Appealing Bookcases

When I first started to become interested in design I was dating a guy whose mother was an interior designer. She had an innate talent for making things look great. Every corner of every house was finished to perfection. Even the bookshelves. (Yes, I noticed). What came as a surprise was that she had asked one of her assistants to do them. Mary, she said, had a talent for making shelves look great and perfectly accessorized. Sometimes I wonder if it had to do with the fact that it wasn’t Mary’s stuff. I don’t think so. I have always taken note of bookshelves and decorative spaces. I’ve studied what I like and what I don’t like and why, but to tell you the truth, that doesn’t make it any easier. Each time we are presented with new display challenges in our work it is different- each person cherishes different things and wants to see certain items every day. Sometimes it can be intricately framed needlework, other times it can be a doll collection or a highly meaningful memorabilia collection. Sometimes we supplement what our clients already own to help them complete a display, but more often we end up editing what they have to make a display with more impact. Less is often more.

There are a few things you can think about when creating beautiful display shelves. The first and most important is to make sure the lighting is good. If possible, under shelf lighting is great. It can highlight individual and important items. But do make sure the light is balanced. A set of shelves should be lit from above with a wall washer to insure adequate overall light and diminish deep shadows. If you are lucky enough to have the opportunity to add this type of light during construction, don’t let the opportunity pass you by.

Another great trick to use in built-in shelving is to paint or paper the inside of the shelves. You can do just the back, but I prefer the back and the sides- leaving the shelves painted or stained as the exterior trim to tie the look together. Use a deeper color shade, and keep them all uniform.
Lastly, think about visual interest. Lay books both horizontally and vertically. Insert artwork, sculpture, and other small items sparingly and randomly. Balance is nice, but think about variety with different heights and interesting stopping points for the eye. And have fun.


Image at the top: Very practical bookshelves in the Chicago office of designer Alesandra Branca.


Here are a few more great examples:


The bookshelf as a backdrop. I wouldn't have thought of this, but I like the idea of making practical space out of a wall of bookshelves.



Create interest by hanging artwork on the outside of the shelves.


This is a simple bamboo shelf in Barclay Butera's entry. Notice the color and the proportion of the objects mixed in with the books.

McDonald's New Concepts

I'm not a huge fan of fast food. I try not to eat it, but let's face it, if you put McDonald's fries in front of me I'm hard pressed to say no. The best in the business. Well, I think it's fair to say that McDonald's has leapfrogged all other QSR establishments in the design arena as well. The company recently hired Studio Gaia to design new restaurant concepts and (if I may say so) they ROCKED it!! Check out these images! Would you have guessed McDonalds? Would you have guessed fast food? Studio Gaia emphasizes the use of straightforward and inexpensive materials. The end result looks anything but inexpensive- I'm so impressed. The concepts were recently featured in Hospitality Design Magazine and (I hope) McDonald's will start rolling them out soon. In fact, I just heard that a new concept store opened a few miles from the office today. I may have to stop in. The question is, can I resist the fries?



Below is another, more urban concept. Also by Studio Gaia.

I'm working on it....

Hi Readers-

I realize that the text here got really small and hard to read all of the sudden. I'm working on it! We will be adding an RSS Feed and links to follow me on Twitter very soon. Thanks for your patience!

Jenny

Art Upon Art

I can't help posting another brilliant move by Hermes. It's right up my alley. Hermes has taken the beautiful color studies of Joseph Albers and woven them into silk scarves! Mind you, this happened last Fall, but I bet you can still find them.... if you're lucky enough to be able to get one. This is such an obvious pairing- color in any natural material is richer and more vibrant and beautiful. Such amazing color combinations in silk is downright luxurious. My color professor in school studied with Joseph and Annie Albers, so I have always had a fondness for their work. Hermes and Joseph Albers? Slam dunk!!

Marble

I can't get away from the fact that I simply LOVE marble countertops. I know so many people find them less than practical, but this surface is timeless and incredibly beautiful. Plus, what do you have and live with each day that doesn't show any character or age? I consider it wabi-sabi and I think it's a good thing. Without a doubt my next kitchen will have marble countertops.

A Litte Peace

There is so much heavy stuff going on in the world and personally lately that it feels like a good time for a little peace. Stop and think. And be good to each other... life is too short.

Hermes Goes to Work

Hermes Goes to Work





This Hermes Desk Set recently caught my eye. The lines are clean and sleek and each piece is emblazoned with the trademark "H". I tend to love almost anything that this company creates, despite the fact that most of it is "untouchable" for me. This is no exception. I recall that the jump drive alone is in the $700 range. Style doesn't always come cheap.... but a girl can dream.