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PrairieMod co-founders Bryan and Lisa Kelly were featured today in the Chicago Tribune's Home & Garden section. The story talks about why they choose to live in the 1970's ranch home that Lisa grew up in and how they implemented the principles of the PrairieMod lifestyle. You can view the online version of the article here.
Image copyright Lisa Kelly
We have three winners this month!
Tom Scanlan won the Alexander Girard Blocks. Ray Thomas won the Studio Lettering Book. And Eric Hughes has won the House 10 Year Book.
Congrats fellas! Also, a big shout out goes to House Industries for providing these super-cool items. Check out our podcast interview with them here.
Next month we'll be giving away some sweet items from Amy Butler Design, so if you're interested....sign-up today for our weekly email newsletter Living PrairieMod. The next drawing is September 30, 2008.
If you have any questions, drop us an email.
Image copyright House Industries
For all you type geeks who are fans of the hip AMC show "Mad Men," here's a blog bemoaning the unauthenticity of the use of Arial, introduced in the 1980's, as the font in the closing credits.
Continue reading after the jump...
Despite the recent stabilization of gasoline prices, filling your tank can still be a pain in the wallet. This recent New York Times article gives some helpful tips on planning a gas-free vacation, whether by bicycle, public transportation or mule-drawn wagon! (I kid you not.)
Continue reading after the jump...
Blair Kamin, architecture critic for the Chicago Tribune, reports that the Louis Sullivan-design Stock Exchange Arch will finally reappear from its protective covering at the Art Institute of Chicago. Check out the post by following the link.
Photo copyright Blair Kamin
The Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Westcott House in Springfield, Ohio has been saved from decades of neglect and it now fully restored. However, it's empty of furniture and decor. Why? Read more about this mystery by following the link.
Photo courtesy of Wikipedia
Rising from Ashes is a traveling exhibit I saw today at the Morton Arboretum. It features furniture made from salvaged Ash trees killed by Emerald Ash Borers.
Image copyright CFDA
It's a beautiful late-summer day here in Chicago. The perfect day to go a friends' wedding taking place at Anderson Japanese Gardens in Rockford, IL—rated the top Japanese gardens in North America. We're also going to visit the nearby Starlight Theater, designed by Studio Gang architects. I'll be sure to post some photos of our travels for all to enjoy!
Image copyright Anderson Japanese Gardens
Would you like your home to look like it was taken straight out of the Shire? Check out this article on the wonders of arborsculpture. Now that's Organic Architecture!
Are you spitting mad at the prospect of the Dana House, one of the most important architectural wonders in America, closing to public view? Well, here's what you can do...
Room & Board is representing BabyMod with their Moda line.
A family of New York furniture makers defines modern, functional design with this refreshing collection. Choose from solid maple, solid maple with mocha stain, white or one of 8 fun drawer and door colors.
Image copyright Room & Board
It's official, the rumor we reported on earlier that the Dana House in Springfield, IL is going to close its doors to the public is now confirmed to happen on Oct. 1, 2008. This is a dark day for anyone who loves American culture and a black eye for Illinois. If you are outraged by this turn of events, then I urge you to contact Landmarks Illinois and voice your outrage. Read all about it here and here.
Frank Lloyd Wright’s Home and Studio is one of America’s most celebrated treasures. This two-disc Special Edition set includes a 60-minute documentary film, 28 minutes of extended interviews and an interactive tour.
Produced exclusively for the Frank Lloyd Wright Home & Studio by in-D, the film is available at ShopWright.org and at the Home and Studio Museum Shop.
I've seen the film and it is amazing!
Image copyright FLW Pres Trust
I love the Scandinavian Branch Armchair from Urban Outfitters. Brown, blue and white is one of my favorite color combinations. I wish I had room for this in my house. Price is $380.
Image copyright Urban Outfitters
Summer's coming to a close and soon it'll be time for changing leaves, sweaters and back to school. Inhabitat posted their top 5 picks for eco-friendly back to school supplies. Check it out here and be sure to stock-up!
Image copyright Inhabitat.com
Whether you're "Red" or "Blue", this election is shaping up to be a historic one. Could it also mean great things for preserving Frank Lloyd Wright architecture? Here's why this election might mean a win for the "Cherokee Red" States...
