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Idea House

Who were the architects and designers?

The architects of Idea House II, William M. Friedman, Hilde Reiss, and Malcolm E. Lein, all worked and lived in the Twin Cities. The architects believed homes did not have to be dark, small, and dreary. They wanted houses that felt spacious and bright.

Idea House II included furniture designed by some of the most famous modern designers: Eero Saarinen, Charles Eames, Isamu Noguchi, George Nelson, and Alvar Aalto.

Both Idea Houses were meant to show you how to live in modern, useful, and comfortable homes. The houses had designs that were usable and geared to make the homeowner think about good modern design and living.