corbett Lighting

Hudson Valley Lighting
With impeccable attention to detail and a full range of finishes and glass selections, Hudson Valley Lighting products can be found in the finest homes and upscale hotels and restaurants. The Sterling Collection is an elegant re-invention of the classic candelabra chandeliers and wall sconces. Its graceful chrome arms extend outwards, floating elegantly around the crystal.

Sterling by Hudson Valley Lighting

CSL (Creative Systems Lighting)
CSL is an innovator of concealed lighting fixtures for homes and commercial use. They design and create high quality LED products that are highly functional and energy efficient. CSL products are able to enhance the dramatic or inconspicuous effects required by architects and lighting specialists.

The Eco-Downlight LED Adjustable Lamp allows you to choose a green lifestyle by offering an efficient fixture with strong accents. The lamp allows for light to be focused or positioned perfectly throughout any setting to create just the right mood or highlight.

Eco-downlight LED Adjustable Lamp by CSL

Troy Lighting
Troy Lighting is an excellent choice for homeowners and designers looking to add a rustic yet fashionable fixture to any room or wall.

Troy’s Lumiere collection brings together basic geometric designs and illuminates everything in a gold hue to concoct a feeling of fascination and rustic elegance. It features caramel frit glass shades, hand-worked wrought iron metalwork and a Florentine gold finish.

Lumiere by Troy Lighting

Penguin
Smartly dressed and debonair, the Penguin Collection brings joy and style to any space. This lever faucet provides a streamlined silhouette, upright form and horizontal spout – similar to that of a penguin.

Penguin faucet by fluid

Sublime
Inspired by the natural arc of a rainbow – one of the most beautiful wonders of nature – Sublime reaches the highest levels of form and functionality. With a gently curved spout pointing toward the sky, Sublime is the ideal fixture for vessel sinks and architectural basins of various heights and shapes.

Sublime faucet by fluid

Toucan
The Toucan line is versatile and features all the elements of effective design. The faucet’s spout is shaped exactly like the keel-billed toucan itself, allowing it to prominently extend over the sink.

Toucan faucet by fluid

All fluid faucets are WaterSense labeled and not only take inspiration from the environment, but also help to improve it.

Beverly Hills Residence Custom Library

but for Thatcher Wine and his company Juniper Books – it’s all in the bindings. Since 2001, Thatcher Wine has been working with world renowned designers like Philippe Starck, and CEO’s like Larry Ellison, to create the perfect visual identities for their personal, retail and business libraries. With an unerring eye for design, and a keen knowledge of book buying and binding styles, Thatcher Wine crafts the finest custom libraries for his discerning clientele. In an age of e-books and technology Juniper Books appeals to all who enjoy the tactile and visual world found within libraries. Some of his bookbinding and library-building specialties include:

Children’s Books
Understanding that children respond to visual clues more readily and enthusiastically than adults, Thatcher Wine has developed a unique, playful and creative way to encourage a love of books and reading for children of any age.

Kids Collection

Mystery Series
Know a lover of mystery novels? This series of bindings is the perfect ‘solution’ for mystery series lovers. It’s the perfect way to creatively organize a collection. Agatha Christie would be proud.

Mystery Series

Art Books
What would be lovelier for art book lovers than to see an image from the book displayed on the cover? Juniper’s art book series creates a visual treat before you turn the first page.

Art Book Series

Vellum Book Series
As old as scrolls, vellum (which can now be produced as a vegetable vellum rather than animal skin), is still considered the perfect choice for bookbinding. Durable, flexible, beautifully textured and elegant, Thatcher Wine’s expertise working with vellum is evident in the many ways he is able to produce beautifully accented bindings that speak of a more genteel time.

Vellum Book Series

Vintage Jackets
Using his expertise and experience as a rare book purveyor, Thatcher Wine can quickly amass an entire library of books with their original book jackets in excellent condition.

Vintage Jackets

Antique Leather with Embossed Lettering
Thatcher Wine will find the perfect butter-soft, slightly worn leather to complete an entire library and complement the décor of a residential or corporate library. This antique look creates a library that might have been passed down for generations.

Antique Leather, Embossed Lettering

Logo/Visual Merchandising
Whether providing creative branding ideas for a corporation’s company lounge or library, or for an organization that wants to display a graphic representation image across the spines of many books, Thatcher Wine creates visual magic for his clients.

Visual Merchandising

Ameli from Hastings Tile & Bath

Choosing pure white for your vanity should not feel as though you are settling. With the Ameli from Tulli Zuccari, you need never apologize. Graceful and elegant, the vanity sits atop two tapered legs that can be adorned with either gold or chrome accents. To coordinate the look of the entire piece, the towel bar under the vanity is also available in chrome or gold finishes. The vanity top is offered in a satin finish in pure white. The Ameli is perfect for minimalists who appreciate its modern appeal.

Ameli Vanity

Sade from GRAFF®

Sometimes, simplicity is deceiving when people confuse it with a lack of imagination. The Sade collection from GRAFF could not be farther from that misconception. Sleek and elegant, with a savvy twist on contemporary, the Sade line has a curved spout which is flat – giving it literally more of an edge. The handles mimic the curve slightly, giving them a sensuous look.

GRAFF Sade Faucet

Hartsdale from Hudson Valley Lighting

Hudson Valley Lighting takes vanity lighting in a more dramatic direction with the Hartsdale Collection. With its glass shades etched to mimic bark, and then reflected in the base below, the Hartsdale is both contemporary and organic – a unique twist. The Hartsdale is elegant without being too showy.

Hartsdale Lighting Fixture

Dream Light Rain Canopy from JACLO®

Create a soothing symphony of color within the shower; enables users to experience revitalizing color ‘therapy’ while fulfilling a daily ritual. The futuristic design of this lit Rain Canopy features LED lights which illuminate the falling water. The lights can be programmed to turn on manually with the flip of a switch or start in unison with the shower being turned on.

JACLO’s Dream Light Rain Canopy

This garden cottage is owned by artists who took a simple 1970’s ranch house and with a few subtle changes were able to create a free-flowing, bright, open floor plan with the kitchen as the hub of the living space. The redesign was then extended to the two outbuildings in the backyard that were transformed into two separate functional work spaces: one an artist studio and the other a hobby workshop.

This home demonstrates the appeal of maintaining separate work/play spaces in a small efficient package without needing one giant house to contain everything. The idyllic scene created by the lush gardens and trees also gives you an idea of how this Pacific Northwest island city has obtained such a high rating of livability.

Property Profile:

- 3 bedrooms / 2 baths
– 2 Workshop/Art Studio Outbuildings
– Approximately 1,592 square feet on .35 acres
– Expansive Deck w/ Hot Tub and Seating
– 2 Energy Efficient Propane Fireplaces
– Wood exterior, composition roof

View photos of the cottage below. For more information about this property visit http://gardencottage.bainbridgehouses.com

Bainbridge Cottage Exterior

Bainbridge Cottage Kitchen

Bainbridge Cottage Kitchen Table

Bainbridge Cottage Backyard

Artist Studio Entrance

Artist Studio Interior

Tranquility by GRAFF

The Tranquility line by GRAFF brings a light Asian influence to the bath environment. The soft curve of the spout, with the sloping handles that are reminiscent of bamboo shoots give the faucet a Zen-inspired appeal.

GRAFF Tranquility faucet

Shoji by Corbett Lighting

Made of handmade Japanese paper and hand-crafted iron in a bonsai bronze finish, the Shoji lighting fixture by Corbett Lighting gives rooms an exotic look while providing comforting ambient light. The pearl diffuser produces warm light and the imperfect texture of the Japanese paper creates a uniquely Zen environment.

Shoji by Corbett Lighting

TFU Series by Hastings Tile & Bath

The TFU Series by Hastings Tile & Bath can add a little shimmer to your designs. TFU is a glimmering metallic tile with a high-metal content giving it a superior finish.

TFU Series by Hastings Tile & Bath

SYNC Drop-in Bamboo by Stone Forest

The SYNC Drop-in by Stone Forest is made in durable, renewable and water-resistant bamboo. This Asian influenced drop-in gives the bath a natural and spiritual feel.

