Underutilized Living Room Transforms Into Literary Haven With Strategic Design Choices
A Manhattan apartment owner collaborated with a professional designer to convert an unused living room into a functional and stylish reading space. The transformation centered on applying dark, moody paint colors to the walls and adding custom built-in bookshelves that evoke the atmosphere of a classic library. The project successfully blended traditional library aesthetics with contemporary design elements.
Amanda Mactas enlisted professional designer Kim Liptak to tackle a living room that had remained virtually untouched since her move to Manhattan. The space previously served no purpose beyond occasional workouts and storage for moving boxes, making it an ideal candidate for reimagining. The comprehensive renovation coincided with broader apartment improvements, including expanded closet and bathroom renovations that required full-unit demolition work.
The designer's strategic approach centered on creating atmospheric depth through color and custom millwork. Two built-in bookshelf installations—one original to the space and one newly constructed—anchor the room and display Mactas's collection of first-edition and antique volumes. The larger shelving project required two months of professional construction followed by two days of installation, establishing the foundational library aesthetic that shaped all subsequent design decisions.
This residential transformation may resonate with urban dwellers facing underutilized spaces and design paralysis, potentially encouraging investment in professional consultation for neglected rooms. The project demonstrates how focused design interventions can significantly increase property functionality and personal enjoyment, which could influence homeowner spending on interior services. However, the professional-level execution and custom built-in costs may limit applicability for renters and those with tighter budgets, potentially creating a divide between aspirational content and accessible solutions for broader audiences.