collettec I think the design elements of the exterior are striking, so for the exterior trim, I would perhaps keep it in the same color range as the brick. Given the great lines and detailing of the cabinetry, I would consider keeping the backsplash and countertops fairly simple in design and color. Perhaps a black quartz countertop and something like a linen color for backsplash tile and paint as a possibility. For the living room, can't see all the walls or tell the dimensions, but think furniture with modern lines, including a sectional if it would work in terms of spacing might be a consideration. Looks like a beauty of a house!

Kerrie Hubener I would like to see a cherry mantle very clean lines to tie in with kitchen cabinet finish, maybe match the interior tile with the kitchen backsplash tile. Sort of like the attached pic, but chunkier as it will be a symmetrical... Finish the cherry to the corner and bevel the edges of the mantle a good 5 inches or so,to be sure to have good traffic flow down the stairs. You would clip the corner so you don't hit your shoulder coming down the stairs.

bevballew Thank you so much collettec. The exterior color amazes me as it is a beautiful house. I thought a paint color to go,with the brick. Appreciate your feedback. Confirms my thought. Thank you Kerrie. I never even thought of a mantle. Good idea!

Design Mode Go to the horse's mouth! Check out Frank Lloyd Wright's fireplaces by Google>Images. There are FLW homes in every state, so seeing the real thing is a worthwhile, inspirational experience. His fireplaces were the centre of the home, and he did not really use mantles - but did use lots of built-in horizontal ledges for unique looks.
Here is a reno tour of Harper House in Michigan. The kitchen is great, too. I'm sure a contemporary interpretation would be fun to compile in your home.
Kentuck Knob, Falling Water, FLW's studio in Chicago, Robie House - all worth checking out, too.
http://www.peterbeers.net/interests/flw_rt/Michigan/Harper_House/harper_house.htm

apple_pie_order Dramatic house. If you can do it before you move in, arrange to have a professional clean the fireplace stonework. It may have traces of soot such as along the top left of the photo taken facing the fireplace. It's much harder to clean after you move in. Then the stone colors will be back to the original.

rexypoo gorgeous, but yes the fireplace is calling for a mantle, I would go with something not so traditional, more with keeping of the design of house. A freestanding mantle piece, just one solid piece of mohogany straight across. But yes that fireplace is calling for a mantle.

R J Hoppe Inc Huge fan of Prairie style architecture and Frank. Completly agree with Design Mode. But don't stop there. check out "Stickley", "Prairie Style Architecture", "Greene and Greene". P.S. Frank was influenced by Asian style architecture as well and there is quite a bit of harmony when when incorporates that type of idea into the design of a Prairie style home.

apple_pie_order More photos, please? Such a beautiful house.

mousemaker whoever the student was they only copied few of the design elements. the fireplace really would look awful with a mantel. the wall is meant to be as is, without a mantel. it would be a huge mistake to put one in.

tbhattac Beautiful home!! I don't think I would do a mantle on that fireplace. I think it would clutter up the clean lines. Are you putting your grand piano in that nook created by the fireplace and the exterior wall in the second picture? I would consider putting a piece of modern or abstract art on the fireplace to the left of the fire box to help balance the look. A very simple frame in the color of the kitchen cabinets would help tie it together if you wanted to do that. One of the pictures posted by Design Mode show this. Keep the design choices simple and clean-lined to keep in the feeling of a FLW home.

Pittsburgh Paints has a Falling Water Collection--these are colors inspired by Falling Water. If you keep within this palette, you still stay true to the FLW style. He drew his inspiration from the colors of nature at the site and the colors of his building materials. The existing trim looks to be similar to "Cherokee Red", which he was famous for using as a trim color.

The green granite actually doesn't bother me but if you don't like it, I agree with a previous poster's suggestion to look at black granite as an alternative color.

