The Memphis Group’s Carlton bookshelf has always caught my eye. It’s bold, playful, and a total statement piece. But let’s be real—dropping $20,000 on a shelf just isn’t in the cards for most of us. So, I figured, why not try making it myself? Especially since Carlton also happens to be my last name—fate, right? Here’s how I recreated the top half of this iconic design for a fraction of the cost, and had a blast doing it.
What I Used:
To pull this off, I gathered some basic materials that anyone can get their hands on:
- Plywood for the structure
- Paint in those eye-popping Memphis Group colors
- Wood glue and screws to keep it all together
- Optional: Integrated my fire alarm into the design because, why not?
How I Made It:
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Sketching It Out: I started with a rough sketch, focusing on the top half of the Carlton bookshelf. The only measurement I really cared about was making sure the top box was at least 8" x 8"—I needed it to fit around my fire alarm.
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Cutting and Building: After sketching, it was time to get to work. I cut the plywood into all the right shapes and started assembling it with wood glue and screws. This part was all about making sure everything lined up perfectly.
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Painting: This was the fun part. I went all-in on the bright colors, painting each section in those signature Memphis Group tones. It wasn’t just about looking good; it was about making a statement. Plus, I figured out how to make my fire alarm part of the design—turning a necessity into a cool feature.
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Final Touches: Once everything dried, I secured the whole thing to the wall. Boom! My own Carlton bookshelf was complete.
The Final Result:
Honestly, I couldn’t be happier with how it turned out. My DIY version may only be the top half of the original, but it captures the spirit of the design perfectly—and all for a tiny fraction of the price. It’s a total conversation starter, and it adds just the right amount of pop to my space.
Wrapping It Up:
This project was a win on so many levels. Not only did I get to flex my DIY muscles, but I also brought a piece of design history into my home in a way that’s totally personal. So, if you’re eyeing a high-end piece but don’t want to break the bank, why not give it a go yourself? You might surprise yourself with what you can create.