Los Angeles celebrity interior designer Michelle Workman heads down South for a simpler life in Chattanooga, TN. Watch Michelle build her design business in a new setting and completely redesign her southern farmhouse, all while adjusting to the slower-paced life with her once city-dwelling family. New episodes of "Glamour Goes South" will air exclusively on Zillow Blog the first Thursday of every month.

While e-books and the Internet are clearly here to stay, it doesn't mean home libraries, or library-style features in rooms, are leaving any time soon. My husband and I have finally agreed to and embarked upon the first of our home renovations. Part of that is turning the "rec room" into a library and office for the both of us.

We decided to go with a bold color, which you will get to see in the season finale next month. Create your own inspiring place to read and work with these three tips.

Choose a bold color for bookcases

I typically stay away from staining and wood finishes. Fortune favors the bold, and I believe a dark color can really enliven a dreary, stuffy library design, turning it from boring to brilliant in one step.

I love the drama of a high-gloss lacquer, too - particularly with metallic accents added. This is a great way to update a traditional library and create someplace you will want to hang out in all the time.

Customize existing bookcases

In one instance, I used small built-in cases, removed the shelves and had a custom insert built in with a beautiful hexagon pattern. This really updated the boring old shelves.

You can achieve a similar look by removing some or all of your shelving and having a cabinet maker add a little zing to what is already there. A fresh paint job will complete the update. This is a fairly economical way to give you whole library a facelift.

Create customized bookcases in any room

This is a way to utilize a spare bedroom that never gets used, or a basement that has seen better days. Create a custom bookcase with your cabinet maker and find a design that really suits you.

For example, in one project I had the cabinet maker create a "running bond" pattern - similar to what you see with subway tile - to create a pleasing yet simple pattern.

Another time I created a a bookcase with all square, rather than the standard rectangular, openings. In the center I created an opening that allowed us to add a vase and decorative items.  Whatever pattern you choose will make the space truly your own.

Watch the latest episode, which details a client's transformation and the ongoing work at Michelle's home.

Want to create your own bookish space? Find inspiration for home libraries on Zillow Digs.

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