According to Dow's philosophy, all structures must exhibit honesty, humility, and enthusiasm. Honesty refers to the straightforward use of materials to meet a need, while humility encourages a balance between buildings and their surrounding environment. Enthusiasm is  Photo 7 of 8 in Alden B. Dow: The Mastermind of Midwestern Modernism

Alden B. Dow: The Mastermind of Midwestern Modernism

A red-orange carpet sets the stage for the dining area. Here, Dow taught his children lessons about honesty, humility, and enthusiasm—three values integral to all structures. Honesty refers to the straightforward use of materials to meet a need, while humility encourages a balance between buildings and their surrounding environment. Enthusiasm is "the real life-giving property...the quality that makes buildings more than a box," expressed Dow.