Inspired by Collectible Icons

Looking for interior design inspiration?

Often the best way to move forward, especially for us mid-century modern homeowners, is with a backward glance.

During the mid-20th-century, world-class designers, from Charles and Ray Eames to George Nelson, created timeless furnishings with modern silhouettes that still turn heads today.

Artist/designer Isamu Noguchi believed that "art should become as one with its surroundings," and so many of the iconic designs by these classic artisans fulfill that maxim. Designs with provenance—such as the Noguchi table, Eames lounge, and Nelson slat bench—help set the stage for a well-designed interior that will look particularly at home in the indoor-outdoor world of Eichlers and Strengs.

With such enduring design and appeal, today's designers regularly incorporate iconic pieces into their settings to achieve a mid-century aesthetic, or accent a contemporary or casual design. And you can do the same.

Investing in original pieces is one option, though vintage examples are often hard to find, and have skyrocketed in price in recent years.

But we can remedy that, as we explore eight great icons—both reissues and inspired reimaginations—that are still in production, affordable, likely to appreciate in value, and that can be enjoyed for years to come.

At the top of every interior designer's list, the Eames lounge chair and ottoman may be among the most copied 20th century icons. Created by the husband-and-wife team of Charles and Ray Eames, the design premiered in 1956. Curious what the Eames' inspirations were? A comfy antique 19th century club chair and a second-hand leather baseball mitt—brilliant. Available from multiple sources: from $595 (inspiration from Keeks Design) to $7,495 (reissue from Herman Miller)

Aesthetically pleasing with flexibility of function, the Nelson platform bench, also known as a slat bench, was conceived by architect and designer George Nelson, hitting the market in 1947. The bench's rectilinear lines reflect Nelson's architectural sensibilities, and his belief that design should make an honest visual statement about an object's purpose. Available from multiple sources: from $239 (inspiration from By Bespoek) to $1,995 (reissue from Herman Miller).

A design dating to 1948, this captivating piece combines artistry with functional design, pairing an interlocking wood base with a free-form glass surface. As the story goes, while designer George Nelson was working on an article titled 'How to Make a Table,' he came across Noguchi's design, and was so impressed with it that he recommended that the Herman Miller company produce it. Available from multiple sources: from $595 (inspiration from Keeks Design) to $2,295 (reissue from Herman Miller).