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3 Small Space Design Tips from Frank Lloyd Wright’s Kentuck Knob
Frank Lloyd Wright is known for his works like the prominent Guggenheim Museum in New York City or state-of-the-art residence like Fallingwater in Western Pennsylvania. Many don’t hear much about his more down-to-earth commissions like Kentuck Knob, which is about a 15-minute drive away from Fallingwater.
What’s Kentuck Knob?
The Kaufman family who owned Fallingwater (and also a Pittsburgh department store) had their friends the Hagans (known regionally for their ice cream company) come over to visit. The Hagans LOVED Fallingwater and were so impressed with the architecture that they commissioned Wright to build a similar residence for them.
What’s the difference between Kentuck Knob and Fallingwater?
At about 2,000 square feet, Kentuck Knob has more mass appeal for the average home owner than Fallingwater. (I like to think of Kentuck Knob as a tiny house or small space mansion, although that would be ironic since mansions are supposed to be huge, but I digress.)
Back in the day, Frank Lloyd Wright created what were Usonian homes, those ranch style houses made in the 1950s. Kentuck Knob is something more attainable and practical and can have better utilized spaces. Whereas Fallingwater is a multilevel property and sitting on top of a waterfall, this home is on ground and on one level. If a similar size or style house were on the market, it would probably be more affordable by North American standards.
So what were some of the design and style takeaways you could use in your own small space?
1) Choose a design motif consistent throughout the house. Kentuck Knob had several hexagon and triangle shapes throughout. The whole building itself was hexagonal. If you were to check out the living room, some chairs in the room were a hexagon shape. On the outside terrace, the skylight windows were hexagonal in shape. There were also lots of triangle shapes throughout as well. The motif you choose doesn’t have to be a shape, it could be a favorite color or set of colors. Heck, if it speaks to you, it could even be the Amelie movie garden gnome you see in random parts of the room. (Okay, I’m kind of exaggerating here as that gnome showed up in travel pictures.) It provided a kind of fun motif though and hopefully you can think of one in your life that speaks to you, whatever that may be. Just be consistent with it.
2) Multipurpose your furniture. In the case of Kentuck Knob, the kitchen stove burner was such that it was detachable from stove range and you could take it outside and use it as a camp fire stove. Since the kitchen did not have a ton of counter space, you also had the option of flipping the stove burner upright against the wall to make room for food prep.
The table in the indoor dining area indoors was such that you could entertain indoors, but also detach the table and bring it out onto the terrace so people could dine outside. The roofed terrace itself could be considered an extension of the dining and entertaining area for when there’s guests which is kind of cool because you make the indoor space seem larger than it actually is.
What multipurpose furniture do you have in your space? Our living room has the coffee table with cube ottoman storage contained within that could also be used as extra seating when guests come over. Think of furniture that could be used for different functions.
3) Work natural elements into the design.
At Kentuck Knob, you almost don’t need art work because the open windows look onto the 9,000 some trees on the 85 acres of land. The trees outside provide a focal point bringing the outdoors in via the array of horizontal windows and glass doors. While you may not have scenes of nature your home, you could always bring the outdoors inside with simple touches like potted plants throughout the house. If you’re lacking in space, get wall planters that you can hang on your walls in place of artwork. You could create an herb garden by the windowsill and have fresh herbs for meals.
So to recap, if you want to steal Kentuck Knob style, 1) Decide on a design motif to be used throughout your house. 2) Multipurpose your furniture. 3) Work nature into the design. Working some of these elements will keep things looking consistent, furniture functional and potentially create feelings of natural harmony within a smaller space.