SYNC Drop-in Bamboo by Stone Forest

Oval Tub by Stone Forest

The Oval Tub by Stone Forest is defined by crisp lines and minimalist look. It is carved from a single block of black granite with a contrast of natural stone exterior and a high gloss polished interior. This tub gives the bath an elegant and organic feel and its simple shape allows the bather to slip into his or her inner sanctum.

Oval Tub by Stone Forest

We’ll be among the expected 17,000 visitors in attendance this year and are looking forward to checking out all the latest and greatest in interior design and architecture.  If you’ll be in attendance this weekend, here are a few booths that you’ll want to keep an eye out for while you’re navigating your way through the exhibition floor.

Oceanside Glasstile

Oceanside Glasstile produces artisan glass tile. The company  uses molten glass, a core element of the earth, to produce tile that captures the beauty of art glass in a way that transforms home and commercial spaces into works of art themselves.

Each piece of Oceanside tile is handcrafted and one of a kind – like a snowflake, each tile is unique and unlike any other. Oceanside’s tile is not only stunning in its looks but also sustainable in its production; it is made from up to 86% recycled material and includes over 2 million pounds each year of glass from curbside recycling programs. At Dwell, Oceanside will be showing off their latest collection, Muse, which is a handcrafted mosaic collection that comes in various palate and surface options.

Oceanside Glasstile

Oceanside Glasstile

LAUFEN

LAUFEN, the renowned Swiss manufacturer of modern bathrooms has gained much attention recently for their acclaimed mimo collection, which was the winner in 2009 of the highly coveted red dot design award – given to honor the year’s most outstanding and innovative designs.

Mimo has been called the “Mini Cooper of the bathroom fleet” with its compactly sized sinks, toilets, vanities and bathtub. Its modest size does not sacrifice style, and is uniquely retro in its color pattern: black and white, or pink with graphic prints.

LAUFEN mimo

LAUFEN’s ILBAGNOALESSI dOt collection is easier on the eyes than it is to pronounce. Laufen continues the recent color trend in bathroom design with their use of black matte ceramic pieces. The TamTam washbasin is sleek in its asymmetrical shape and smooth, leather-inspired texture.

LAUFEN ILBAGNOALESSI dOt

The Lb3 collection of washbasins is based on three styles: modern, classic and design. Their “modern” collection of washbasins features linear, clean contours, and is a tribute to both modern and Bauhaus styles. Lb3 also features a wide array of wall-mount and floor standing toilets, wood-encased freestanding bathtubs and simple, yet elegant vanities.

Lb3 Modern Washbasin

Reclaimed Space

Reclaimed Space, a leader in sustainable living, builds and delivers modular spaces constructed from materials reclaimed from old barns and homes. These prefab homes utilize old wood and metal and rework them to create thoroughly unique spaces. Reclaimed space is focused on reversing the impact that new building has on the environment and natural resources, and in the process manage to create beautifully designed and original looking homes.

Reclaimed Space

Reclaimed Space

IdeaPaint

Thanks to IdeaPaint, dry-erase boards are now good for more than just leaving a note outside your buddy’s college dorm room.  IdeaPaint, winner of the NeoCon award for Best Innovation, produces single-coat, roller-applied paint that can turn any smooth surface into a dry-erase writing surface. It’s super easy to apply and can turn any corporate, educational or home setting into a creative environment.

With IdeaPaint you can transform a child’s room into a place for creative expression and it has the added parental benefit of being easily erased if that “expression” gets a little out of hand. It also makes for a useful collaboration tool and can turn any office into an interactive workspace; it’s great for conference tables and seminar rooms.

IdeaPaint will be sponsoring Dwell on Design’s Modern Family Zone, which will offer a multitude of hands-on activities and displays geared for children of all ages.

IdeaPaint

IdeaPaint

Dwell on Design tickets start at $30. A three-day pass is available for free to verified members of the design trades. For ticket information go to www.dwellondesign.com/tickets.