Portland’s Buckman neighborhood just got a little more colorful with the opening of Up Up Books, an independent bookstore and workshop space focused on building inclusivity and community. Owner Michelle Gutman worked with Dyer Studio to craft the bold, bright shop, which uplifts through its design as much as the book titles contained within.
“Michelle envisioned an inspiring space that was playful and inviting,” says Stephanie Dyer, the project’s lead designer. “She wanted a gathering place that encouraged prolonged stays, thoughtful discussions and, of course, reading.” Dyer and her team used color to soften the raw, industrial environment, namely a vibrant blue framing the central lounge area that was inspired by the Bauhaus movement.
Above, hanging sculptures made by Dyer and her team crafted from vintage books inject a DIY attitude into the store, reminding visitors of the multifaceted possibilities that can arise from simply opening a book.
