I’ve added some new photos of the exhibit that opened last weekend. Enjoy! ~~Carrie

In anticipation of the newest exhibit, Good Design: Stories from Herman Miller, opening this Saturday, Chief Curator Marc Greuther sat down with Carrie Nolan to talk about mid-century, modern design and how someone could incorporate it into their own home décor.

When you think mid-century modern design you might have visions of kidney-shaped tables or funky looking lamps—something quirky, spare or uncomfortable. But, it’s so much more.

Or sometimes much less: take Charles and Ray Eames for example. Their chairs are simple and yet comfortable. They adopted a reductive approach—simplifying shapes and reducing components—but their work always remained rooted in addressing needs, not aiming for stylistic expression. In a sense they were traditionalists, working closely with materials and tools. Ray’s design lens was particularly attuned to abstraction and sculptural form; her husband Charles always retained an architectural perspective. But they were also non-traditional as designers, not only in the breadth of their activities—filmmaking, exhibit design, toys, fabric and graphic design—but also in the way they cross-referenced their work, enriching their work in one field by their work in others. Together—and with the manufacturing and development commitment of the Herman Miller company—they created some of the most revered furniture designs of all time.

There’s no denying the quirkiness factor in the George Nelson-designed Marshmallow Sofa. With this design, Nelson—who as design director at Herman Miller brought Charles and Ray Eames into the company’s fold—created one of the most iconic designs of the era. It is more comfortable than it looks, but the strong visual presence and uncompromising structural statement established was what established it as a design classic.

Now, how would someone not familiar with mid-century, modern design—or even someone who is—translate this into their own home?

Marc’s advice: Do what works for you. The Eames’ residence, he explains, is a box-like structure built largely from industrial components. Now preserved, it was furnished extensively with Charles and Ray’s own designs, along with select pieces by other designers. But it isn’t a harsh space: there is much decoration and pattern—plenty of fabrics, ornaments, plants—and plenty of light. And where appropriate it is cozy and intimate. Nothing could be further than the notion of Mid-Century Modern design as something sparse, spare and uncomfortable. They used their chosen furnishings wisely and weren’t afraid to mingle organic materials, folk art, fiberglass and plywood.

Marc says try to avoid a severely curated environment—the sort that’s built-up from recognized classics but that doesn’t serve your needs. The best designs from one era have a place with the best designs of other eras. He referenced the 1956 Eames lounge chair that is displayed on the Museum floor. It’s padded and cushy, the lines of design are simple, minimal and classic—it could go with any number of other period’s furnishings.

Also, don’t judge a piece of furniture superficially: fact is, some famous modern furniture designs are renowned more for their designer than their ability to offer comfort; at the same time, many great but anonymous designs from the era might make up for lack of known apparent pedigree with a welcome embrace. So try out potential purchases: start with how well the furniture works as furniture—sit in them, don’t just be seduced by a name or put off by the lack of one.

Starting February 6, check out our newest exhibit, Good Design: Stories from Herman Miller. We have partnered with the Muskegon Museum of Art to bring together some of the best mid-century, modern design furniture of all time – including the designs of influencers Bill Stumpf and Don Chadwick who created the Aeron chair. I hope you come out to see what we’ve chosen – even the famous Marshmallow Sofa will be there – and maybe take some inspiration for your own style.

Also, you won’t want to miss the audio tour of the exhibit, narrated by none other than Marc Greuther – this is your chance to experience what I experienced talking with him in his office. (You can get a complimentary cell phone rental at any ticket counter.)