Eames Classics Reimagined: Herman Miller X Hay
The Danish designer couple Rolf and Mette Hay have always been fans of Charles and Ray Eames' classic furniture pieces. So much so that the Eames Lounge Chair was the centerpiece of the Hays first home in Copenhagen. The present day spouses share so much with the power-couple of architecture back in the 1950s.
Charles and Ray Eames are the most notable American designers of the 20th century – with their innovative designs setting a precedent for the furniture world even today. They designed their iconic Eames Lounge chair for the manufacturer company Herman Miller in 1956. The chair became the epitome of class and comfort and is still produced and bought like umbrellas on a rainy day.
But the market for modern industrialism gets increasingly concentrated with each passing day. Herman Miller has long been the leading brand in its niche, but when things stay stagnant, their progression stops. So the brand invited the Hays celebrating their 20th-anniversary, to reinvent eight classic Eames furniture pieces.
The outcome, as one would expect, was monumental.
Preserving Originality
Mette and Rolf Hay are true Eames aficionados. Even their brainchild brand is an ode to the cheerful and human-centric approach of the mid-century modern design geniuses.
When given an opportunity to breathe new life into authentic Eames pieces, they ensured that their reinventions didn’t sway away from the originals.
“Everything starts with Ray and Charles,” Rolf says.
The plastic chairs, low tables, and outdoor wire chairs look reminiscent of their original glory. But with a modern twist.
Fresh Materials And Technology
Even the details they did change took cues from the Eameses’ passion for experimenting with new materials and techniques.
“I learned from the Eameses that new technology or new materials can be very inspiring starting points,” Rolf describes.
Hence, the classic molded plastic chair transformed its form and now has a seat made of 100% post-industrial recycled plastic. The Hang-It-All coat hanger is now embellished with glass orbs, and the Wire-Base Low Table and Round Table now have a glass top.
Even the Wire Chairs are powder-coated, with the option to dress them with weather-resistant cushions.
Cheerful Colour Palette
According to the Hay ideology, it is essential to experiment while having fun. A designer’s creations, even if sharing their basis with another designer, should speak of their individuality and carry their personal touch.
In this case, the Hays channeled their uniqueness into the reinvented designs through playful colours and modern finishing. Mette used the Herman Miller archives as a compass to direct her to the refreshing but recognizable colour palette.
Vivid new shades such as indigo, mint, toffee, emerald, powder pink, iron red, and pale yellow bedazzle the revamped pieces.
Honouring Eames’s Allies
Eames, Herman Miller, and Hay are not the only brands influencing the latest furniture pieces. When there was a need to reinvent the quintessential ‘Eames Compact Sofa,’ what could be a better option than Maharam?
Rolf and Mette honoured Eames’ close-knit relationship with the most phenomenal American textile and interior designer, Alexander Girard. Together with Maharam, the team reissued Girard’s “Jacob Coat” textile. The sofa was reborn after being upholstered with the circa -1955 colorway of the fabric.
High Regard For Human Relationships
The amalgamation of geniuses of several artists and their styles speaks volumes about Hays’ high regard for cooperation and human relationships. According to them, design should have the power to bring people together by representing people of all kinds of mindsets and backgrounds.
The use of everyday materials and well-known designs make these pieces easily recognizable. So when they adorn a home, it looks familiar and exudes a sense of belonging. The primary objective of designing this collection is to make good designs suitable for everyone.
An Overview Of The Reimagined Pieces:
Hay reinvented eight Eames classics by bringing its inventive and vibrant personal touch to them. Here is a brief overview of each of the eight pieces:
- Hang-It-All: A new take on a playful classic with cast-glass orbs and a cheerful, refreshed colour palette.
- Wire Base Low Table: Reimagined in new colorways and a cast-glass top for the outdoors
- Round Table: Features a new glass top and lively hues.
- Wire Chair: Powder-coated, weather-resistant, and 4 spirited new colourways.
- Molded Plastic Shell Chair: Six new colorways designed by Hay, with matching powder-coated steel bases.
- Molded Plywood Chair: A Hay favourite, now dons a gorgeous new colour – emerald green.
- Molded Plastic Armchair: A simple, beautiful, classic form that looks great in any setting.
- Sofa Compact: Features a previously discontinued colourway by Alexander Girard, whose bold colours and textures were first introduced for Herman Miller in 1952.
