For our latest lookbook, we explore how bookmaxxing can add interest to an interior, looking at examples ranging from a penthouse in Germany to the home of Radiohead singer Thom Yorke.
The tongue-in-cheek term bookmaxxing is used to describe the current trend of showcasing books in a myriad of different ways, as seen in these homes from Spain to Japan.
Filling your home with books doesn't just indicate to visitors that you like to read, but can also help to create a warm, inviting feel and bring a flash of colour to monochrome interiors.
This is the latest in our lookbooks series, which provides visual inspiration from Dezeen's archive. For more inspiration, see previous lookbooks featuring reclaimed materials, statement sofas and scenic bathrooms.
Sailor's House, Spain, by Raúl Sánchez
In 1865, sailor Antoni Cuyas turned two separate homes into one property in Mataro, Spain, where his descendant now lives and has updated the interiors.
The historic home features plenty of eye-catching details, such as the ornate wooden panels that complement stainless-steel bookshelves and a glossy red table by Italian architect Carlo Scarpa.
Find out more about Sailor's House ›
Athens penthouse, Greece, by Local Local
A historic townhouse in Greece was given an overhaul by architecture studio Local Local, which used locally inspired materials and patterns that nod to the architecture of the Plaka neighbourhood where it's located.
In the all-white living room, which features architectural sconces and a classic fireplace, shelves full of books add a joyful touch of colour.
Find out more about the Athens penthouse ›
Heion House, UK, by Studio Hagen Hall
Studio Hagen Hall referenced Japanese and modernist design when creating this interior for the residents of Heion House in Islington, London, who had previously lived in Japan.
Oak wood was used throughout the home, including in a book-lined nook with a small workspace and a wooden stool.
Find out more about Heion House ›
Frankfurt penthouse, Germany, by Holzrausch
High above Frankfurt, this penthouse features open-plan living spaces that lead out to a roof terrace overlooking the city.
A wooden bookshelf located right next to the terrace means that reading materials are readily available to the owners, who wanted to live in "a roof garden in the middle of the city".
Find out more about the Frankfurt penthouse ›
Farleigh Road House, UK, by Paolo Cossu Architects
An extra-wide oak staircase takes centre stage at Farleigh Road House in London, which was designed by Paolo Cossu Architects.
The staircase extends out into bookshelves, creating a practical and stylish solution that also functions as a connection between the upper and lower floors.
Find out more about the Farleigh Road house ›
House in Nakano, Japan, by HOAA
This timber-lined home in Tokyo has a very unusual facade, with an elevated, looping metal terrace for potted plants.
Inside, plants and books sit on timber shelves in the windows, creating a homely feel in an otherwise fairly industrial interior.
Find out more about House in Nakano ›
Rome penthouse, Italy, by Serena Mignatti
Architect Serena Minghetti designed this home in Rome, which has a pared-back aesthetic informed by the Japanese philosophy of wabi-sabi, for musician Thom Yorke and actress Dajana Roncione.
While the home doesn't feature much decoration, its shelves are filled with books, including tomes on artists Kandinsky and Van Gogh.
Find out more about the Rome penthouse ›
Mayfair mews house, UK, by Child Studio
It's all about the subtle colour palette in this Mayfair mews courtyard home, designed by Child Studio for a hotelier and restaurateur.
At its centre is a lounge informed by the grand salon in fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent's Paris home. Here, art and fashion books sit next to a glossy black sculpture, adding interest to the pared-back interior.
Find out more about the Mayfair mews house ›
This is the latest in our lookbooks series, which provides visual inspiration from Dezeen's archive. For more inspiration, see previous lookbooks featuring reclaimed materials, statement sofas and scenic bathrooms.