Home Style Guide: Prairie Style Homes

Most common in the Midwest, Prairie style homes are well-known for their low-profile build and sturdy construction. Want to design your own? Let’s dive in to the specifics behind this style.

What does a Prairie Style Home Look Like?

This Frank Lloyd Wright-designed home is a prime example of Prairie style.

Flat Roofline

Unlike the steeply pitched gabled roofs that most home styles utilize, Prairie Schools are easily recognized by the flatness of their roofs. While gabled roofs are intended to minimize the pileup of rain and snow, weather in certain areas of the Midwest means this isn’t a requirement. The emphasis of horizontal lines adds to another important feature of Prairie style homes.

Cohesion with the Landscape

Rather than making a bold statement like Queen Anne homes, Prairie Schools are designed to blend with the landscape surrounding them. The long, flat lines flow seamlessly with the prairie landscape for which this style gets its name.

Minimal Ornamentation

Notice that the exterior of this home isn’t decorated with intricate designs and elaborate finishes. The impressiveness of Prairie Schools comes not from grandiose décor, but rather the sheer presence of these strongly-built homes.

Prominent Foundation

When you look at a Prairie style home, it’s impossible to ignore the sheer strength these homes radiate. A firm foundation is a key feature of Prairie Schools, painting these houses as immovable structures that will withstand the test of time.

What is the Difference Between Prairie Style and Craftsman?

Prairies are designed with a focus on highlighting the craftsmanship that goes into them, making them similar to the ever-popular Craftsman homes. Both of these homes also prefer earthy, warm tones and feature low-pitched roofs with large overhangs.

However, they are not the same. Craftsman homes feature subtle but very present artistic and elegant touches to encourage passersby to pause and enjoy the work that went in to building the home. For Prairie Schools, it’s all about the overall structure; there are no small artisanal touches.

While both came as a result of the Arts and Crafts Movement, their approach to architecture makes their styles distinct when placed side by side.

Conclusion

Prairie Schools have earned a respected spot in American architecture for good reason: The clean lines throughout the design, paired with simple decoration, make these a quiet force with which to be reckoned. Prairie is just one of many to consider when designing your new home.

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