It has been many months since I last blogged about Frank Lloyd Wright’s “little gem” right here in my neighborhood of Rockford: THE LAURENT HOUSE.
The Laurent House: Frank Lloyd Wright, Midcentury Design & Accessibility
The Laurent House, a midcentury masterpiece built for Ken and Phyllis Laurent is now open to the public!
It was with joy I joined the ribbon cutting celebration to officially open the architectural delight (the only property designed by Mr. Wright to be accessible for its owner, a wounded WWII veteran).
Human Stories Behind the Project
So many design details I could wax on about after listening to members of the Laurent Foundation, yet I’m most thrilled to hear the stories, the human stories that surround the architect, the Laurent family, and this restoration project.
How magical that the unique needs (Ken had paraplegia) of an ordinary Rockford family met the genius of Mr. Wright in a home which has stood the test of time in terms of function and aesthetics!
The Laurent House is small yet lived beautifully large.
As you may have surmised, the furniture is all original and part of the overall design.
Organic Materials & Modern Design
You’ll find tidewater cypress cabinetry and radiant floor heating throughout the home.
Efficient and sensible furniture design.
A modest kitchen to be sure, with many subtle understated details which keep it timeless.
Frank Lloyd Wright: Innovative Design Details
Origami-shaped tables, hassocks, recessed lighting, and a koi pond (flush with the back window wall) which helps to cool the house in summer are features which add to the quality and longevity of the home.
Accessibility With Beauty
So many accessible details inside, yet the home’s brilliant construction leaves no telltale signs the owner used a wheelchair: lower light switches, threshold-free doorways, pull-down cupboard doors…and this brings me to my favorite part of the Laurent House:
b e a u t y f u n c t i o n s i n h a r m o n y within the setting and within the needs of its occupants.
At the time of this post, photography is not allowed in the museum, so it is an honor to share these images and a part of the Laurent story to encourage you to make a trail to Rockford for this fabulous project and museum.
I will share more about this Rockford gem shortly, and if you are planning a trip to the Chicago area by all means, plan to spend time here too.
Peace to you right where you are.
michele
So interesting thanks for sharing this!!
to be inside is to experience being inside a piece of important art with amazing positive energy leftover from the occupants!
I think that is a great idea to put the board inside. I might try it by adding one to the outside and one to the inside and screwing them together. Your room turned out so pretty and this rolling basket just tops it off so well.
studio-with-gothic-style
Beautiful photos Michele, thank you for sharing your experience and tour of this wonderful Wright home.
Vera
Michele-
I would love to tour this home! Beautiful, and the wood!
Thank you for sharing, sweet lady.
Teresa
xoxo
What a treasure! FLW was such a master, this home feels like the outdoors is coming right inside! Thanks for sharing it!
xo
Holly
Wonderful project and story M. Thanks for sharing:) xxL
Michele, how wonderful to have such a treasure in your backyard and I feel so fortunate to be able to take a look around via your wonderful photos. Thanks so much for giving us a peek! XOXO