Collection by Amanda Dameron
The Miller House in Columbus, Indiana
Commissioned in 1953 by J. Irwin and Xenia Miller, the Miller House is a stunning example of midcentury residential design, as well as an important expansion upon the International Modernist aesthetics of the time. Architecture by Eero Saarinen, interiors by Alexander Girard, and landscape by Dan Kiley. Collaborating designers include Kevin Roche and Balthazar Korab. Personal snapshots from a recent visit—forgive the quality of the images!
Each of the children's rooms boasted a different color. Here we see one of the Miller son's rooms, all the way at the end, which was converted into an additional library space after he moved out. #MillerHouse #Columbus #Saarinen #Eames #Kiley #Girard #AlexanderGirard #bookshelf
The illuminated base of the circular 96-inch marble dining table is believed to be the inspiration for Eero Saarinen's Tulip Chair designed in 1956. A brass pump in concealed in the base, which delivers water to the center basin of the table, where Xenia Miller liked to float flowers as a centerpiece. Initially the table was complemented by wire-based Eiffel Tower Chairs by Charles Eames. Saarinen later replaced them with the more subdued tulip chairs. The covers feature needlepoint designed by Girard and created by Xenia Miller's friends. #Girard #AlexanderGirard #Saarinen #Eames #dining #table #MillerHouse #midcentury
The common room for the Miller family children, which Xenia converted into an additional workspace for herself after the kids moved out. #MillerHouse #Columbus #Saarinen #Eames #Kiley #Girard #AlexanderGirard
The famed conversation pit at the Miller House in Columbus, Indiana, was one of the earliest—and most widely publicized—examples of this design element. Alexander Girard and Eero Saarinen have both been credited with its inclusion in the house. Feedback is welcome! #alexandergirard #girard #roche #korab #millerhouse #midcentury #columbus #eames #saarinen #kiley
J. Irwin Miller wanted his house to have all the conveniences afforded by modern technology. #alexandergirard #girard #millerhouse #midcentury #columbus #eames #saarinen #kiley #roche #korab
Among the house's many incredible features is the 50-foot-long custom storage wall that runs the length of one side of the living area. Here we see a cleverly concealed electrical outlet.
Girard's keen interest in Folk Art and mastery of color aided him in his custom designed rugs for the family—comprised of meaningful emblems to the Millers, referencing each family member, alma maters, personal pursuits and interests, and many more. #rug #Girard #AlexanderGirard #MillerHouse #Columbus #Saarinen #Roche #Kiley #Korab
Alexander Girard designed this diminutive ottoman for Xenia Miller's dressing room. They were very close friends, and collaborated on many aspects of the house. #alexandergirard #girard #millerhouse #midcentury #columbus
The breakfast area, just outside J. Irwin and Xenia Miller's bedroom, overlooking the meadow. #alexandergirard #girard #millerhouse #midcentury #columbus #eames #saarinen #kiley
A close-up view of the custom iron gate by Alexander Girard, which opens to the Millers' pool. #alexandergirard #girard #millerhouse #midcentury #columbus #eames #saarinen #kiley #gate #iron
The Miller House overlooks a ten-acre meadow that slopes toward Flat Rock River. The landscape design is by Dan Kiley. #alexandergirard #girard #millerhouse #midcentury #columbus #eames #saarinen #kiley
Slate pavers lead from the house to the pool, which features a custom gate designed by Alexander Girard. #alexandergirard #girard #millerhouse #midcentury #columbus #eames #saarinen #kiley