Project Reveal: Book Hounds and How To Spend A Weekend In Saint Michaels

Our team recently completed our first commercial project, a wonderfully colorful bookstore on the coast of Maryland. Welcome to Book Hounds, where a curated selection of books meets an eclectic atmosphere geared towards its readers and their four-legged friends.

When our beloved existing client reached out about her new venture, we were immediately intrigued. Our very first commercial project was going to be a dog-friendly bookstore – are you kidding?! We geeked out HARD.

We gave the exterior of this stunning 1920’s Victorian home a face lift by coloring it in a welcoming shade of blue that highlights the original architecture. For a POP, the vibrant lipstick pink door stands out from the street and welcomes the local community and curious visitors inside.

When creating our design intent, we knew we wanted the shop to be colorful, cozy and as welcoming as one’s home. The owner is community focused and plans to hosts book readings regularly for dogs and children to attend – so the design needed to appeal to both kinds of mammals.

Upon entering, you’re greeted by inspiring colors that cascade over custom shelving, with ample amounts of storage for books. The design retains the building’s original fireplace, brickwork and other architectural details. The first floor houses a custom cash wrap and a stunning painting commissioned by Bella Wattles, featuring our client’s beloved rescue labs Willie Nelson and Lucinda Williams. Vintage rugs, warm lighting, cozy pillows and chairs adorn the store giving it a lived-in feel.

To add even more custom appeal to the interiors, whimsical wallpaper and contrasting trim colors flow throughout the rooms of the store. Downstairs you will find a sunroom with lilac trim and darling garden floral wallpaper. The vintage chandelier and runner adorn this section that houses cook, travel and other hobby books.

The children’s room displays the most adorable cobalt mushroom printed wallpaper that gives the room a magical feel, perfect for storytelling. Paired with a shocking chartreuse, this room has a playful feel. The Papa bear chair in the corner is paired with a mushroom side table, perfect for holding a stack of good reads or a drinking glass. We affectionately call this room The Mush Room!

The upstairs is color drenched in a sultry rich red, inspired by the murder and romance novels on the shelves. The bench is custom upholstered in a darling block print that lightens the mood of the room and welcomes readers. This room invites you to stay a while, fall in love or get murdered.

This one is close to our hearts – and was a true labor of love. Love for the client, love for books, love for dogs and a love of St. Michaels. This charming town is just two hours from Philadelphia and we HIGHLY recommend you pay it a visit. You can shop for books, see a space we designed IRL and pet a dog or seven – what more could you want?!

Planning to make a weekend trip? Make the most out of your stay by visiting these spots close by. Delight in sweet treats from Justine’s and Old Town Candy Company. Grab tacos at the new San Miguels for a delicious lunch and Limoncello for evening faire (try the pizza). Stay the night at the stunning The Wildest, a dog-friendly boutique hotel with a delicious on-site restaurant for brunch the next morning, The Ruse. Do some shopping at Antiques on Talbot and Take Me Home. Enjoy your stay!