Erika Mathews, a 38-year-old mother of two from Colorado, turned a spare room into a stunning library inspired by Disney’s classic movie Beauty and the Beast. For months, she worked weekends to create a space she envisioned as her dream room.
Initially, Mathews considered various options for the underutilized room in her home. As an avid reader, she realized a library would be a perfect fit. Mathews shared, “I’ve enjoyed reading since middle school and high school, finishing novels quickly. My interests lie in mystery novels, particularly works by Sherlock Holmes and Agatha Christie.”
The inspiration for Mathews’ library came from the iconic library in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. The 1991 movie featured a grand library with endless books, and Mathews wanted to replicate that opulent atmosphere in her home. “Ever since watching Beauty and the Beast in theaters at 4 years old, I’ve dreamed of incorporating its design elements into my home,” Mathews explained.
The renovation began by stripping existing design elements like the popcorn ceiling, wallpaper, and outdated flooring. Mathews then constructed the walls and bookshelves, painted, built an artificial fireplace, and installed a stained-glass window featuring a red rose, true to the movie’s theme.
The ceiling wallpaper and gold leaf on the molding posed significant challenges. “It’s remarkable to look back at where this started; photos and videos of the original space helped document the transformation,” Mathews recounted. The complete renovation took about two months, costing around $5,000.
Balancing full-time work, family, and this project was demanding but rewarding. Mathews shared her journey on Instagram (@the.elm.house), where videos of the process attracted hundreds of thousands of views.
Attention to detail was crucial. From wall moldings and a watercolor ceiling to a gold chandelier, every aspect reflected the Disney inspiration. Mathews added final touches to the room while wearing a yellow lace gown, complementing the candelabra and antique clock she chose.
With her project complete, Mathews looks forward to enjoying her antique book collection in the new library. “I hope to find more time soon to relax and read,” she said.