As someone else suggested, look at lots of other pictures of FLW homes to gather inspiration. Luckily there are plenty on the internet to choose from!

sms9758 Please don't put a mantle on that beautiful fireplace. Totally out of character to a Frank Lloyd Wright. Their beauty is in the simplicity.

bevballew Wow! This is great...all of your comments and feedback. I did not state but the fp has just as Design Mode indicated small stone ledges that stick out so there are "little mantels" already. Sorry. I did not think about that. Great idea of cleaning the fp. Thank you so much. As you look at the fp I thought of putting the piano on the right side of the room. I will take a pic to show that side of the room. Btw, the room is about 22 by 20. On the right side is a window the same size as the one on the left that you see from the outside. On the right is a view of the lake. We will be replacing the windows as they are old and do not open.

bevballew Thank you for the links and suggestion to google flw fp.

bevballew I found an error in my post. I would like to put a pewabic looking tile floor.

Cathy Welman_Nolan Apart from researching the work of FLW and his contemporaries before making decisions on furniture, my only suggestions is to consider the visual flow, particularly in the flooring. The room to the back of the kitchen has what appears to be black slate, with beige tile in the kitchen that will lead out onto hardwood in the great room. If you don't have budget (!!!!!) to retile the kitchen, I suggest matching the hardwood colour so create more visual continuity.

Interiors International, Inc. Cool house, I would use at least a few touches of prairie style/craftsman furniture.

kristheot Retrorenovation recently asked for photos of readers' fireplaces. You may get some decorating ideas from other people with large stone walls and fireplaces without mantles.
http://retrorenovation.com/2013/02/08/decorating-a-fireplace-photos-from-readers-homes/
Your house looks amazing! Good luck with the remodeling and decorating. I would suggest changing the backsplash and paint color in the kitchen, and then see if you still hate the counters. The pink really brings out the green. It may seem more subtle with different colors in the room.

groveraxle No mantel please. It would be totally out of character for this house. Look at prairie style to inform your decor.

I would consider keeping the kitchen--even the colors--as it is and punch it up with some Wright-inspired touches in lighting and accessories. The green granite and peachy paint and backsplash tiles are very appropriate for this house.
Kitchen
Prairie Style Architecture

Wright used a lot of natural wood in his furniture with asian influences and simple lines and geometry. You don't have to go quite so stark, but I think simplicity here will be the key.
Gebhardt/Clasen Residence
Boyton Arm Chair by Frank Lloyd Wright
Copeland Furniture Frank Lloyd Wright® Taliesin Storage Ottoman
Fusion Drum Duo-Mount

bevballew I can tell you after seeing prairie style architecture I am not fond of it or into it. Thank you for sharing that look.

bevballew Definitely getting rid of backsplash. Any suggestions! I like glass tiles. Good point about color of wall changing what granite looks like. What an interesting fact.

Aja Mazin groveraxle,

I so agree!!

travisinteriors Put wood floors though out. Back splash a more modern glass tile go black, grays. Paint walls a soft gray. Stone on firepl is very nice. Keep furn contemporary . Use big area rugs to define areas. Use low sleek furn use lake view as forcial pt might be good to put piano. On that window. Big pots tall by firepl maybe with large bamboo. Use large silk plants to fill floor space remember more is less. Don't cover windows if there is view.

travisinteriors Paint ceilings white and follow though with gray on other walls.it will bring out gray in stone.

travisinteriors All app should match either black or stainless.

Aja Mazin Where is the home located and when was it built?

travisinteriors A mantel going 3/4 of the way across firepl. Start approx 18" from fire opening and extend to approx 2 feet from wall. A heavy beam type to match kitchen cabinets in color. Do not clutter keep to min.

