Megan Fulweiler: Best Sellers

We’re constantly reminded how books–in addition to being among man’s best friends–are the ultimate accessory. Whether piled on tables, paraded on shelves or stacked in pyramidal fashion by chairs, they bring life to every space. “A house without books is like a room without windows,†the German novelist Heinrich Mann wrote.

I’ve been thinking of Mann because I’m desperate for one of today’s bookish wallpapers. These new literary creations open a world of possibilities to people (just like myself) to whom there is no such thing as too many books–just too little square footage to house them all. Inspired by the idea of creating a library without losing space, I’ve narrowed it down to a handful of favorites: some modern, a cool vintage pattern (probably best suited for my 1928 cottage) and the last a formal design for a shot of glamour. See what you think.

British designer Tracy Kendall‘s bespoke papers are haute couture for bookworms. Each of her stunning graphic designs leaves me feeling as though I could actually turn pages. Kendall’s designs have appeared at ICFF and are featured in the Cooper-Hewitt Museum.

I’m envisioning her dynamic “bookshelves†along a narrow entry hall. The tidy shelves provide the library air I treasure with–Eureka!–no space sacrificed. (Find her at Webster & Company in the Boston Design Center.)

Kendall’s colorful “paperbacks†or her studious “pages†could turn our tiny powder room into something really novel.

Mineheart‘s (another British company) “vintage shelves†are handsome and subtle for a background I could live happily with every day.

The images for York‘s Ronald Redding Collection are taken from rare seventeenth-century French decorating books found in the company’s archive. Some of the titles are printed in gold ink to enhance the delicious trompe l’oeil effect. Look for Archives (in three colorways) at Berkeley House in the Boston Design Center.

–Megan Fulweiler
Megan Fulweiler is a freelance writer. A frequent contributor to New England Home, and the author of three books on decorating, her work has appeared in numerous publications including Country Living, Traditional Home and The New York Times.