ON SALE NOW - Alden B. Dow: Midwestern Modern This book traces the life of and work of Alden B. Dow as well as the intensely personal philosophy that governed everything he did. 185 color and 220 black-and-white illustrations. More Info

  Interior Design of the Alden B. Dow Home & Studio
 

It's interesting to note that the many vases and bowls in Dow's collection of art objects rest on plywood shelves. Throughout the office and residence, simple built-in shelves and cabinets give the building a functional air, without detracting from the elegance of the space. Table and desk tops are surfaced with solid-color linoleum. True to the organic style, Dow built his living-room tables and chairs in a square design that restates the unit-block module.

Dow liked to experiment with new materials, and the chemical company's involvement in synthetics provided him with a number of new coatings and coverings. The ceilings in the dining and living rooms have translucent plastic panels set between molded wood casings. The panels are removable, and the lights set behind them diffuse through to illuminate both rooms.

The white, gridded walls are a fitting backdrop for Dow's collection of pottery and other artwork. The wall and window detailing in many parts of the building is such that the unit blocks create a broad interior sill that serves equally well for display or seating.

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