What Does Organic Mean? What is Organic Design? Ask Frank Lloyd Wright

admin — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 04:48:09 +0000

Frank Lloyd Wright believed in organic lifestyles and environments. His thought was that “The good building is not one that hurts the landscape, but one which makes the landscape more beautiful than it was before the building was built.” In the early part of the twentieth century Wright and other organic minded Arts and Crafts and Mission designers, not only created in less invasive design shapes but with organic materials drawn entirely from nature. By using siding that was unglazed brick, roofs made of clay tile or un-planed woodwork and ignoring the use of paints it appeared to create simple, healthful, and close to nature environments from the outside inward.

Today we hear the term organic used to describe everything from vegetables to meat to milk to clothing and designs. While in today’s society of commercial competition advertisers may have watered down the true definition of organics in order to sell more product, and not necessarily to save the environment or to create a happier living space, once upon a time great architects like Wright’s mentor Luis Sullivan believed that “form follows function.” Wright himself took it a step further in his argument that “form and function are one.” Either way, their mission was to achieve a form that while appealing to human’s esthetically was useful and not so abrasive on the natural landscape. It also meant bringing the outside indoors in the theory that it made for healthy indoor environments.

If your home is not organic but you long to have a place that brings you home to nature it is achievable. Like all great journeys your home can begin its conversion to organic designs one step at a time. Creating an open space that flows together is essential when organizing your organic environment. Window views are essential. Use natural colors, shapes and textures in textiles and potteries. Using recessed lighting also helps to create a more natural lighting effect, like sunlight through treetops.

Replace your mass produced furniture a piece at a time to eliminate toxic and unnatural elements, such as pressed or particle board that give off dangerous fumes called outgases. If you cannot afford to actually build unassuming built-in shelves and cabinets to conserve space, organize and minimize clutter then consider buying pre-made but high quality cabinets. The Amish woodworkers of Northern Indiana create organic designs in home furnishings from Native North American hardwoods. Never using veneers or press woods these products honor the vision of organic purists. Like Wright you can begin one detail at a time to make your home seem “handcrafted like a fine piece of furniture”.

Tips to Creating A Rustic Cabin Adirondack Lodge

admin — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 15:57:18 +0000

Amish furniture creators have ensured that we can enjoy solid wood Cabin or Lodge designs that will be enjoyed for generations. Furniture for your personal lodge is crafted by the Amish in cabin friendly organic oaks, cherry, maple, hickory and walnut with a variety of stains.

While typically replicating nature and landscapes cabin style ranges anywhere from a rustic shack interior to the grand lodges of the Adirondacks. The common threads that run through these Rustic Cabin Adirondack Lodge looks are true hardwoods, imagination, simplicity, naturally organic, relaxing, comforting, comfortable, welcoming and timelessness.

By studying nature and pre-existing themes in cabin interiors you can easily recreate the lodge look inside your home with or without the timber and chinking on the outside. No matter where the cabin is in North America there are common subject matter used as accessories:

Wood- trees, twigs, logs, birch, pine, solid woods- these are used in furniture and as trim on things like picture frames, vases, bowls, baskets or accessories

Animals- from moose on land to fish in water to birds in the air- what is nature without wild animals

Tools and Sports- The tools and sporting equipment of the region you are emulating displayed as conversation starters

Although cabins and lodges are found from the top of North America to the bottom each region has its own flavor. Even if you do not live in the geographical area you can create the feel by understanding each of their environments and their history. Here are few themes to get started with:

Native American- all across North America various tribes resided and incorporating the art of the people who truly knew the land it makes for environmentally interest impact in design. This theme can be incorporated with any of the cabins but especially Southwestern

Southwest- If you love the Southwest cabins then here is the opportunity to incorporate clay and Mexican potteries, cowboy memorabilia and leather works like saddles and tack or fringes and suede. Wagon wheels and branding irons bring in the outdoors but set up the Wild West Bunkhouse Lodge theme

Pacific Northwest- Buffalo plaids and lumberjack items bring the logging camps cabin home. Fishing themes work well here on the coast by incorporating poles and creels as décor items

Great Lakes- Quilts and loons, snow themes and pine trees indoors. This cabin allows an excused year round Christmas tree in the living area. Fishing is a theme here near the Great Lakes

New England- Maple sugaring buckets or firkins speaks to the theme of the New England cabin along with the beloved blueberry motifs. Handmade quilts alongside Shaker furniture fits well in these cabins

Adirondack- This upstate New York design began here over a century ago. The idea of the grand lodge and camping retreats was inspired and advocated by the rich and famous such as Teddy Roosevelt. This home must have the famed Adirondack chair somewhere.

No matter if your home is an environment of “roughing it” rustic or chic lodge the Amish hardwoods will endure many years of friends and family

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What Does Organic Mean? What is Organic Design? Ask Frank Lloyd Wright

Tips to Creating A Rustic Cabin Adirondack Lodge