5 Winter Design Ideas to Warm Up Your Library

Anyone who knows me knows how terrible I am with cold weather. I realize there are people out there that actually look forward to it each year, but given that I was born in Florida on a warm Air Force base near the beach and raised in North Georgia, I handle it about like one might expect. Very badly. So this time of year tends to bring out the comfy cozy version of me that thrives on warmth and alternative design solutions that bring life back into my indoor spaces since the outdoors seem a little less inviting. I've put together a quick list of some things you can do to your Library if you're anything like me and find yourself in need of a bright change.

5 Winter design ideas for your Library 

1.) A fun idea you can use for your children's area is putting together an interactive search activity for them using local plants, animals and insects. Find images of these things and locate pictures of them all around your building and provide a map with clues so they can not only search for these items, but can learn fun facts about their surroundings as well. I've done a little research already and found a great site to begin your search. If this interests you, try searching YOUR local nature resources here:

NATIVE PLANT FINDER

2.) Another option is to pick 3 very specific and noticeable focal point walls and paint them with bright, bold and warm color tones. You'll want to stay within your current color scheme but this is an easy change to make and will visually warm up your space quickly.

3.) Plants are a must! Visit your local nursery or big-box plant department and select some larger green plants that are seasonal. They will add plenty of life to your Library and offer a little plant therapy to your patrons who may be missing mother nature at the moment.

4.) Lighting comes right behind your new plants! Obviously you can't add more windows without a serious renovation or new build, but you CAN make the most of your existing lighting by grouping more of your seating near windows and even adding table lamps with brighter bulbs (stay away from the 3500K temps - they'll be too warm for this purpose). People are often in need of that Vitamin D they're lacking, so any spots they can sit in for long periods of time to absorb the sunshine will make for much happier patrons.

5.) Cozy reading nooks are another great option. This sort of falls in line with rearranging your furniture to get the maximum use of your lighting, but for window spaces that can't be accessed by furniture, you can always create cozier groupings in other areas by using a lot of soft seating and again table lamps to give people a cozy place to sit and read.

So if you're in need of a quick update to your space for Winter, try any of these and let me know if it helps! And please feel free to send me some of your own ideas. I'd love to know what you're doing in YOUR Library during the cold season!