Kitchen libraries are the new way to add character to your scheme – and these five designs are perfect examples

Off the back of the bookshelf wealth trend, kitchen libraries are fast becoming an easy way to add character and personality to schemes. Adding homey appeal and an unexpected feature, it's no surprise this decor style is gaining popularity.

Kitchen ideas have been transitioning into more livable spaces for a few years now, and kitchen libraries feel like the right next kitchen trend. It really offers a huge amount of opportunity to personalize your space and create a more decorative element.

So, whether you're carving out a space for cookbooks, creating cohesion in an open-plan space, or simply want to add an unexpected feature, these kitchen library ideas are sure to inspire a studious refresh.

5 kitchen library ideas to inspire your space

Whether you've got one shelf or a full wall to utilize, a kitchen library adds abundant character to your scheme. These five spaces prove a bookshelf can add visual appeal to kitchens big and small.

1. Make use of vertical space

For most people, kitchen wall space is often filled with cabinetry and storage, so adding lots of shelving for books simply isn't the priority. However, if you look to the space above eye level, you might find you have the right amount of space for a bookshelf or two.

'It came to thinking outside of the box in order to include shelving in this kitchen. Wall space at eye level not being an option, it stood to reason that mounting the shelving above the window – where we could get a decent long run of shelving – would work, because books could still be reached,' explains interior designer Benji Lewis, who created this kitchen library.

'The inclusion of kitchen shelving like this is a really charming way of injecting character into your room, it shows thought has been given to things and packs a lovely personal punch when laden with books or decorative china,' he adds.

Benji Lewis

Benji Lewis is a well-established British interior designer with extensive experience working on residential and commercial properties both at home and abroad. These include flats and studios, town and country houses, listed properties and commercial spaces such as the redesign of London’s Universal Studios offices.

2. Build a bookshelf into your kitchen island

Introducing a kitchen library or bookshelf area doesn't require adding new furniture to your kitchen. Utilizing what you already have can be just as effective, especially if your kitchen is large with lots of storage space.

In this kitchen, a small area of the island storage has been used as a bookshelf area, with a fun selection of recipe books and favorite reads.

This not only creates a playful feature amongst the cabinetry, but it ensures the books are within easy reach, and encourages the homeowner to spend more social time in the kitchen.

3. Add floor to ceiling bookshelves beside your kitchen cabinetry

Open-plan spaces offer more opportunities for creating a statement kitchen library than you might think. With the increased wall space and the need to create cohesion between the cooking space and living area, a large bookshelf can help soften the hard lines of the cabinetry.

The large bookshelf in this open-plan kitchen is the same height as the cabinetry, but because it is slightly shallower, it still feels separate while visually softening the bulkiness of the cabinets as you enter the space

And, because there is so much shelf space, this bookshelf has been curated using books and a selection of eye-catching decor. As it's so close to the kitchen, it offers the option to store recipe books here, too.

4. Frame a kitchen door with bookshelves

A kitchen library can be created in a more unexpected way. Looking at the areas of your kitchen that can't be used for much else can spark creative ways to introduce bookshelves without impeding on countertop space and essential storage space. In this kitchen, the space around the door has been transformed into the perfect place to display books.

'This corner of the kitchen flows into the children's room and is a wonderfully playful addition for both children and adults which creates an instant conversation starter – firstly about the feature and then, most importantly, what's on the shelves,' says Lucy Sear-Barlow, director at Barlow & Barlow Design.

The bookshelves flow seamlessly into a cozy bench seat in the corner, ideal for relaxing and enjoying one of the many reads stored in the kitchen library.

5. Integrate a bookshelf into kitchen built-ins

When you hear the term 'kitchen library' you might think of a bookshelf separate from other shelving in your kitchen, but this doesn't need to be the case. In fact, introducing book storage to existing shelves housing kitchenware can help to fuse the two spaces together.

This kitchen is a perfect example – wall units, which feature a mix of closed and open storage, have been given a personality-filled update using books and glassware. In theory, the two shouldn't work together, but the colors of the books tie in beautifully with the stripe wallpaper.

It also encouraged the homeowner to really use the space – you can easily grab a glass, choose a book, and take a seat at the kitchen island or dining table for a relaxing evening.

Kitchen libraries come in all styles and sizes – whether you add a single floating shelf or a built-in bookcase, it's all about filling your kitchen with things you love. Consider what design will best suit your space and you'll create a feature that becomes the talking point of your home.