Here's an article about the proposed Frank Lloyd Wright-designed gas station to be built in Buffalo. Apparently, it will be housed inside a building...seems perfectly normal. Read all about it here.
Do you love history and beautiful graphics? Then you'll love History Shots, creators of high quality information graphics.
About History Shots:
We create high-quality information graphics that provide context to interesting subjects, time periods and events. Each graphic is created by integrating detailed
content and data with a beautiful design. Our works are developed with
great care, objectively presenting accurate data derived from reliable
sources. We believe good information graphics should have
interesting design, include complex data, tell a story, and be
educational and entertain the viewer.
Image copyright History Shots
Teroforma is about creating thoughtfully designed objects for the table which exhibit old-world techniques combined with contemporary ideals. Where understated elegance is the result of intentional simplicity. And where uncommon quality can become a part of every day. Sounds very PrairieMod! Check out their wares by following the link.
Photo copyright Teroforma
Just added to the Features section, an interview with Dr. William Allin Storrer about the claims, research
and skepticism regarding the "Mysterious 29" project.
To stay on top of new weekly features as they roll out, subscribe here.
Image copyright PrairieMod
In this edition: An interview with Rich Roat and Andy Cruz of House Industries, the creators of ultra-hip fonts and products. We talk with the guys about their new Studio Lettering typeface, Neutraface and the upcoming Alexander Girard font.
Download the interview here...or you can use the podcast player after the jump.
Continue reading "PrairieMod Podcast #28: House Industries' Rich Roat and Andy Cruz" »
I love these posters from The Poster List. Not only are they nicely designed, but 2 for $20, how can you go wrong. Head on over and see what they have to offer.
Via Design Milk. Image copyright The Poster List.
The blog, Chicago History, posted an interesting article on the contents of Louis H. Sullivan's private library and its sad fate. Check it out here.
Image courtesy of Chicago History.com
A carbon neutral, zero-car and zero-waste city? If architect, Lord Foster's design for Masdar City comes to life in the desert of Abu Dhabi it would be a first. What is the likelihood that Foster's green utopia will happen and could it be replicated in the USA? Read this post to find out more.
Image copyright Foster + Partners
Former Frank Lloyd Wright apprentice and Organic Architect in his own right, Milton Stricker, recently passed away. Check out this article on his life and work by following the link.
You can find some interesting stuff on Craigs List. Case in point: An original 1914 poster by modern artist (and sculptor of Frank Lloyd Wright's Midway Gardens sprites) Alfonso Iannelli. Check it out here.
I found this vase posted on Design Milk and had to share it. This vase is hand-carved in naturally red clay in a pattern that looks as if it was weaved. I need to get one of these!
The vase is 7"h x 8"w and costs $370. Buy it here.
Image copyright Michael Wisner
Local lore says it's a hold over from the 1893 Columbian Exposition (though, it can't be verified). Whatever it's pedigree, this little oriental touch on the shores of lake Delavan in Wisconsin shares its locale with some Wright neighbors. Check out an article all about it by following the link.
Photo copyright Michael Sears
StatAttak - a t-shirt line based on statistics that people should be aware of. Wearing these shirts people become walking billboards for these stats, and they would help spread the word. The hope is that once you see these numbers, you can't help but want to change them.
Image & text copyright StatAttak
In the market for lounge furniture but not sure what to get? Well Kithaus and DWR have created the Kithaus Lounge Package. Everything you need for, ready for it, $12,459.50. What's included you ask...
2 Tripolina Chairs
2 Gratia Planter Boxes, Tall in bronze
4 Luau™ Portable Lamps
2 Glo-Ball Mini T Table Lamps
1 Giulia Credenza
1 Platner Side Table
1 Chilewich Bound Mat, 6x9 in titanium
1 Tolomeo Mega Floor Lamp
2 Flight Recliners in morel
Found via BLTD Image Copyright DWR
The Villa Park and Lombard, IL libraries are catching a little Wright fever by hosting a series of presentations about his life and work. I'm especially interested in the Sept. 13 lecture by Peggy Lami, an authority on Wright and Unity Temple. She will discuss the building in detail and why it is considered by many architectural historians to be the most important building of the 20th century. Check out all the events here.