Paulette Pinheiro Nice house! Congratulations! Some thoughts: although nice stone work I would trim the semi-wall between kitchen and great room for a more contemporary look, in adition I would make the kitchen brighter ( it appears to be somewhat dark.). For the color palete I would try terracota and browns that mix well with the stone ( I suppose it is lime stone, is it?) Or I would work with greens OR blues, 'cause these 2 collors go well with the stone. Surf the net for Frank Lloyd's works to get an inspiration! http://www.thefranklloydwrighttour.com/apps/blog/show/11482058-in-the-cause-of-architecture-frank-lloyd-wright-1908

bevballew House in Michigan. Looks out at lake st. Clair. Built about 1960. I do like coral. I will post pics of rest of great room for furniture layout, etc. Thank you for pics and comments.

Elizabeth Hayden I'm a big fan of an incremental approach.

No doubt the pinkish paint and backsplash must go. Put some white paper over the backsplash, and try some different paint colours. You may find that the greenish stone countertop works well once you can actually "see" it without the distraction of the pinks.

Your fireplace is awesome just the way it is. Don't kitsch it up...go with what you have a gorgeous modern feature wall.

Contiguous walls and ceilings should be painted the same colour. Flooring should also flow.

(Is that a popcorn finish on the ceiling? I would save my pennies to have that removed! A much more judicious use of funds than replacing a perfectly good granite counter!)

I wouldn't say your home is purely FLW or Prairie style and I agree that a bit of that furniture can go a long way. For furniture I would look at simple modern pieces that I think would suit the style better! I've attached a few inspiration shots of where I would take this room. The room is background for your wonderful views!

calikym Don't add a mantel - no no no . It was designed without one by a professional designer. And it would ruin that modern brick look.

CMR Interiors & Design Consultations Inc. Lots of great suggestions. Do not paint the brick-you just need fresh paint colors and wood floors-that are not cherry. That would be too dark. Do a white Oak, not a red oak with a natural stain. Or even better a rift & sawn white oak with a natural stain or cerused finish.

Aja Mazin Congratulations on your new home.

Just for you!

Elizabeth Hayden I just googled pewabic pottery. I wasn't familiar with the term but have certainly seen the ceramics. Gorgeous. How about some of these for a new back splash or back splash feature? The muted colours would be lovely. Might be too much on the floor.

studio10001 A minor point regarding your piano placement -they stay "healthier" and will remain in tune longer if placed near an interior wall, as opposed to the temp. and draft possibilities provided by the right side w new window.

Susanna I hope you don't add a mantel. I think gray has been over-used on Houzz but in this case I think the design, and color of the stone, screams for gray (or greige) walls. I agree with others who suggest that you keep with the architect's concept as it must be what attracted you to the beautiful house.

I wonder what the original kitchen looked like? This kitchen pulls a lot of red into the space (which surprises me if original), so I think you are wise to get rid of the green. I like your idea of earthtones.

I would not be able to resist adding Frank Lloyd Wright's exterior "garden sprites" outside somewhere!

Susanna Uh oh! it cut their heads off! Sheesh. I guess you'll have to enlarge to see.

janowins Oh, I am green with envy! I don't have many answers for you but please don't install a mantle. And I would use long, low furniture being careful of scale. What a beautiful home you have!

bevballew Thank you all. I was thinking cherry hardwood floor. Glad you suggested a lighter one. What a great thought. I am attaching another view of the kitchen. I will share more pics of the great room. The foyer has slate of 50 years ago which I will remove. The kitchen is not original. Apparently there was a wall just beyond the island which was possibly the eating area. YES I will be getting rid of,the popcorn ceiling. Don't get how people live with it. Thank you all for the compliments!

Daniel Dionne Designs llc NO Mantel. This is a very unique and VERY cool home. Mantel is counter intuitive. groveraxel has made some terrific points, (as have others) especially the general recommendation of simplicity. I love the idea of glass tile on the backsplash. You could even use metallic tiles. Consider adding glass shelves between the cabinets that flank the desk. Carry the tile to the ceiling here, shelves or not. Great secondary serving area, barware, etc. Limestone flooring would be amazing in the kitchen and foyer and you would also get the added benefit of adding more continuity. FLW utilized leaded glass extensively. It could be very interesting to suspend (from the ceiling) a framed leaded glass panel over the elbow wall/planter between the kitchen and family room. Good Luck. Awesome house, sure to be a fantastic home!

