Prairie style homes are a popular architectural style that emerged in the late 19th century. This style is known for its horizontal lines, low-pitched roofs, and use of natural materials. Prairie style homes were originally designed to blend in with the surrounding landscape, and they were often built on the outskirts of cities, where the land was cheaper.

Today, many homeowners are interested in modernizing their Prairie style homes to reflect contemporary design trends. However, there is a delicate balance that must be struck between preserving the traditional elements of the home and incorporating modern design elements. In this article, we will explore some of the ways that you can modernize your Prairie style home while still maintaining its traditional charm.

The History of Prairie Style Homes

Before we dive into modernizing Prairie style homes, let’s take a brief look at the history of this architectural style. Prairie style homes were first popularized by the famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright. Wright believed that homes should be designed to blend in with the surrounding environment, rather than standing out as separate entities. He also believed in using natural materials, such as wood and stone, to create a connection between the home and the natural world.

Prairie style homes were typically built with low-pitched roofs, wide eaves, and a horizontal orientation. These features were designed to mimic the flat landscape of the American Midwest. Prairie style homes also often included large windows, which allowed for plenty of natural light to enter the home.

Modernizing Prairie Style Homes

Now that we have a better understanding of the history of Prairie style homes, let’s explore some ways that you can modernize your home while still maintaining its traditional charm.

1. Update the Color Scheme

One of the easiest ways to modernize a Prairie style home is to update the color scheme. Traditional Prairie style homes often featured earthy tones, such as brown, green, and beige. By updating the color scheme to include more contemporary colors, such as gray, white, and black, you can give your home a more modern feel.

2. Add Contemporary Lighting

Another way to modernize your Prairie style home is to add contemporary lighting fixtures. Traditional Prairie style homes often featured simple, understated lighting fixtures. By adding more modern lighting fixtures, such as pendant lights or track lighting, you can give your home a more contemporary feel.

3. Incorporate Modern Materials

While Prairie style homes were originally designed to feature natural materials, such as wood and stone, you can still incorporate more modern materials into your home. For example, you could add a metal roof or use concrete for your flooring. These materials will give your home a more contemporary feel while still maintaining its traditional charm.

4. Update the Landscaping

Finally, you can modernize your Prairie style home by updating the landscaping. Traditional Prairie style homes often featured natural landscaping, such as grass and trees. By adding more contemporary landscaping elements, such as a modern garden or a water feature, you can give your home a more modern feel.

Conclusion

Modernizing a Prairie style home can be a tricky balancing act. On one hand, you want to preserve the traditional elements of the home that make it unique. On the other hand, you want to incorporate modern design elements that will make the home feel more contemporary. By following these tips, you can modernize your Prairie style home while still maintaining its traditional charm.