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1170 sq/ft 
2 Bed 
2 Bath
What is a Prairie-style Home?
Prairie-style home is a 19th and 20th-century building pattern that is known for its modest exterior and symmetrical design. It could appear in any size. It was also an offshoot of the Western world’s love for the Arts and Crafts houses. In that era, overhanging eaves and awnings, and hipped roofs were the landmark structures that brought the style to the limelight.
Frank Lloyd Wright was the legendary architect that made the style popular, but the design was already in existence before then. Architects of that era had different names for describing the building. However, it is popularly referred to as Prairie.
Features of Prairie-style Floor Plans
The features of Prairie style floor plans include:
1. Flat Roofline
Most home styles use gabled roofs that are steeply pitched but Prairie is easy to recognize because of its flat roof. The aim of installing a gabled roof is to reduce the accumulation of snow and rain. However, some parts of the Midwest do not require this preventive measure due to the prevalent weather condition. Another striking feature of the house is the architect’s emphasis on horizontal lines.
2. Minimal Ornamentation
You can easily see that the home’s exterior is not decorated with elaborate finishes and intricate designs. It does not require any grandiose décor. The home is strongly built, and that is what makes it quite impressive.
3. Landscape Cohesion
The style does not try to outshine its landscape, rather, it blends with it. The flat lines run seamlessly with its surrounding.
4. Remarkable Foundation
Looking at the house, you cannot ignore the strength that it radiates. The key feature here is its firm foundation. It paints the house as an immovable structure that stands the test of time.
5. Handmade Craftsmanship
The design incorporates handcrafted woodwork, similar to the Arts and Crafts movement. The decorative elements are not overly detailed but designed as inbuilt structures. The windows are designed as a work of art, not just to permit the entrance of natural light into the home.
6. Open Floor
The living room utilizes the open floor concept with space for the dining room. The only separate room is the kitchen.
7. Natural Elements and Materials
The exteriors are made with brick or stucco, and the building usually has a big central chimney. Also, the builders use smooth and simple woodwork, making the grain visible all through the lines.
8. Large Windows
The emphasis on large windows was to make the rooms airy and bright. The glass also featured artworks that made them distinct.
In summary, a modern Prairie house plan often includes the following:
- Bold horizontal lines
- Natural materials
- Open floor plan
- One or two-story
- Tall windows
- Wide porches
- Conspicuous massive chimney
- Cantilevered floors
- Overhanging eaves
- Low, hipped roofs
How to Decorate Modern Prairie style Homes
The design of a Prairie-style home was made to reflect the flat land of the Midwest, emphasizing low roofs and horizontal lines. Usually, the home had a central area with a fireplace, allowing the homeowner to utilize the open connection between the spaces and the long glass windows.
Modern Prairie designs utilize minimal décor but emphasize geometric forms and utilizing natural materials. Below are tips for decorating a modern Prairie home.
1. Use Minimal Furniture
The original style had inbuilt furnishings, such as benches, shelves, and cabinets, agreeing with Frank Lloyd Wright’s views about modernity. These furnishings were installed to avoid the eclecticism and clutter of the Victorian décor.
Therefore, to adhere to the principle, use furniture that has minimal design and accentuates the horizontal lines and low roof of the building. Also, a chaise lounge or long bench and a low, long coffee table are good options.
The original version of Frank Lloyd Wright’s design had wood furnishings with geometric-inspired, specific wood forms. But you can get inspiration from other eras to make your home look unique. For instance, most of the contemporary furniture designs in the mid-century borrowed some ideas from the early Prairie works.
