The Library House was a complete remodel and addition to a small structure that was originally the public library in the Sellwood neighborhood of Portland, Oregon by Jessica Helgerson Interior Design. When the library moved, this building was re-purposed as an office for the church across the street. When the designer’s clients approached them, they had the idea to transform the building into their home. With almost 1,829 square feet, the main floor is the heart of the home.
The design team was struck by how lovely the volume of the old library was and decided to keep the big open space to house a great room, with kitchen, dining and living areas. They enclosed the open front porch to create an entry and powder room and added on to the side of the building to create two small bedrooms and a new bathroom. They did a lot of excavation work in the 678-square-foot basement where they added a sauna, laundry room, exercise room, and a recording studio for the clients who are both voice actors. A small new garage was also added.
In keeping with the theme of the original library, bookshelves were added throughout, defining the entryway, flanking both sides of the great room, and surrounding the little desk in the guest bedroom. Since the volume of the main space was so tall, library ladders were added at both ends of the room to provide access to the tall shelves. Because of the density of the neighborhood, the bedrooms needed to be quite small so useful cabinetry was built in wherever possible, including around and under the bed.
Above: The wall paint color is Mascarpone AF-20 by Benjamin Moore. A great warm white! The transom is from Kolbe and Kolbe and they were custom-made. The fireplace floor and wall protector is Montauk Black Slate.
Many aspects of the design are fairly traditional, in keeping with the vintage of this inviting home, but with very modern pieces layered on. A warm palette of jewel-toned color is introduced in the furnishings and art, which include paintings by Portland artists Anya Spielman and Jocelyn Rahm. The pendant lights over the dining table are the Beat Light by Tom Dixon.
What We Love: This inviting home features multifunctional living environments that are warm and cozy. The living room is a fantastic space with its built-in window seat for curling up with a good book… the library ladder on a sliding track is a great touch! Another sliding ladder in the kitchen creates harmony and a nod to the home’s past. Bookshelves are in abundance, including the guest bedroom and two staircases that allow access to the books placed in the higher parts…. Readers, what do you think of this home? Have you decorated your own home with books?
Note: Have a look at a couple of our favorite home tours from the talented Jessica Helgerson: Split-level mid-century ranch home gets fabulous facelift and Stunning mid-century renewal in Portland by Jessica Helgerson.
This amazing kitchen features a rolling ladder sourced from Alaco Ladder Company to access high cabinets as well as a stunning 10 by 4 foot Carrara marble-topped island! Leaded glass windows and dark stained wood floors add to the eclectic mix of original craftsmanship and modern influences. The cabinet paint color is Benjamin Moore Graphite 1603. The cabinet hardware is from House of Antique Hardware and it is unlacquered brass!
Above: The bed was built-in place, and the headboard was custom upholstered and mounted to the wall. The ceiling is custom-made painted boards.
Above: The floor tile is an 8×8 cement tile called Rubi Barcelona. It is handcrafted and imported.
Above: The dimensions of the built-in desk are 35.5 H, 47.25 W, and 25.5 D. The chair is the George Mulhauser Scroll Chair and can be found on 1stDibs.
Above: The bench was custom-made out of old recycled wood. The exterior color is 75% of Benjamin Moore’s “Iron Mountain”. The trim color is Pointing No.2003 by Farrow & Ball. The doors and window sashes are Black Tar 2126-10 by Benjamin Moore.
Photos: Lincoln Barbour
0 comments