bevballew Aja! Thank you so much for the video. That was awesome and made me appreciate my new house even more. Thank you groveraxle for the stool picture. I will have to get some. I love the pics of the interiors of the FLW houses in the video. Would love to try for that look. Thank you Aja for the video. I see the red he had in his houses but it does not seem to work on the exterior of my house tho with all of the trim. Maybe the backyard landscaping can somehow incorporate that look. I will be redoing some of the front landscaping also at some point. I have a fantastic landscape designer that actually is very talented in oriental/Asian gardens.

Aja Mazin bevballew,

I am so happy for you !!

Thank you!

Aja

Sweet Caroline Garden Design Beautiful home with lots of character. Congrats ! My Chicago neighborhood is a national landmark that had many homes built by FLW students and my own home was built on the plan that was his first design as a student of architecture - the American Foursquare. FLW's hometown, Oak Park, is not far from where I lived and contains many beautiful historic homes.

Kerrie Hubener Thanks for the back up Travis. If the horizontal beam makes the designers more comfy lets use that term. I think it would help personalize the space, and warm it up. If done properly, it emphasize the beautiful stonework. I think it's too much stone as is. Someone said a professional designer designed it that way, but don't all things need to be updated? How long ago was it designed that way? Not so sure Frank would have used that finish stone on a whole wall alone... The mantle/horizontal beam would balance out the half wall made of stone on the right, that is the height I would go with. By the way is there a difference between mantle and horizontal beam?

Kerrie Hubener I mean with no varying depths or no sort of break to create visual interest.

groveraxle I, too, just googled pewablic pottery and found the Stratton Collection, which would be absolutely in keeping with the style of this house. In fact, I'll bet you could get something that would make those granite countertops sing!

Aja Mazin Someone appears to be channeling Frank.

LOL

Marie Hebson's interiorsBYDESIGN Inc. wow - what a great project!
I'd leave your kitchen cabinetry alone - get rid of the pink paint and backsplash.

No need to go to craftsman style (groveraxle's suggestions) I think you need to stay pure to Frank Lloyd Wright's students direction - which means lots of natural tones from nature in linear lines - thoughtful details. Wood and brick etc.,

I'd love to design this project for you - such an amazing house! Some photos for inspiration on the direction I think it should go for you - and please continue on the F.L. Wright path - it is perfect for your home!

Lkristine I would keep the exterior fairly neutral, and taupe/gray with slight green undertones would look great.

brody1313 No mantle, hardwood floors all over, gray paint colors pulled from the fireplace for the kitchen and great room.....keep the kitchen cabinets and change the backsplash and appliances to stainless steel..........great house........good luck

Lkristine Hardwood floors like you stated would look awesome. Then look for a sectional that has ample seating for the fireplace wall as well as seating for looking out the window. http://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/Alcoa-Grey-Fabric-Modular-Modern-Sectional-Sofa/5710944/product.html If you wanted to, you could add a chair at either side of the sofa and then one angled by the baby grand piano. http://www.etsy.com/listing/120635495/danish-modern-mid-century-chairs?ref=sr_gallery_6&ga_search_query=danish+modern+chair+gray&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_search_type=all A unique coffee table that blends the style of your home, it brings in the wood elements also represented in the chairs I suggested, but keeps the room from looking dark. http://www.taigan.com/shops/vincentchicone/items/32484-mid-century-modern-coffee-table-by-vincent-chicone Then choose some decorative pillows for the sectional that incorporate the colors and keep the style..... http://www.etsy.com/listing/113686783/orange-blue-retro-throw-pillow-cover You have an awesome home!!!!! Just mix up the colors with what works for the style of the home so the character shines through!

groveraxle A Wright restoration that might give you some ideas:

bevballew You are all so wonderful with your ideas. I thought the pewabic on the foyer floor. I don't like the present kitchen tile. It was suggested limestone which is great. I was thinking tumbled marble also in a light color in foyer and kitchen. Thank you so much for the pewabic lookalike groveraxle. I have a powder room that might justify it also but I like the backsplash idea tho I thought glass tile. Food for thought Marie! Thank you re exterior suggestion Kristine even mentioning the color tones. I am very bad at that. Love the furniture suggestions. Tomorrow I am going to post the rest of the great room. This is so much fun!!

jjdesignkloos lucky you!!

