Tolle Lege
Take up and read
The design brief for this 1920s residential library came from an envelope handed over to me, on which the client had hand-written the words Tolle Lege, a quote from Saint Augustine 353-430 A.D. which literally means “Take up and read”. In a beautiful inner city Mansion house, my client had the wish to turn their bedroom into their dream library.
Design development
The design process started with bookcases along the wall perpendicular to the fireplace but quickly spread through to an adjoining room with an ensuite bathroom. This space would become an extension of the library and incorporate a study area , a light filled space with views on to a large garden. The link between the two rooms is book lined to create a transitional zone that draws one through to the study zone. The addition of wainscot panelling, a secret door and a mirrored wall. creates depth and interest. The mirror s add light and depth and reflect the details in the secret door artwork.
Secret door design
The existing architraves and skirtings had to be removed, the architraves and panelled door discarded for later use, and a seamless wall lining with a new concealed doorway and wainscot panelling added, giving the illusion of a solid wall. The secret door is even more camouflaged by the application of a bespoke artwork, this covers the whole wall above the wainscoting was built up of numerous layers of oils and glazes.
Tromp l’oêil
The artwork comprises of a highly detailed Tromp l’oêil, which is a French phrase which means, ‘Trick of the eye’. This technique creates the illusion of three-dimensional space on a two-dimensional surface to fool the viewer into perceiving the painted elements as real. Within this painting there are several references to the clients’ favourite objects and even a facsimile of a handwritten letter from a Grandparent sharing a family recipe.
Layered lighting
Attention was paid to lighting levels and detailing. Tri-phosphor florescent tubes bounce light from behind the crown detail creating a soft cascade of lighting throughoutthe bedroom and study areas. Overhead lighting is both, practical and ambient through the connecting bookcases, the use of library scones add another level of detail and atmosphere.
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COMING UP TROMPS! and CUSTOM CABINETRY FOR THE ULTIMATE HOME LIBRARY
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