Here's the latest news on the state of the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Dana House in Springfield, IL. There may be a ray of hope that the State Senate will pass an 11th hour reprieve to keep it and other historic sites open. Read about it here.
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September 2008
FLWBC 2008 Wrap-Up: Day One
We just got back from Day One of the 2008 Frank Lloyd Wright Building Conservancy Conference. Whew! What a full day! We heard lots of great lectures and saw amazing architecture. Read all the details after the jump...
Burham Street Restoration on Wright in Racine
Mark Hertzberg posted info on his Wright in Racine website about the Burnham Street Restoration going on in Milwaukee. Check out the site to get the run down and watch a slide show.
Image copyright Mark Hertzberg
Bring a Little Sunshine In
After painting an accent wall in our living room "Bicycle Yellow" (fitting, as my husband is an avid cyclist), we came across this post extolling the beauty of using a sunny yellow to brighten the often subdued color schemes of modern decor. And during the grey, rainy winters here in Portland, OR, we can use all the artificial sunshine we can get.
If you're nervous about introducing any shocking color to your home, try what we did (visual at left): Take a photo of the area with a paint chip near where you plan to use it (on a wall, sofa covering, drapes, etc.). This way the swatch accurately reflects the lighting in your home, not what you see in the hardware store. Use the dropper tool in Photoshop to "pick up" that swatch and color the intended area with it. Voila! A quick, inexpensive sneak preview of the result. The retouched photo at left looks exactly like the painted result and we couldn't be happier with it.
FLWBCC 2008 Update
We're taking our first break from this morning's lectures and so far they have been really engaging. We have a few more after the break and then it's on to the afternoon tours and tonight's get together at Fallingwater. Look for the full wrap-up later tonight!
More MCM at Urban Outfitters
Check out the sweet Midcentury Chair at Urban Outfitters. It's $300, available for pre-orders and comes in either natural or turquoise.
Image copyright Urban Outfitters
Save This House!
Have you dreamed of owning a Frank Lloyd Wright home? Here's your chance to not only own one, but become a preservation hero as well. Landmarks Illinois has listed the William Ross house of Glencoe, IL on its "demo watch list". That's bad news. This house needs some serious TLC (Yikes! Lavender paint job!) but there are incentives if you are able to step-in and save it. Follow the link to learn more.
Photo copyright Landmarks Illinois
FLWBC 2008 Pre-Conference Wrap-Up
As promised, here's the wrap-up of the day's events from Pittsburgh, PA and the 2008 Frank Lloyd Wright Building Conservancy Conference. So what did we experience today? Check out all the details after the jump...
Living in a Time Capsule
Our friend David sent us a great article from the Star Tribune about a couple who love the 1950s and Mid Century Modern. Check it out.
Thanks David!
Image copyright Star Tribune
FLWBCC 2008: On The Ground In Pittsburgh
We just landed in Pittsburgh and are on our way to the Pittsburgh Museum of Art to check it out and listen to this evening's Conference kick-off lecture by Franklin Toker, author of Fallingwater Rising. Tomorrow starts the first full day of the 2008 Frank Lloyd Wright Building Conservancy Conference. Look for tonight's wrap-up post for more of the day's highlights and a preview of tomorrow's events.
Happy (Belated) Birthday, Lieber Meister
September 3rd marked the birthday of Chicago's "skyscraper poet", Louis H. Sullivan. You can read about the life and impact of America's first Architectural Modernist by following the link.
Image courtesy of wikipedia
2008 FLW Building Conservancy Conference
Can't make it to Pennsylvania this weekend to see Fallingwater and learn about the roots of Wright's sustainability? Well, the PrairieMod Squad is super-stoked about bringing you the news from this year's Frank Lloyd Wright Building Conservancy Conference. We'll be posting daily wrap-ups on the tours, events and cool people we meet. So check back here daily to get the conference 411!
Image copyright The FLWBC
"Fore!"
Frank Lloyd Wright designs usually call to mind residences, museums, hotels, even gas stations. But a golf clubhouse?
Continue reading after the jump...
New Flor Area Rugs
I just received the Fall 2008 Flor catalog. Not only is it beautifully designed, but it has great ideas for inspiration on dressing the floor of your home. There are a few new area rugs that I love. The first is the Stitch in Time which is pictured here. The others are the Souk Chic and Hello Down There. Now I just have to figure out where I can put them.
Image copyright Flor
Grow Your Own Jewelry
By way of Inhabitat.com, check out this concept for the "greenest" jewelry I've ever seen from Icelandic product designer Hafsteinn Juliusson. Finally, the Chia Pet engagement ring can be yours! Read about it here.
