A Library & Artist’s Studio
Bath, Somerset
For a prominent writer and photographer and his partner, moving from the United States to a Georgian townhouse in Bath meant finding a new home for a much-loved collection of books and space for creative work.
Having not owned a Georgian property before, the couple wanted the new furniture to feel sympathetic to the building. We designed, made and installed bookcases, alcove cupboards and studio cabinetry, taking our cues from the house’s proportions and existing architectural details.
The brief was for simple, timeless pieces that would blend into their surroundings while making the rooms more useful.
All photos by Adam Carter Photography.
Services included: Fitted furniture, internal joinery
Bath, Somerset
Budget: Private
A home for a life in books
A substantial book collection called for generous shelving, carefully proportioned to suit a room with ceilings more than three and a half metres high.
We developed the bookcase around both the collection and the architecture, balancing the height of the shelving with the scale of the room. A bespoke cornice completes the top, while the plinth follows the existing skirting. Moulded shelf edges and subtle frame detailing give the furniture definition without making it overly decorative.
A library ladder from our period ladder range provides access to the upper shelves, supported by a rail forged by our blacksmith partner. Finished in the clients’ chosen paint, the bookcase brings colour and character to the room while allowing the books to remain its focus.
Alcove cabinetry
On the opposite wall, a pair of alcove cupboards provides much-needed storage. Their detailing complements the bookcase, creating a connection between the pieces without competing for attention.
The approach is deliberately restrained: considered proportions, familiar architectural details and furniture fitted to the particular dimensions of the room.
Space to create
On the top floor, we adapted existing alcove cupboards for use within an artist’s studio. New internal linings and bespoke doors brought the storage into keeping with the room, retaining the existing spaces while improving their finish and usefulness.
A fitted display bookcase between the cupboards completes the arrangement, combining open shelving with concealed storage for the working studio.
As throughout the project, the aim was to make the furniture feel settled within the house: useful, unobtrusive and sympathetic to the building around it.