Going with my flow has lead me to an almost obsession with Frank Lloyd Wright and his ideas and concepts of creating organic architecture and landscapes. My pre-bedtime reading has been reading his biographies and scouring over design books of his homes and landscapes. I’m determined to build one of his designs someday - even if it’s only my She Shed :)

Wright was a leader in the early 20th century, post Victorian era, and promoted a more organic, functional and simple type of design that would meet the needs of its residents and also integrate the outdoors. In many of his floor plans, the terraces and patios have as much square footage as the interior of the home. It is his Prairie and Usonian style homes that were the foundation for many of the ranches and split levels that were built in the 50’s and 60’s. I’ve realized in hindsight that I’ve loved his style of architecture since I was a kid.

Uncle Albert’s and Aunt Nellie’s Split Level

My Uncle Albert and Aunt Nellie had this awesome split level that included a fabulous outdoor covered patio that was almost the square footage of the entire living space. We used to have family reunions there because we could fit the whole Big Fat Italian clan on that porch!

Aunt Virginia and Uncle Jim's house after pitched roofs added (roof used to be flat)

I also loved my Aunt Virginia and Uncle Jim’s house that they build which I now know to be in FLW’s Usonion style.

When I got married, my husband and I moved to Atlanta for a few years and bought a Split Level there too! We weren’t in that house long because we moved back to Pittsburgh but that house had some great vibes going on.

Since I’m committed to going with where the energies and flow takes me, I just keep being lead to more and more books and info on FLW, architecture, design - both exterior and interior, landscaping, gardens, etc.

I can’t even explain it but I see that ol’ Frank and I have some similarities:

We love the beauty of nature and recognize it as important as the architecture of the home in designing spaces for a client or villa as they say in Italy. A “villa” is more than just the house but includes the property, gardens, orchards, etc.
We’re both tree huggers. He would actually build a home around a tree to preserve it. I moved into my current home in 2012. It’s an Arts and Craftsman bungalow that feels like a cabin in the woods although I’m only 4 miles from downtown. I remember when I first saw it. It needed a lot of work but there was something about it that felt right. It had great outdoor space and great flow and of course, tons of trees surrounding it. I could never live in the desert.
A home should suit the needs of the people and not some preconceived notion of what style is (He despised the Renaissance era btw) and we both hate the “brick box” type house. His mission was to eliminate the brick box. I love you for that, Frank.
He was heavily influenced by Japanese and Eastern cultures and I am too. I traveled there in my 20’s but my connection there goes way back to before this lifetime. I feel a resonance with their culture and philosophies that I can’t really explain.

Wanna know how I know that I am in flow and should keep pursuing my FLW obsession? My whole body buzzes and tingles all over when I do or even just think about it. That’s my sign that I’m in flow or that it resonates with me energetically. I like to think I’m helping to keep the spirit of his beliefs alive - the importance of nature, beautiful design, and function.

In my next post, I’ll share with you my other obsession and you’ll never believe who popped up again! You got it - Frank Baby.

Are you are Wright fan? Or is there another architect you love to follow? I’d love to hear about it!

Love,

Kim

Creating the Wright Space