Are you wondering how to decorate a prairie style home? Prairie style architecture is known for its horizontal lines, flat or hipped roofs with overhanging eaves, and integration with the natural environment. Influenced by renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright, this design aesthetic emphasizes simplicity and connection to the surroundings. In this article, we will explore various aspects of decorating a prairie style home, from color palettes and furniture selection to embracing nature and emphasizing horizontal lines.
Originating in the early 20th century, prairie style homes were designed to harmonize with the expansive landscapes of the American Midwest. Frank Lloyd Wright, a pioneer of this architectural movement, sought to create homes that reflected the open plains and natural surroundings.
As such, prairie style homes often feature earthy tones and materials like wood and stone, while incorporating horizontal emphasis to mimic the horizon. The unique blend of form and function makes decorating these homes a distinctive and enriching experience.
When it comes to decorating a prairie style home, selecting the right colors and materials is essential. Incorporating earthy tones such as warm browns, greens, and ochres can enhance the organic feel of the space.
Additionally, using natural materials like wood, stone, and clay can help bring the outdoors inside while providing an authentic touch to your dcor. To truly capture the essence of prairie style design principles within your home’s interiors requires careful consideration of how each element contributes to creating a cohesive whole.
Colors and Materials
When decorating a prairie style home, it is essential to consider the colors and materials that will complement the architectural features of this design. Prairie style homes are known for their connection to nature and use of organic materials, so it’s important to select earthy tones and natural materials that will enhance the overall aesthetic of the home.
Earthy Tones
To create a cohesive look in a prairie style home, consider using earthy tones such as warm browns, muted greens, and soft terracotta. These colors can be used on walls, floors, and furniture to bring a sense of warmth and harmony to the space. Additionally, incorporating these earthy tones can help evoke the natural landscapes that inspire prairie style architecture.
Natural Materials
Incorporating natural materials such as wood, stone, and brick into the dcor can further embrace the essence of prairie style design. Consider using hardwood floors, exposed wooden beams, or stone accents to bring an authentic touch to the interior. These materials not only add visual interest but also contribute to the overall connection between indoor and outdoor spaces that is characteristic of prairie style homes.
When decorating a prairie style home, selecting colors and materials that reflect its natural surroundings is key in creating a cohesive and inviting living space. By embracing earthy tones and utilizing natural materials, you can enhance the architectural features of your prairie style home while bringing a sense of warmth and harmony to the environment.
Furniture Selection
When it comes to decorating a prairie style home, the selection of furniture plays a crucial role in maintaining the aesthetic and design principles of this architectural style. Prairie style homes are known for their emphasis on simplicity, functionality, and a connection to nature, so it is important to choose furniture that reflects these aspects.
Simple and Functional Designs
One of the key elements of prairie style furniture is its simplicity and functionality. Look for pieces with clean lines, minimalistic designs, and a focus on utility. Avoid ornate carvings or intricate details, as these do not align with the understated elegance of prairie style homes.
Horizontal Emphasis
Prairie style architecture is characterized by its emphasis on horizontal lines, mimicking the expansive horizon of the Midwestern landscape. When selecting furniture for a prairie style home, prioritize pieces that also emphasize horizontal elements. Low-slung sofas, long dining tables, and wide coffee tables can all contribute to enhancing the horizontal focus of the space.
Natural Materials
In keeping with the nature-inspired theme of prairie style homes, opt for furniture made from natural materials such as wood, leather, or woven textiles. These materials not only complement the earthy color palette typically found in prairie style interiors but also add warmth and texture to the space.
By carefully considering these aspects when choosing furniture for your prairie style home, you can create an interior that authentically captures the essence of this architectural style while promoting a sense of harmony with its natural surroundings.
Embracing Nature
Embracing the natural elements is a key component of decorating a prairie style home. With its origins rooted in the Midwestern landscape, prairie style architecture is all about connecting with nature. Incorporating elements of the outdoors into the interior design can create a seamless transition between the inside and outside of the home.
