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By Alyce Collins
Senior Reporter
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A mom of two was inspired by a Disney classic for her latest home renovation, as she worked tirelessly for months to create her "dream" room. If you want to find out how she did it, please, be our guest.
For some time, Erika Mathews, 38, contemplated what she should do with the spare room in her Colorado home. The room did not have a specific purpose, so after giving it plenty of thought, Mathews told Newsweek that she decided "a library was the perfect fit."
She continued: "I’ve always been an avid reader; in middle school and high school I could finish a whole novel in a few days. I love mystery novels and have read (almost) every Sherlock Holmes and Agatha Christie book."
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Of course, what is one of the most memorable libraries that springs to mind?
You guessed it: the palatial library from Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. Fans of the 1991 movie will remember the moment the library doors swing open to reveal an unforgettably opulent space filled with endless books for Belle to choose from.
That is exactly what Mathews wanted in her own home.
"Once I decided this room would be a library, it only made sense to get inspiration from Beauty and the Beast," Mathews said. "I've loved Beauty and the Beast since I saw it in theaters when I was 4 years old. I have always wanted to incorporate design elements from the movie, and this room felt like the place to start."
To begin the renovation process, Mathews removed all the design elements that she did not plan on keeping. In this case, that was the popcorn ceiling, the wallpaper, chair rail molding, and the old flooring.
Once the room was prepared, Mathews set to work on building out the walls and adding in the bookshelves before she could begin painting. Indeed, she also constructed an artificial fireplace and replaced the plain window with a stained-glass design with, you guessed it, a red rose in the center.
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"The most challenging projects were the ceiling wallpaper and the gold leaf on the molding," Mathews told Newsweek. "It’s hard to imagine where I started sometimes, which is why it’s nice to have video and photos of the original space."
Mathews spent two months designing her Beauty and the Beast-inspired library, with renovations racking up to around $5,000 in total. As she works full-time and has two children, Mathews had to devote all her weekend time to the renovation project. It was certainly challenging, but so incredibly worth it.
Mathews charmed the internet as she documented the process on social media (@the.elm.house on Instagram). Many of the videos amassed hundreds of thousands of views online, as people eagerly awaited the final reveal.
Every element of the room has been considered at length, from the moldings on each wall and the watercolor ceiling to the gold chandelier. Mathews could not resist donning a yellow lace gown as she added the important finishing touches—a candelabra and an antique clock.
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With the library complete, now it’s time to relax and enjoy a good book in the space.
"My antique book collection still has a special place in my heart, and I hope to have more time soon to slow down and curl up with a good book," Mathews said.
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Contact Newsweek editors on this story: Charlotte Nisbet and James Debens
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