Hasta La Ideas

In the late 1950’s, a swiveling star was born—or rather, designed. Furniture designer and architect Gianfranco Frattini created a revolving bookcase that not only gave books a home, but was fit for displaying other decorative belongings, as well. Now Poltrona Frau has taken Frattini’s lead and recreated the much-loved bookcase with few modifications—hey, timeless design is considered such for a reason—naming it “Albero,” which means “tree” in Italian. After discovering the ROOM Collection last week, all kinds of customizable furniture systems have been catching my eye—this one included.

Frau’s reintroduction of the design is a reminder that vintage furniture doesn’t have to be overused (or used at all), kitschy or “retro.” The bookcase’s customization and easy use that made it so popular in the first place continues to ring true in today’s world where tiny urban apartments and homes are far too common.

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