One way to achieve this is by strategically placing indoor plants throughout the living spaces. Not only do plants add a refreshing touch to the decor, but they also contribute to improved air quality and overall wellbeing.
In addition to indoor plants, natural light plays a significant role in enhancing the connection with nature in a prairie style home. Large windows that allow ample sunlight to enter the space are often featured in these homes, creating a bright and airy atmosphere. To further capitalize on outdoor views, homeowners can consider designing outdoor living spaces that seamlessly flow from interior areas. Patios, porches, or decks provide opportunities for enjoying nature from within the comfort of your home.
Furthermore, embracing nature in a prairie style home can also be achieved through incorporating materials and textures that evoke an earthy feel. For example, utilizing stone accents or natural wood finishes for flooring, furniture, and decor elements can bring an authentic touch of nature indoors. By embracing these tips for bringing nature into your prairie style home, you can create a harmonious and tranquil environment that reflects the essence of this architectural style.
Textiles and Fabrics
When it comes to decorating a prairie style home, paying attention to textiles and fabrics is key. The use of geometric patterns and simple, textured fabrics can enhance the overall aesthetic of the interior, complementing the linear and horizontal aspects of the architecture. To achieve this, consider incorporating window treatments and upholstery that align with the design principles of prairie style homes.
When selecting textiles and fabrics for a prairie style home, it’s essential to embrace simplicity and natural elements. Look for fabrics with earthy tones that resonate with the surrounding landscape, such as warm browns, soft greens, and muted blues.
Additionally, consider incorporating woven materials like burlap or linen to add texture and depth to the space. These natural textiles can bring a sense of warmth and authenticity to the interior while staying true to the organic nature of prairie style design.
In addition to embracing natural materials, also explore geometric patterns that reflect the architectural details of prairie style homes. Consider utilizing stripes or grids in upholstery or drapery to emphasize horizontal lines within the space.
By incorporating these patterns into textiles and fabrics, you can further enhance the cohesive look of your prairie style home while adding visual interest to the interior. Overall, when focusing on textiles and fabrics for a prairie style home, keep in mind the importance of simplicity, authenticity, and alignment with the architectural characteristics.
Emphasizing Horizontal Lines
When decorating a prairie style home, it is important to embrace and enhance the horizontal elements of the architecture. The design of prairie style homes is characterized by low-pitched roofs, horizontal lines, and an emphasis on blending with the natural surroundings. Here are some tips on how to decorate a prairie style home to emphasize these distinctive features:
1. Use Horizontal Mullions: Incorporate windows with horizontal mullions to accentuate the horizontal lines of the home’s exterior. These windows not only complement the architectural style but also allow natural light to flood into the interior spaces, creating a seamless connection with the outdoors.
2. Opt for Long and Low Furniture: Choose furniture pieces with long, low profiles to mirror the horizontal emphasis of prairie style architecture. Look for sofas, coffee tables, and media consoles that have clean lines and simple designs. This will contribute to the overall sense of openness and spaciousness within the home.
3. Consider Low-Pitched Roofs: If you have the opportunity to customize or renovate a prairie style home, consider incorporating or maintaining low-pitched roofs. This architectural feature not only adds visual appeal but also contributes to the distinct horizontal emphasis that defines prairie style homes.
By paying attention to these details and incorporating decor elements that accentuate horizontal lines, you can create a cohesive and harmonious look in your prairie style home.
Overall, when decorating a prairie style home, it is essential to honor its architectural roots while creating a warm and inviting living space that reflects nature-inspired design principles. By embracing earthy colors, natural materials, functional furniture, and emphasizing the distinctive horizontal lines of prairie style homes, you can achieve a timeless and elegant interior that pays homage to this iconic architectural style.
