Few furniture companies consider ergonomic quality as seriously as Herman Miller does. The American brand, which turned 120 years old this year, has become revered and admired by turning out products that put function before aesthetics. Ironically, that approach has yielded some of the most iconic designs of the twentieth century. (The fact that those pieces were conceived by some of the design world’s most forward-thinking visionaries simply adds to their appeal.) This fun conundrum can be explored at the brand’s new showroom at the Shops at Merrick Park (370 San Lorenzo Avenue) in Coral Gables.
The new space is an ideal showcase for Herman Miller’s legacy pieces (more on that below), as well as a fitting room of sorts (seat, lean back, and spin) for the brand’s innovative seating pieces, which include the Aeron, still known as the VIP of office chairs.
Also on display are Herman Miller’s recent introductions and re-issues. Among these is the Luva, a Gabriel Tan-designed sofa whose plump shape was inspired by the padded support of boxing gloves, and the Girard stool, now crafted in sustainable materials and upholstered with fabrics that celebrate creator Alexander Girard’s signature patterns.
Classic Hits
Three iconic Herman Miller favorites with everlasting appeal
Designed by George Nelson from an idea by inventor Irving Harper, the Marshmallow sofa (1956) gets its name from the hand-upholstered, plywood-backed “marshmallows.”
Introduced to the world in 1947, the Noguchi table by industrial designer Isamu Noguchi is a simple design based on three elements (a glass top and two interlocking wood pieces), yet its appeal is global.
Designed by Charles and Ray Eames, the Eames lounge chair and ottoman (1956) have become cherished musts of design connoisseurs worldwide.
Story Credits:
Text by Luis R. Rigual
Photo courtesy of Herman Miller
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