Mom Transforms Spare Room Into Enchanting Library

Erika Mathews, a 38-year-old mother from Colorado, dedicated herself to a remarkable home renovation influenced by a beloved Disney classic. For months, she focused her efforts on transforming a spare room in her home into a dream library.

Mathews had been pondering how to use the unused space until she envisioned it as a library. Describing herself as an avid reader who could finish a novel in a few days, she felt that a library would be a fitting use for the room.

The inspiration for her library came from Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, which features a grand and lavish library. This iconic space from the 1991 film inspired Mathews to bring a similar atmosphere into her own home.

Once Mathews decided to create a library, she began by stripping the room down to remove elements she did not want to keep, such as the popcorn ceiling, wallpaper, chair rail molding, and old flooring.

She then proceeded to build out the walls and install bookshelves before painting. Mathews also built an artificial fireplace and replaced a plain window with a stained-glass window featuring a red rose at its center.

The most challenging parts for Mathews were applying the gold leaf on the molding and installing the ceiling wallpaper. Documenting her progress, she often looked back at photos and videos of the original space to reflect on how far she had come.

Mathews spent two months on this project, with costs totaling around $5,000. Juggling her full-time job and family responsibilities, she dedicated her weekends to the renovation.

The project captured the attention of many online as Mathews shared her journey on social media (@the.elm.house on Instagram), drawing hundreds of thousands of views eager to see the completion of her enchanting library.

Each design feature was thoughtfully planned, from the moldings and the watercolor ceiling to the gold chandelier. Mathews even donned a yellow lace gown while adding final touches like a candelabra and an antique clock.

With the library complete, Mathews looks forward to spending time with her antique book collection in the peaceful space she’s created. She hopes to find more time soon to enjoy reading in her new library.