Knoll Associates: The Trailblazers of Mid-Century Modern Design
Knoll Associates was founded in 1938 by the dynamic duo of Hans Knoll, a German-American entrepreneur, and his wife, Florence Knoll, a pioneering architect and designer. Together, they transformed the world of furniture design, creating pieces that perfectly encapsulated the spirit of modernism. Their collaboration led to a meeting of minds that was nothing short of extraordinary, blending Hans' business acumen with Florence's impeccable design sensibilities.
With a keen eye for talent, the Knolls collaborated with some of the most renowned designers of the era, such as Eero Saarinen, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, and Harry Bertoia, making Knoll Associates a powerhouse of innovation. Their unwavering dedication to modern design principles catapulted the company to the forefront of the mid-century modern movement, solidifying its reputation as a leader in the industry.
Signature Style: Form Meets Function
Knoll Associates is known for its sleek, minimalist designs that prioritize both form and function. Their creations boast clean lines, geometric shapes, and a harmonious blend of materials like metal, wood, and upholstery. This innovative approach to design enabled them to create versatile, functional pieces that were as comfortable as they were visually striking.
The result is an iconic aesthetic that continues to inspire contemporary design, with many Knoll pieces becoming synonymous with mid-century modern style. The company's commitment to quality craftsmanship and attention to detail ensured that each piece was built to stand the test of time, making Knoll furniture as relevant today as it was in the mid-20th century.
Impact on Culture and Design: Pioneering the Open Office
Knoll Associates' forward-thinking approach to design extended beyond individual furniture pieces, influencing the way entire spaces were conceived. Florence Knoll pioneered the concept of the "open office," breaking away from the traditional, compartmentalized workspaces of the time. She believed that an office should be a flexible, collaborative environment that encouraged creativity and teamwork, rather than a rigid, hierarchical space.
This revolutionary approach to office design promoted collaboration, communication, and efficiency, forever changing the way people work. It also laid the groundwork for contemporary office design trends, with many companies today embracing open-concept workspaces and flexible seating arrangements. Knoll Associates' impact on the world of design is truly immeasurable, as their innovations continue to shape the spaces we live and work in today.
Legacy: A Lasting Influence
After Hans Knolls death, Florence continued to lead the company, ensuring its reputation for innovation and quality remained intact. Under her guidance, Knoll Associates continued to thrive, introducing new collections and forging partnerships with an ever-growing roster of talented designers. Making a lasting legacy as one of the most influencer female designers of the 20th Century, Florence Knoll recently passed away at 101 years old in 2019
Today, Knoll Inc. continues to be a major player in the design world, staying true to its founders' vision of modern, functional design. The legacy of Knoll Associates lives on through their iconic pieces, which are still in high demand and cherished by design enthusiasts around the globe.
Shop the Collection: Iconic Knoll Designs at MiMO Decor
MiMO Decor is delighted to offer a curated selection of Knoll’s iconic designs. When in stock, our collection has features coveted pieces such as Florence Knoll designed credenzas, executive chairs by Eero Saarinen, Charles Pollock office chairs, Hardoy BFK Bufferfly chairs, and Harry Bertoia chairs. Each piece is carefully restored and authenticated, ensuring you're investing in a genuine piece of design history.
Browse the collection below to explore our current and previously sold inventory of Knoll pieces. Our inventory is one of a kind and always changing. Follow us on Instagram or subscribe to our blog to see our items before they sell out.
