Bright Ideas

Guys, Frank Lloyd Wright Was a Small-Space Renovation Guru

He knew a thing or two about downsized design—here's what I learned from him

Although Frank Lloyd Wright is probably best-known for his grander projects—the Guggenheim in New York, Johnson Wax Headquarters in Wisconsin, Fallingwater in Pennsylvania—he is also famed for his not-so-grand (but, of course, still elegantly designed) homes. He referred to his residential concept as “Usonia,” stemming from “United States.” The gist of it: an American landscape that aligned with design—populated by houses drafted by FLW or his apprentices, of course.

The numbers vary greatly on how many Usonian homes currently exist (a dozen? a hundred?), but they all share the same quintessential FLW characteristics: large windows to allow for unobstructed outdoor views, open floor plans, and humble kitchens. They're also on the small side (his first Usonian home, Jacobs I, totals just 1,500 square feet), which challenged FLW to make the most of small rooms. But he wasn’t one for fussiness—downsized homes fit his efficient nature.

While researching Usonia, I had a realization: These very design tenets still hold up today, easily applied to our galley kitchens and bedrooms that were probably better off as closets and miniature living rooms we deem "cozy." When Frank designed something, rarely was it simply decorative. Every single floorboard, corner, and window served a purpose. So, here’s how to use the famous architect's methods when renovating (or building!) your very own home:

Stick to clean, horizontal lines

FLW believed that a house should be “a companion to the horizon,” evidencing his love for simple, straight lines. This was for good reason—they have a way of making things look clean and uncluttered. Trying to take in lots of geometric juts and corners, on the other hand, is overwhelming. Make sure to streamline major components like floors, windows, walls, and ceilings with your architect and contractor.

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The Bachman-Wilson House.

Invite the outdoors in

Nature was important to FLW. He often integrated the outdoors into his designs, particularly through his use of windows. Whether in rows or stretching from floor to ceiling, they always brought in great natural light and beautiful views. Another benefit: windows make a room feel so much bigger. Consider adding a few to your designs to maximize that airy feel.

A Usonian house for Florida Southern College.

Photo: John Greim/LightRocket/Getty Images

Create a relaxed flow between spaces

Whenever FLW designed a home for a client, an open floor plan that promoted fluidity was essential. One of his priorities was to conceptualize dwellings that people could really live in, knowing that people crave freedom in their personal spaces. Do the same and forgo traditional closed-in rooms for an open living-dining space that gives both areas (and you) ample room to breathe.

The Stanley Rosenbaum House.

Photo: Buyenlarge/Getty Images

Skip the tchotchkes

Several words come to mind when describing FLW's aesthetic: organic, natural, modern. Decorated would not be one of them. Every piece in his homes is there to fill a need of his clients, hence the uncomplicated furniture and sparse decorative objects. When planning the layout of your space, be choosy about the furnishings you include—everything should have a purpose. And when it comes time to style it out, opt for just a few keepsakes you truly love, then relegate the rest to storage or the donation bin.

The Pope-Leighey House.

Photo: Len Spoden/The Washington Post/Getty Images

Aim for form and function

Frank adhered to the phrase “form and function are one,” meaning buildings and their uses deserved respect. He never tried to twist a space into something it wasn’t. Don’t overcomplicate a small room in your house by squeezing in too many things into it. (Sometimes, an office just isn't going to work in your bedroom.) Instead, embrace the space's size with well-designed furniture that actually fits. In FLW’s world, less is always more.

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A simple nook inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright.