Library Goals: Home Reading Nooks & Libraries by Tuck!

A warm, inviting living room featuring a mix of contemporary and classic design elements. Three light beige upholstered sofas are arranged around a circular coffee table on a rich red Persian-style rug. The backdrop includes built-in navy bookcases with a sliding ladder, a dark-painted fireplace adorned with lit taper candles and a mirror, and wallpaper with a botanical motif. A vintage chandelier hangs overhead, while a mid-century bar cabinet and framed art add charm to the space. Natural light filters through a tall window dressed in soft drapes, and hardwood floors complete the look.

There's no hiding it. We're all library lovers at Tuck! The design opportunities that come from having shelves upon shelves of graphic print novels, decorating books, bold fonts, and brilliant pops of colour are excellent. In addition, home libraries are a treasure of sentimental items, heirlooms, and those special pieces we hold dear.

In our June 2025 TUCK IN Issue, John & Catherine's Great Room Getaway, we shared the redesigned great room which happens to have multiple built-in bookshelves, each thoughtfully decorated to showcase the couple's collections. Sharing this issue has inspired us to take a look back at past projects, both personal and clients, where we've featured home libraries and reading nooks.

Leger-Scott Home Library

Mark Leger & Janet Scott live on the main floor of a historic home in Saint John. Their living room features built-in shelving around their fireplace. Both avid readers, the shelves are always full. We opted to keep the natural wood finish on the shelves, fresh paint on all the walls and mouldings, incorporated new furniture and decor such as the Lodge Chair in the above photo by Kelly Lawson.

Autumn Street Staircase Library

Cozy living room view with fireplace, red rug, and lounge seating

In July of 2024, we officially launched TUCK RUGS, our one-of-a-kind collection hand selected, semi-antique area rugs and runners, each one aged 20-50 years old. With this collection, Judith worked with Kelly Lawson to photograph the collection in her then home in Saint John.

Inside the home, an expansive double height library runs parallel to the staircase, spanning from the main level to the second floor. See all the photos from the initial collection here.

Vintage + Modern Saint John Home

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In a previous Saint John home, Judith creatively planned a library space to house Robert Moore's extensive book collection. Accented with vintage finds and mixed with some modern furnishings, it's the ideal home library.

Darling Cottage Library & TV Built-Ins

Libraries can be for more than books! In true cottage form, The Darling Cottage main living room needed to have storage for their books, board games, extra cozy blankets, a TV for rainy days inside, and decor. These ready made cabinets were made to look custom by their contractor and hide what needs hiding, displaying what doesn't. Chopped wood adds the perfect organic touch.