Frank Lloyd Wright is credited for popularizing the prairie-style design in the early 20th century. His long, straight plans and emphasis on flat roofs encouraged homeowners to bring simplicity and natural elegance to their homes. Prairie-style houses emphasize low lying exteriors that blend into the environment, creating a soothing, serene atmosphere. The long, horizontal lines draw inspiration from the flat plains and rolling prairies of the Midwest, as well as from the structures of Native American peoples who occupied the same land.Prairie-Style Homes Explained
Prairie-style houses feature angular, horizontal lines and log walls. Other essential features of prairie-style houses include:Essential Features of Prairie-Style Houses
Prairie-style houses are infinitely unique, making pictures of these homes a wonderful source of inspiration. Stained glass windows, zinc roofs, and a variety of other features can be seen in homes of the style, giving them a modern, yet timeless feel. Homes often blend bright color palettes with earthy tones to create visually interesting exteriors. Pictures of prairie-style homes often showcase the importance of geometry and geometry shapes. Arrowhead shapes are common, as are angular windows. Exterior light fixtures, doors, and roof-overhangs also often feature geometric elements.Stunning and Unique Prairie-Style Home Pictures
Prairie-style houses feature many unique elements on their exteriors. Exterior elements often include wide porches, horizontal rooflines, and overhanging eaves. Many homes also feature wood details, such as intricate wood panels, exterior trim, and column supports. The low, slanting roofs of prairie-style homes often create a sense of movement and are made with zinc or cedar shakes for a rustic charm. Additionally, exteriors are often clad in brick or stone, giving them a timeless quality.Exterior Features of Prairie-Style Houses
One of the easiest ways to spot prairie-style homes is to look for low-slung exteriors and wide, overhanging eaves. Other notable features include material cladding that hooks into the hill, creating a one-story living floor, as well as large windows that allow natural light to stream in and illuminate the interiors. Another way to identify prairie-style homes is to look for wood details and intricate, geometric patterns. Exterior doors, windows, and trim are often uniquely shaped and carefully designed. Finally, take note of the rooflines, which tend to be slightly slanted and cantilevered.How to Spot Prairie-Style Homes
Prairie-style homes differ from craftsman homes in several ways. The low-slung exterior is the most obvious difference, but there are a few other notable differences. Specifically, Prairie-style homes feature wider eaves and less decorative details. Furthermore, Prairie-style homes typically have a fewer number of windows. While both styles embody natural elements, Craftsman homes incorporate more intricate architectural details and tighter overall designs. Structure-wise, the two styles are also different: Craftsman homes focus on small footprints, while Prairie-style homes focus on low-rise, sprawling structures and connecting outdoor living spaces.How Do Prairie-Style Houses Differ From Craftsman Homes?
If you’re looking to bring prairie-style elements into your home, there are a few ways to do so. First, incorporate wood details into your home, such as columns, beams, and trim. Additionally, feature natural materials, such as brick and stone, throughout the exterior and interior. Next, use low-slung, angular parallel rooflines and extend out overhangs. Finally, choose large windows that bring plenty of natural light into the space for a modern, airy feel. If you prefer more traditional details, consider incorporating stained glass or metalwork into your design.Embracing Prairie-Style Design Elements in Your Home
Creating a Prairie-style home doesn’t have to be complicated. Start with the exteriors, adding low-rise, horizontal lines, large windows, and plenty of natural materials. Wood accents, such as columns and beams, can bring a sense of warmth and texture to the design. On the interior, use horizontal lines, oversized windows, and an open floor plan. Aim for a natural flow between the inside and outside of the home by emphasizing simplicity and a natural touch. Highlight the natural elements of the space with earthy embellishments such as area rugs and textiles.Create a Prairie-Style Home With These Tips
Historical prairie-style houses feature simple, understated elegance. Modern homes draw on the same geometry, low-slung lines, and natural materials of the original design but often include sleeker, more refined details. Contemporary homes often give way to large window panes and less pronounced rooflines. In terms of structure, traditional prairie-style houses were often modest, small structures. Contemporary homes may be larger and, in some cases, more extravagant. Skylights, balconies, and other more modern elements may be found in many contemporary homes, creating a luxurious and airy atmosphere.Traditional Prairie-Style Houses: Old vs. Contemporary
Prairie-style house plans continue to capture our imagination, and they remain a popular option for modern homeowners. With their timeless elegance and unique character, they offer a great way to create a home that stands out from the rest. Consider exploring prairie-style houses if you’re in the market for a one-of-a-kind home design.Explore the Historic Charm of Prairie-Style House Plans