Image courtesy of Treehugger.com
We just got word that Room & Board is having a special clearance sale on some of their Outdoor and Patio furniture.
This is a great opportunity to pick up some timeless, weather-resistant pieces at discounted prices that can be enjoyed well into the fall.
Image copyright Room & Board
Mark Hertzberg over at wrightinracine.com just got back from a trip up north. He recently posted some beautiful photos of the Lindholm Service Station in Cloquet, MN. check out the article and the photos by following the link.
Photo copyright Mark Hertzberg
There are lots of great Wright houses for sale these days--though many are incredibly high-priced. Here's a nice set of photos of the Millard House (La Miniatura), a textile block house design by Frank Lloyd Wright. Absolutely stunning and currently for sale (for a paltry $7 million). Check out the photos by following the link.
Photo copyright David Snowman
Here's a YouTube video of the David Wright House, Frank Lloyd Wright-designed and for sale. Might be your only chance to get a glimpse, unless you have $4 million lying around. Check it out by following the link.
Image copyright TourFactory
According to CB2, white is now modern. Was it never? Was it always? Heady questions.
While you ponder it, check out the new fall catalog.
Image copyright CB2
I've always wanted to know the formal way to set a table. Designer Elise Rijnberg has created a table cloth that shows me what goes where. Via The Style Files.
Image copyright Elise Rijnberg
Wright in Wisconsin is celebrating the 100th anniversary of Frank Lloyd Wright's Eugene Allen
and Blanche (Bayse) Gilmore House on Sunday September 28, 2008 in
Madison, Wisconsin. Check out the details of this special event after the jump...
NPR's Morning Edition ran a piece discussing the fate of suburban development and if "new urbanism" is an answer. Are ever creeping areas of development sustainable if they look like Oak Park, IL? Listen to the segment by following the link.
Image courtesy of Wikipedia
Who would have thought that the lowly paper plate could look so elegant? Wasara's line of "paper ware" is as beautiful as it is useful. Plus, because it's made from sugarcane waste, it's an eco-friendly paper plate you can feel good about using--even if it's just for display purposes! Check out the line-up by following the link.
Image copyright Wasara
We now have 5 new shapes from The Teco Art Pottery Collection™ in all 8 colors available in the PrairieMod store.
Let us know what your favorite color and shape is.
Image copyright Prairie Arts
Now in the Features section, an interview with Andrew Stansell of Andrew Stansell Design. His work is made from steel and is familiar, yet absolutely fresh.
To stay on top of new weekly features as they roll out, subscribe here.
Image copyright Andrew Stansell Design
With more and more pressure being put on state and local governments to make ends meet, architecture is taking a back seat. We reported earlier that places like the Dana-Thomas House (owned by cash-strapped Illinois) might close as soon as October. Well, the Rosenbaum House in Florence, Alabama might join that list as well.
I caught an interesting show on Chicago Public Radio yesterday afternoon. Worldview discussed both the impact of architecture (like the Beijing Olympic "Water Cube") in developing countries and the ethical dilemmas of architects working for often authoritarian regimes as part of the building boom. Check out the show by following the link.
Photo copyright Treehugger.com
We PrairieMod Squad members definitely live a mobile lifestyle. That's why I took notice when I saw a review of some interesting laptop products on MacWorld.
The Belkin Laptop Hideaway is perfect for storing your laptop and accessories when not in use. Check it out, plus the bamboo laptop stand and charging station by KangaRoom.
Image copyright Belkin
Calling all preservation-minded people--the William Ross House in Glencoe, IL needs your help! After years of neglect, this Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Prairie home needs someone to buy it and bring it back to its former glory. Otherwise, it'll become a victim of the wrecking ball. Here's your chance to take on a challenge and be a hero. Follow the link for more details.
Photo courtesy of the National Trust for Historic Preservation
I love the new Numbers rug from West Elm.
Numbers large and small form the pattern. Soft pure wool in cut and looped pile. Rug pad recommended. Spot clean. Imported. Feather gray.
Starting from $109.
Image copyright West Elm
Then check out the Fallingwater inspired paint line from Pittsburgh Paints. There's also several other color choices perfect for any PrairieMod paint job. Check it out by following the link.
Image courtesy of Pittsburgh Paints
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