When digital graphics went mainstream and even the smallest publications were capable of being assembled on desktop computers there was a short period of experimentation with available new standard set of tools. Type and images were being stretched and compressed, a small palette of bright colors raged, and looking digital was the cutting edge thing to do. But that trend exhausted quickly.
Above, a vignette from interior designer Alexa Hampton and her 18th century William Kent table.
Pretty soon the trend would be to remake this new digital medium look less digital and more handmade. Type was stressed, smeared, faded, scratched, decomposed, and all the things they might've done but scrupulously avoided in the analog age. Suddenly, whatever is gone gets valuable again.
Carefully collated stacks atop the coffee table.
So it now seems with books. While digital readers portend massive changes to our reading culture, the trend toward book displays, if the interwebs are to be believed, is heading into mid-rage.
Previously, we posted on well designed book shelves and storage spaces, here, via Houzz, is a survey of books allowed to go a little more free range, freed from the shelves and encroaching into living spaces.
Addenda: More book storage innovations here (posted 3/21).