Inspired by Disney: A Mom’s Library Transformation

Erika Mathews, a mother of two from Colorado, drew inspiration from a Disney classic for her latest home renovation project. She invested months of effort to create her ‘dream’ room.

For a while, Mathews, 38, pondered the purpose of a spare room in her home. She eventually told Newsweek, ‘a library was the perfect fit.’ Mathews has always been an avid reader, with a strong affinity for mystery novels, having read nearly every work by Sherlock Holmes and Agatha Christie.

When asked about her inspiration, she referred to the iconic library from Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. Fans will remember the grand library scene from the 1991 film. This vision guided Mathews in transforming her space.

‘Once I decided this room would be a library, it only made sense to get inspiration from Beauty and the Beast,’ Mathews shared. Having adored the movie since childhood, she felt this was the ideal project for incorporating its design elements.

To start the renovation, Mathews removed any features she didn’t plan to keep, such as the popcorn ceiling, wallpaper, and old flooring.

With the room prepared, she proceeded to construct the walls and install bookshelves before delving into painting. She also created an artificial fireplace and replaced the window with a stained-glass design featuring a red rose.

The most challenging tasks involved wallpapering the ceiling and applying gold leaf to the moldings. ‘It’s hard to imagine where I started sometimes,’ Mathews recalled, expressing gratitude for having video and photos of the original space.

In total, Mathews dedicated two months to designing her Beauty and the Beast-inspired library, with expenses totaling around $5,000. Balancing a full-time job and two children, she used weekends to advance the renovation. Despite the challenges, the outcome was rewarding.

Mathews shared the journey on social media (@the.elm.house on Instagram), capturing the attention of many. Her videos garnered hundreds of thousands of views, with followers eagerly awaiting the final reveal.

The details of the room are meticulous, from wall moldings and watercolor ceilings to a gold chandelier. Mathews donned a yellow lace gown to add finishing touches, including a candelabra and an antique clock.

With the library now complete, Mathews looks forward to indulging in her antique book collection. ‘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,’ she expressed.