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Quiet Space With Bookcases and Fireplace

We all need time to think, read and/or write, to sketch or simply dream.  A quiet space within our home can be a refuge from hectic lives and too many electronic diversions.  That space doesn’t need to be a closed room with a heavy door, you may want to be close to the activity inside your home, just not in the middle of it all the time.

When planning a quiet or contemplative space, care should be taken to decide whether the room is going to focus inward, outward or both.  If there is an existing view, designing the size and placement of windows is critical.  An inward focused room might include a fireplace, an art wall or perhaps bookcases galore.

We sometimes include a reading nook in our designs which has a built in window seat and a side wall to lean up against. It is important to remember that one person’s contemplation may include Tolstoy while another’s is brandy and cigars.

In the summer, my back porch gives me a needed respite, and in the winter my quiet space is our kitchen at 5:30 in the morning.  This is the time before everyone wakes up that I use to daydream and write blogs.

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Quiet Space With Art Niches

Study Detail 1

Quiet Home Office

About the Author: James Crisp

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James M. Crisp has been an architect for well over 30 years. His architectural firm, Crisp Architects, designs projects throughout New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Massachusetts. In April of 2007, Taunton Press published 'On the Porch' by James M. Crisp and Sandra Mahoney.

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4 Comments

  1. 9E13B6E3291F23376824Bf0Fc8F3661E?S=54&R=G
    Louise November 17, 2011 at 11:19 am

    Hi Jimmy, enjoyed reading your comments and pictures. I agree, there is nothing so peaceful as a time-out room away from the hub of everyday life. We all need a quieting of the mind in surroundings that soothe and comfort.
    You and your family and staff have a wonderful Thanksgiving.

  2. Aa2Cbf39867Dfccabe80558316A86802?S=54&R=G
    James Crisp December 8, 2011 at 3:51 pm

    Yes, we all need a quiet space sometimes

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    Samantha December 29, 2011 at 9:53 am

    I’m English yet live quite far away (far East). We’ve been very unsure where we’ll end up eventually but NY has always been on cards. Seems that’s where fate will take us next year! (as in ny metro). I’ve coveted your work for some time (Houzz). Despite 2 kids and nearing 40 have never owned my own home. Am hoping you will work your magic for us down the line once we’ve settled as building our own home has always been a dream (though im afraid modest and wont be grand but hopefully beautifully crafted :) I have DREAMED of my own library/ snug/ reading room for years (don’t even get me started on my own bathroom). Seeing this has just made me want it even more. With a lovely log fire/stove. No TV. I absolutely love ALL your projects.

  4. Aa2Cbf39867Dfccabe80558316A86802?S=54&R=G
    James Crisp January 10, 2012 at 9:16 am

    Dear Samantha,

    Thank you so much for your interest in our work. If you are in the area please stop by. Somehow I missed your comment or I would have answered it sooner. Jimmy Crisp

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