2 min read- A "Lib-bar-y" is a combination room combining your home study with a bar space fit for entertaining.
- We first saw the concept in a Kansas City remodel led by the design team at Kobel + Co.
- Complete with cozy counter top lamps and a foot rail, this room design has all the makings of a classic library and an elegant bar.
Whether it's a guest room-office hybrid or a living and play room mashup, dual-purposed spaces add a dose of character and functionality to our homes. As our interiors evolve to become more functional than ever, our spaces need to transition naturally into one another seamlessly, sharing both square footage and purpose.
In a Kansas City mid-century remodel, design duo Mallory Robins and Elizabeth Bennett of Kobel + Co. set out to create a space where minds and glasses could both meet. “The concept truly emerged from a meeting of minds between our two clients,” Bennett explains. “He envisioned a more masculine entertaining space adjacent to the softer, more feminine living room. She wanted a dedicated area that could function as a library, ideal for children doing homework or for a quiet morning coffee.”
Marrying the two desires resulted in a moody, walnut shelf-lined room affectionately coined the“Li-bar-y.” Anchored by a bold, pill-shaped bar, the design is complete with upholstered bench seating and a classic bar foot rail.
The design is rooted in the traditional academic air of libraries, which often feature dark wood paneling along the walls, vintage-inspired fabrics, and table lamps at the bar counter.
Not only did this design provide a clever solution for the combined space, but it also challenged the team to find ways to channel the hobbies and styles that define the family. Bennett and Robins had no trouble placing personal touches without sacrificing the overall academic feel of the space. They channeled those details into the displayed art, framing ski slopes above built-in seating nooks for a not-so-subtle nod to one of the clients’ favorite pastimes.
So, how can you achieve an elegant, multi-functional, academic hybrid in your own home? Bennett says placement was a key factor in bringing this space to life. “The success of this space is rooted in its placement and the circulation established during the renovation,” she says. “It sits along two distinct pathways, one designed for entertaining and the other integrated into everyday family life. Rather than feeling like a compromise, the combination enhances how the home is experienced, making it more dynamic and intentional.”
The other half of finding design success lies in striking the perfect balance. “Balance is key,” Bennett adds. “While the room serves multiple functions, its design intentionally counterpoints the more feminine spaces surrounding it. We wanted it to feel like an anchor within the home, grounding the lighter, more whimsical rooms nearby. The result is a space that feels swanky, moody, and subtly witty, offering a refreshing contrast that elevates the overall design narrative.”