It's a Beautiful World! We have seen a number of homes designed by FLW and his students, you are so fortunate to live in a unique space like that! If you happen to like any of our art pieces we would be honored to have our art on display in such a beautifully designed home!... Raisa

groveraxle The pewabic tile reminded me of Wright's stained glass designs. Another designer of the period you might look at is Charles Rennie Mackintosh. His work was a bit more sensuous and less linear than Wright's, but would fit right in.

bevballew Groveraxle. I will take a pic of the front door that has this style of glass. I want your opinion, and of course, of others. This just gets more and more interesting. Thank you for your attention to this. You are so kind to share all of this.

groveraxle Another backsplash in keeping with the style:

groveraxle Also, bevballew, modern furniture will go well in this house. You don't have to go Mission or Stickley, but don't go French provincial either. The key is simple lines and geometries. Some Asian pieces would work as well.

Philippa Richard at "You Just Remodel" Regarding the fireplace, I agree that you should not get a mantel but at the same time I can see the whole wall looks a bit unbalanced. I would suggest putting a large piece of art on the wall next to the fire. (see photo 1 by Design mode)

Although, I think the bigger imbalance is with the other side - the half-wall and the window are different heights and sizes and don't appear to relate to one another.

Also, there is a large expanse of blank ceiling. If you look at Llloyd-Wright pictures you see very few plain ceilings.
One idea would be to put a light shelf across that wide window and wrap it around the corner as a floating shelf above the half'-wall and across the opening to frame it. Probably needs a few drawings to work out the correct height and scale but I feel something is needed to bridge this gap.

FINNE Architects I would consider adding a horizontal Sapele mantle, but you will also need to make a steel lintel above the fireplace. The steel and wood need to be detailed together so that the new mantle looks integral, not tacked on. Otherwise, definitely replace the kitchen backsplash and counters and perhaps update the lighting. Good luck!
--Nils Finne, AIA

Ann I agree about no mantle. I'm wondering if the current granite will look just fine once you get rid of the pink paint and backsplash. I'd go with a calm backsplash due to the cabinet style/interest. Also, stainless appliances.

dclostboy The upper cabinet doors in the kitchen are bothering me...the shapes / details detract from the clean lines everywhere else. Consider replacing with something simpler and cleaner, possibly with glass inserts.

Living room screams for updated mid century mod...not a mad men set, but mix of original / repro pieces with mix of more current pieces by places like Room&Board (although I'm not happy they've started stocking cheap imports from China), Gus or BluDot. I love my long shag / flokati area rug.

bevballew Here is the furniture pieces that will may in the room unless it is sold.

bevballew Here is the rest of the great room in the new house. Also is the front door stained glass which has two sidelights with the front door. I do not like this stained glass at all. Sorry!

Susan Mills Design I also agree no mantle, I do, however, see an art installation that created interest on the fireplace. It could be concrete or metal, the width and the placement would have to be worked out according to overall dimensions of fireplace. The picture I am posting shows this shape in concrete pigment died red. It would run both vertically and horizontally and create an asymmetrical frame, leaving enough room from opening to balance wall. It should like like an art installation and work with the style you choose to furnish the room. Nice project, can't wait to see what you do here.

Susan Mills Design Bevballew, just saw the furniture you will have in the room, my art installation was more for the houses sake, taking it into a mid century modern direction!

