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Saturday, March 17, 2007

New Way to Look at Bookcases




There are some things in life that we all take for granted; "what goes up must come down", "water always runs downhill", these are pretty much universal constants. One of the other things that we normally take for granted is that bookshelves are horizontal. This doesn't have to be the case. I have included some images of a project where I used diagonal shelves for displaying books, and it creates a terrific visual drama. Another element that helps, is using color on the inside of the shelves. This is an old technique that can do wonders to jazz up a display of books or collectibles, by creating a vibrant backdrop.
The general message of today's posting is, don't take anything for granted. Just because shelves are usually horizontal, doesn't mean they have to be. I think one of the things that makes great design, is the ability to look at the ordinary, in an extra ordinary way. I would love to here your ideas about things that you have used in a new and fresh way.

10 comments:

Jo Walker said...

OMG. Kim blogged this on her early post on bookcases on desire to inspire. Way before we met you. We credited it to the source she found it in, Metropolitan Homes. We'll have to change that now that we know it's another example of your amazing portfolio.

Maison Lunatique said...

Please, save us from the eternally horizontal bookshelf! I also love the chartreuse/chocolate contrast. Check out Matteo Casarosa's tree bookshelf if you have time...

The Peak of Chic said...

Good post. Banish the boring! I want to put marbleized paper on the backs of my bookshelves.

Mark Cutler said...

Jo, that is so funny! Well I appreciate you giving me credit now, it just goes to show what a small world it is.

Mark Cutler said...

Anya, yes I checked out Matteo's bookcase, also very cool. I loved the cellular look of it, especially done in stone.

Mark Cutler said...

Chic, I think that the marbleized paper is such a terrific idea. There used to be a great source for that here in Los Angeles, but they shut up shop a few years ago, I buy mine from a place in Florence now.

kim. said...

My bookcase post now how you as the source for your amazing bookcase.

Anonymous said...

love the shelves! in la, i think you can get all sorts of marbleized and florentine type papers at mcmanus & morgan http://www.la411.com/McManus_Morgan_Inc.cfm
near mcarthur park, by aardvark letterpress...

Mark Cutler said...

Frances, thanks for the tip, I will go down on Saturday and check them out!

Pigtown*Design said...

Mark.. the tagline on my blog is "finding extraordinary things in an ordinary life" which is part of a larger quote about how to lead an extraordinary life. Thanks for reminding us to do this.