Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio in Oak Park Fuels Invention

Famed American architect Frank Lloyd Wright spent the beginning 20 years of his career here in the Chicago area. His influence can be seen in Chicago and surrounding suburbs. Originally from Richland Center, Wisconsin, Wright attended college at University of Wisconsin-Madison. He left school without completing a degree and headed to Chicago in 1887 in search of employment. Development throughout Chicago boomed in response to a quickly increasing population and the devastation due to the Great Chicago Fire. As a result, Chicago was the perfect incubator for Wright.

Bay windows light up Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio

After procuring a job with Sullivan & Adler (the second firm he would work for in Chicago) and proposing to Catherine Tobin, Wright obtained a loan from Sullivan to construct his house in Oak Park. Touring the Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio provides insight into Wright's growth and inspiration during his time in Chicago. The one element I really fell in love during the tour of the house was the first I noticed---his use of bay windows and play with lighting to open up a room.

Learning about Wright's Signature Designs:

Wright was famous for his organic architecture incorporating the feel of nature surrounding the home. The Prairie Style can definitely be felt through various elements in the home. Wright also incorporated paper screens drawing from Japanese designs. The light above shows the use of paper screens and geometric patterns.

Striking use of screens and geometric patterns in Frank Lloyd Wright's lighting fixtures.

Christmas at Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio:

Christmas celebrated in the Frank Lloyd Wright Home.

I have long wanted to visit the Wright Home and Studio during the holidays to see the Christmas tree. What a stunning treat during holiday season to see a brilliantly lit tree up against one of Wright's skylight design. Our entire tour group found this room particularly dazzling.

Stained glass windows in the Frank Lloyd Wright home were stunning and incorporated nature and geometry.

Road Trip Idea: Admire Frank Lloyd Wright's Martin House Complex, Art Deco Architecture and more while Exploring the Historic Architecture of Buffalo New York on a City Break Weekend.

Inspiring Architecture Throughout:

Throughout the home, we could not help but pause at each window. Wright's play with opening up rooms as well as creating intimate closed off spaces are pretty impressive and creative inspiring us to contemplate his creations. In fact, we were so inspired the hour tour seemed to go by much more quickly!

Definitely take in the elements all around the Frank Lloyd Wright Home.

We did visit the home on an atypically warm winter day, so we took advantage by enjoying some time walking around the home. Wright did several additions to the original home including living space for his children as his family grew and a larger studio. Pretty cool to see how it fit together. Breathtaking inside and out!

Intricate columns cause for pause.

A tour of the Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio provides quite a bit of inspiration and a remarkable place to start if you are exploring Wright architecture in Chicago. The tour is wonderful for families but I would recommend children be 7 or older. In addition to the tour of the home, you also can join a tour of the other Oak Park Frank Lloyd Wright creations. The gift shop is also a must stop and does have some made in U.S.A. creations. A wonderful afternoon that you can only experience in Oak Park!

**Disclosure: No compensation was received for this post. All opinions are 100% my own.