With its refreshingly open interiors and strong horizontal lines, the Praire house clealry evokes the freedom and sweep of the limitless mid- western landscape. Deep sheltering eaves, gently sloping roofs, and low terrace walls reach out to nature. Broad bands of casement windows let nature come inside and their vertical lines add rhythm.

     Exterior materials are often stucco, brick and horizontal siding, and occasionally a very linear patterned stone. Historically, Prairie School architects added custom-designed furnishings, art glass, integrated lighting, and landscaping, lending harmony and integrity to the home. Boxlike formal rooms were replaced with open plans and built-in furnishings. Natures colors are used inside and out: golds, rusts, yellows, and greens reinvigorate the interior. Most prairie fireplaces are brick or tile, rarely stone. Mantles and all other woodwork on the home are typically natural oak designed to be simple and geometric allowing an occasional ornamental feature to be highlighted.