Art and Décor Accents
When decorating a prairie style home, it’s important to select art and dcor accents that reflect the principles of this architectural style. Prairie style artwork, crafts, and decorative elements should embody simplicity, craftsmanship, and a deep connection to nature. To achieve an authentic prairie style look, consider incorporating handmade and artisanal pieces into the dcor. This could include pottery, textiles, or woodworking that showcases the beauty of natural materials.
To emphasize the organic and handcrafted aspects of prairie style design, consider adding artistic touches that celebrate the surrounding environment. Nature-inspired motifs such as native plants, landscapes, or wildlife can be incorporated into the artwork and decorative accents throughout the home. This not only adds visual interest but also reinforces the connection between the interior space and its natural surroundings.
When selecting art and dcor accents for a prairie style home, it’s also essential to prioritize quality over quantity. Handcrafted pieces with attention to detail can serve as focal points in each room. Whether it’s a striking painting, a handwoven rug, or a custom-made light fixture, each accent should contribute to the overall harmony of the space while embracing simplicity and functionality.
In addition to showcasing artisanal pieces, prairie style homes benefit from integrating arts and crafts that celebrate traditional techniques and aesthetics. Whether it’s stained glass windows inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright’s designs or hand-carved woodwork reminiscent of the era’s craftsmanship, these details can elevate the authenticity of prairie style dcor in a meaningful way.
Lighting and Fixtures
In conclusion, decorating a prairie style home involves embracing the core principles of this architectural style – simplicity, functionality, and a strong connection to nature. By choosing earthy tones and natural materials for both the exterior and interior, homeowners can create a seamless transition between their prairie style home and the surrounding environment.
Incorporating simple, geometric patterns and textured fabrics in textiles and upholstery further enhances the organic feel of the space. Horizontal lines are a defining feature of prairie style homes, so emphasizing them through decor, furniture, and architectural elements is key to staying true to the design aesthetic.
In addition to these fundamental considerations, lighting and fixtures play a crucial role in enhancing the warmth and openness of prairie style interiors. Natural light should be maximized through large windows that provide unobstructed views of the outdoors.
When artificial lighting is necessary, fixtures with clean lines and warm tones are ideal for maintaining the inviting atmosphere of a prairie style home. By carefully selecting lighting options that harmonize with the overall aesthetic, homeowners can effectively complement their decor while creating an ambiance that reflects the inherent charm of prairie style architecture.
Ultimately, decorating a prairie style home requires thoughtfulness and intentionality at every turn. From selecting furniture with horizontal emphasis to incorporating nature-inspired elements into the dcor, every decision contributes to capturing the essence of this timeless architectural style. With careful attention to detail and an appreciation for simplicity and natural beauty, homeowners can create spaces that honor the heritage of prairie style design while meeting their modern-day needs for comfort and functionality.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Interior of a Prairie Style Home?
The interior of a Prairie Style home is characterized by open floor plans, horizontal lines, and a focus on natural materials like wood, stone, and brick. These homes often feature built-in furniture and stained glass windows to create a sense of unity with the surrounding landscape.
What Were the Key Features of the Prairie House?
The key features of the Prairie House include low-pitched roofs with deep overhanging eaves, horizontal lines that mimic the flat prairie landscape, and an emphasis on geometric shapes and forms. These homes also tend to have open floor plans and incorporate elements of nature into their design.
What Type of Roof Does a Prairie Style Home Typically Have?
A Prairie Style home typically has a low-pitched hipped roof with wide overhanging eaves. This style of roof helps to create the horizontal emphasis characteristic of Prairie architecture while also providing protection from the harsh prairie winds. The use of a hipped roof also allows for a more seamless integration with the overall horizontal design of the home.
Hello, lovely readers! I’m Sheila Collins, and I’m delighted to be your trusted guide on this exciting journey of home improvement, design, and lifestyle. As the founder and editor-in-chief of Home Guide Blog, I’m passionate about all things related to homes, and I’m here to share my knowledge, experiences, and insights with you.
