Photo copyright © 2010 AMMO Books/Courtesy of ammobooks.com

American interior designer Kelly Wearstler takes reading seriously – so she’s created a private library for her own two sons, Oliver and Elliot.

Keen to encourage a love of books, Wearstler set about transforming a room off the kitchen. She decided it would be much easier for her sons if they could actually see the covers. The books make a decorative feature all on their own, displayed outwards on shelves with a one-inch lip.

Photo copyright © 2010 AMMO Books/Courtesy of ammobooks.com

In this interview with LMNOP, Kelly shares her top tips for encouraging kids to read, and what inspired her to create this unique home library:

LMNOP: What inspired you to create a library for your sons Oliver and Elliott?
KW: I wanted the boys to have a special and quiet place dedicated to books and reading.

LMNOP: Did the boys get some design input?
KW: The boys helped decide on the color of their library.

LMNOP: What’s your favourite design feature of the space?
KW: I created the shelves so the books can be displayed face out making it easier for the boys to pick one out. It also makes the room feel fun and festive.

LMNOP: What advise would you give to families wanting to create a library similar to this in a small space?
KW: You don’t need a whole room; Use shelves with a one inch lip to display the books and a bunch of pillows thrown on the floor.

LMNOP: Do your kids read more now the room has been created?
KW: The boys have always been good readers. It has been a daily activity that we do together since they were babies.

LMNOP: Give your 3 top tips for encouraging kids to read.
KW: 1) Read with your kids. Then you can talk about the story with them. 2) Set a time to read daily. 3) Let them chose the books they want to read.

LMNOP: Name 3 children’s book titles you and your sons are currently enjoying.
KW: Elliott is currently reading Mrs. Cooney Is Looney! (My Weird School book #7) by Dan Gutman. Oliver is currently reading Cat and Mouse in a Haunted House (Geronimo Stilton, # 3) by Geronimo Stilton.

Other books we are reading now include Master of Disaster by Gary Paulson, Spaceheadz (Book #1) by Jon Scieszka and Frankie Pickle and The Pine Run 3000 by Eric Wight.

MAKE YOUR OWN HOME LIBRARY
Borrow some of Wearstler’s style know-how. Read more in LMNOP Magazine, Issue 15.
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