Photo copyright Hafsteinn Juliusson
How To Order The John Randal McDonald Book
Here's some info of special note for people interested in the work of Organic Architect, John Randal McDonald. If you are interested in obtaining a copy of Brian Beno’s Book on JRMcD, please email Tim Melchert at tmelchert@wi.rr.com or call him at 414-540-9456. The cost will be approximately $20 for printing and mailing. I'm going to order mine!
Image copyright pwp2.com
Not A Happy Hallmark Moment
The Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Dana House is set to close in a few weeks. Site curator, Don Hallmark, has been with the house through thick and thin over the years and can't hide his utter contempt for the way the Illinois powers-that-be are 'handling" this situation. You can read his response in this article by following the link.
Photo courtesy of the Historic Sites Commission of Springfield, Illinois
Update: PrairieMod Founders in Chicago Tribune
For all the readers who requested to see the actual (not the text-only web version) Chicago Tribune article in the Home & Garden section about PrairieMod co-founders Bryan and Lisa Kelly - your wait has come to an end!
We have a PDF that you can download here.
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.
Image copyright Chicago Tribune
Word to Your Tablewear
Fellow NYC transplant Allison Perlowski (who's now a resident of Chicago suburb Glenview) sent in a link for this tongue-in-cheek tablewear set, which reflects the blueblood Delft fine china style. Except this set features classic NYC icons such as taxis, garbage trucks, hotdog cart and graffiti. This is definitely NOT your grandmother's dinnerware!
Image copyright Willow
Rotating Electrical Outlet
I can't believe I'm excited by an electrical outlet!
It looks like any normal electrical outlet but the cool thing about this one is it rotates. Which if you've ever tried to plug in your mac laptop, you either have to find an outlet with nothing else is plugged into it or unplug the lamp. With this baby, all you have to do is rotate the plug, how sweet is that! Oh, and it's only $10 and available in beige, white and black. Buy it here.
Via bltd.com
Robie House Update
We recently received an update to the exciting work being done at Frank Lloyd Wright's Robie House. Read all about it after the jump...
Flooding At Farnsworth
It seems the poor Farnsworth House can't catch a break. The Fox River has once again flooded the Modernist icon and left soiled marble floors and ruined wood paneling. Clean up commences, but what to do about this recurring problem? Read an article about the issue here.
Photo copyright Landmarks Illinois
Great Pillow
I love this Home Bubbles Pillow. I think it's the wood grain that makes me love it so.
Via Design Milk. Image copyright jefdesigns.
Sarah Susanka's "Not So Big" Event
The Frank Lloyd Wright Preservation Trust launches a new event series titled "@ Home" with a lecture by Not So Big House author and architect, Sarah Susanka. The event is September 17 and tickets are still available. Follow this link to find out more and to order tickets. Read an article on Sarah's philosophy and how Frank Lloyd Wright influences it by following this link.
Photo copyright Ken Gutmaker
Too Much Sci-Fi
Inhabitat.com reports on one of the more loopy ideas I've seen in urban planning in a long time. The "Superstar" globe-trotting city of tomorrow is another Chinese import that we could probably live without. Check it out by following the link.
Image copyright MAD Architects
Fox Valley Landmarks Tour
The Preservation Partners of the Fox Valley are hosting a weekend of exploration. See several key landmarks along the Fox River near Batavia, Geneva and St. Charles, Illinois.
The event is September 26-27, 2008. Get more details here.
Image copyright PPFV
Water, Water Everywhere
Yumstie Tree Cards
We received an email from Jacqui Hanson introducing us to her cute and creative Yumstie Tree greeting cards. Each card is hand stitched with felt and other materials. If you're looking to send original and fun cards, head over to her Etsy store and pick some out.
Thanks for the email Jacqui!
Image copyright Ymstie Tree
In the Dog House
Some folks' pets live better than they do, and in the case of this Jason Valalik-designed dog house, my dog would have me beat hands-down. There's an assembly guide video in case you'd like to construct one for your beloved critter.
Image copyright Jason Valalik
Building A Legacy
Here's a great article about the life, work and legacy of Florida Modern architect, Carl Abbott. His work exhibits his own brand of Organic architectural overtones and he has a passion for the work or Frank Lloyd Wright. Check out the article by following the link.
Image copyright Stephen Hayford
Details Make The Difference
Here's a short, but sweet article from the Chicago Daily Herald about architect Duncan Wiedemann (of Wheaton, IL) whose work recalls the principles of Wright and the "Not So Big" philosophy. Check it out by following the link.
