The designers at Dwell Interior Design created special showcases for the homeowners' book collection in this three-room condominium apartment. The rest of the apartment is washed in a neutral palette of dark brown and beige, to let the colours from the book covers stand out.

The designer wanted to create a warm and cosy library-like den for the living area. The massive dark wood bookshelf anchors the space with its bulk, but the structure is lightened with its back-lit shelves. The illumination also gives the books and display objects more presence.  

Cookbooks usually have attractive, enticing covers, and this is put to good use by having a shelf in the open-concept kitchen that puts the covers on display.

A cosy and well-lit reading corner is created right opposite the bookshelf by tucking a cream upholstered armchair and ottoman to the side of the living room and positioned under downlights. 

Beige, cream and wood tones create a serene atmosphere for rest in the bedroom.

This Parisian flat was designed to include five bookcases, big and small, which separate three living spaces. It also cleverly incorporated the apartment's sloped roofline into the design. Home to a family of four, it was designed by h2o architectes. 

Light wood and white are a classic combination, used here for both walls and floor – in a quirky layout too! We love the angled side of these built-in bookcases, and how colours from the books and displays personalise the space.

According to Design Milk, each of the three spaces is separated based on its function and they all face a different orientation – East, West, or South.

The kitchen is fuss-free and minimalist.

Keeping to the white and wood theme, a tan leather one-seater is placed near the window. Natural light is the best light for reading!

Although the flat might seem plainly decorated at first – like the all-white look for the kitchen and bathroom – the family is actually not afraid to inject some colour into their home! Lime green and orange are hues that most would be nervous about, but they fit perfectly here.

Photos by Stephane Chalmeau.