Room by Room – the Blu Dot Chicago 8 Box

This week, Room by Room with FormFire Glassworks moves into more current work with the Chicago 8 Box shelving unit by Blu Dot.

The Chicago 8-Box was designed by the collaborative team from Blu Dot in the late 90s to provide reasonable options for well-designed simple furniture that tips its hat to the modern stylings of the Eames’ and other classic designers. Currently available in maple, cherry or a graphite stain on oak, the staggered boxes of this shelving unit are suspended on metal tubes, and fill a wall without looking heavy. Books and other accessories can be placed within the boxes or between them, giving multiple background looks in one unit. I have this piece in an earlier wenge model, and love the versatility it provides for creating small vignettes within a fairly spacious bookcase.

Wood and warm colors were the inspiration for today’s handmade accessory picks. A walnut sushi tray begs to be touched, while a linen table runner pairs whimsy with modern simplicity. A jar decorated with vintage zippers adds both texture and color, while a tiered planter stand is practical with a retro vibe. The wood-framed sling chair invites you to sit back and relax, enjoying your day either inside or out on the patio.

Next week I will choose another gorgeous piece and give you my picks for accessorizing your modern home.