Photo copyright Duncan Wiedemann
Wright In Racine: Sullivan's Bank
Mark Hertzberg has posted an excellent article on wrightinracine.com about the recent book, Louis Sullivan’s Merchants National Bank. Check out the article by following the link.
Photo courtesy of Wikipedia
Hope For Dana House?
Blair Kamin, Architecture critic for the Chicago Tribune, posted on a recent development in the story of the pending closing of the Dana House in Springfield, IL. Seems Republican State Rep. Donald L. Moffit has introduced legislation to keep Illinois historic sites like Dana funded beyond the Oct. 1, 2008 "Doomsday". Check out the article here.
Photo copyright Blair Kamin
Chicago's Modern Residential Rock Stars
Modern Residential Real Estate Guru Joe Kunkel sent us a link to a Chicago Tribune article about some fantastic homes in the area. Check it out!
Image copyright Chicago Tribune/Rob Olewinski
The Record Cabinet
Maxwell from Apartment Therapy sent out a email today highlighting this super cool MCM inspired design. The Record Cabinet by Atocha Design. I was so struck by its appealing look, I just had to share it! I've been longing to get some vinyl and a record player, so this is a good excuse.
Image copyright Atocha Design
Test Your Color IQ
What is your color IQ? Take this test and see how you measure up. A perfect score is 0 and the furthest from perfect is 99.
Happy Friday!
Image copyright x•rite
End of Summer Sale at Cobre
Cobre is one of the best places to get hand-hammered copper home accessories and they are having a sale right now. If you purchase $150 from Cobre, you can also get this bonus gift for free!
Learn more about Cobre and their Fair Trade practices here.
Image copyright Cobre
Modern Birdhouses
Check out these awesome Modern Birdhouses. My favorite is RALPH which was made as an honor to the architect Ralph Rapson. Each costs $195.
Image copyright Modern Birdhouse
Make Your Own Flip Book
I love the idea of making my own flip book. A great site called The Curious has a tutorial on how to make one. Check it out.
Image copyright The Curious
Got An Extra $60,000?
Original Teco Pottery is rare...and very expensive. Case in point: This extremely rare and dynamically organic Teco vase designed by Fritz Albert was recently discovered in a Florida estate. It's now being auctioned off by Mathesons' AA Auction out of Melbourne, FL and the estimate is $40,000—$60,000! Check out more photos by following the link.
If you're a little low on cash but still like Teco Pottery, then follow the link.
Image copyright Mathesons' AA Auction
Prairie School Home Tour
The Preservation Alliance of Minnesota announced its annual fall historic
home tour for 2008, featuring the area's best Prairie School architecture. At least five historic homes designed by renowned architects Purcell,
Feick, and Elmslie will be featured on the Saturday October 4, 2008 tour. Check out more info here.
Image courtesy of The PAoM
Studio Lettering Tips & Tricks from House Industries
Studio Lettering by House Industries is an innovative font with smart "features". Complex typeface programming was implemented to create dynamic capabilities for the user to manipulate. To learn more click here.
Image copyright House Industries
Build Your Own Getty Tomb
Want to have your own desk top Louis Sullivan-designed Getty Tomb? Here's you're chance! Check out all the "Build Your Own Chicago" projects by following the link.
Photo copyright Matt Bergstrom
Much Ado About Drilling
If you've been conscious of the news lately, there's been a lot of talk about "Drill Here, Drill Now!" Treehugger.com recently posted this info graphic from Architecture 2030 based on U.S. Energy Administration Information that shows that all this hot air about drilling would only amount to a drop in our consumption bucket. Seems like our time and tax money might be better spent on finding and funding economically realistic alternatives. Check it out here.
Graphic copyright Architecture 2030
Robie Rip-Off
A Neo-Robie House currently for sale in Palos Park, IL? Unbelievably, it's true. What boggles my mind is that someone paid a lot of money to get a rip-off design, when they could have pursued an original work of Organic Architecture for probably the same money. You can gawk at this missed opportunity here.
Image courtesy of Realtor.com
Taliesin's Organic Architecture
USAToday.com posted this recent article on the principles of Organic Architecture showcased at Taliesin, Frank Lloyd Wright's home in Spring Green, Wisconsin. Read the article here.
Photo copyright Michelle Johnson
Treasure Hunting
I love hunting for treasures! Last weekend I lucked out and found a couple of gems while searching through old postcard boxes at some local shops. The first shot is of Unity Temple from the 1960s and has some Frank Lloyd Wright stamps on the back. It was also mailed on the first day of issue for the stamps from Spring Green, Wisconsin!
Continue reading after the jump...
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