Aja Mazin WOW!

becbe54 I agree WOW what a house...I envy you!

bevballew Thank you all for the compliments of my house. It makes me feel good about the purchase. I want to respond to all so will do to those offering advice. Paulette... I don't think the stone is limestone. It is like a more expensive brick I believe. Elizabeth...thank you for those very nice pics. That is the look I love. One pic showed a hearth. I wondered about that. Any thoughts from anybody? Elizabeth, you said too much of the pewabic on the floor...I had thought of one color tone, maybe a rusty type color, so it would not be busy. Pewabic is very very expensive so I would check out the suggested sites groveraxle gave me. Good idea? Susan mills and raisa...would love to entertain your art. Susan..what is mid century modern.

bevballew Groveraxle...I love your suggestions but those pics you showed are too busy for me. I like how you said mackintosh's work is more sensuous. That sounds good to me. I love the furniture pics you sent. Thank you. You will see the stained glass on the front doors. What do you think? I don't like it. Anybody want it? I want to install a wood door that has insets that run from top to bottom but with a square above each inset the small square insets and long insets would be glass. Daniel suggested limestone on the floor. What color? I thought maybe tumbled marble.

bevballew CMR and Jjdesignkloos and Aja .thank you very much!!

bevballew Dclostboy. You mean the arch? I know what you mean re the upper cabinet but to me it is not that big of a deal to change. Too many other things need changing, especially the weird backsplash, new appliances, probably tops and floor. The previous owner custom made the cabinets and he actually did a good job. just the taste not really mine but beadboard is nice. Sweet Caroline. Do the houses in your neighborhood look similar to my house since they were frank Lloyd wright students? I do realize my house is not 100% Frank Lloyd Wright. The neighborhood is not conducive to that look. There are things the owner did with this house that deviate from flw architecture. You should see the bathrooms...need to be gutted!

bevballew I thought of a sectional. Love what has been posted re furniture. I will have an estate sale when I move so I can sell other pieces I presently have. I love the idea of metal sculpture at fp. Anybody have any suggestions of glass or metallic tile for backsplash? Flooring in foyer and kitchen?

groveraxle bebballew, no, I don't care for the glass in your door either. I would suggest you look at craftsman doors for the front, and for the sidelight, perhaps a leaded glass insert.
Front porch

If you google mid-century modern, or search the term on houzz, I'm sure you will recognize the style. It's very simple, sleek. The Polk sofa and Coolidge chair above are mid-century style. Authentic mid-mod is pretty expensive, but take a look at Blu Dot, a fairly new company that's much more affordable. http://www.bludot.com/

In fact, even Ikea has some pieces that are mid-mod or close. They have a wing chair I'm salivating over, and the Poang chair would go with this style.
IKEA POANG Chair
IKEA STOCKHOLM Coffee table
IKEA STOCKHOLM Sofa table

groveraxle A rug in the style of Mackintosh:

groveraxle I keep asking myself WWFD (what would Frank do). In this day and age, he might go with back-painted glass for a backsplash.

groveraxle Mid-mod seating here: http://www.thrivefurniture.com/sofas/

bevballew Awesome. I love the glass backsplash ideas. Do you paint the wall a certain color or is that the color of the glass tiles? The door you chose is very close to what I was thinking of. Thank you! I appreciate your input. I would love to put in wood beams on the ceiling but not sure if it is worth it. I love the mackintosh rug!

bevballew Glad you are thinking like Frank! Lol! Where would I put a piano and tv?

rhonda19xx Your choice of getting hard wood floors is great and maybe in the corner where there's that kinda awkward brick you should put a comfy chair with a lamp for reading maybe..

groveraxle Hey, bevballew, my ex is an architect. Frank was an icon in our house.

Google "back-painted glass" to find companies that do it. I think it's fairly expensive, but I imagine it's a dream to keep clean. And you could probably get a color that would make your granite look fabulous!

bevballew Thank you so much groveraxle. I did google it and am so glad. I do love it. I had an architect see the house and he said glass tile of some sort also since we are off the lake. Interesting thing...most is made in China but there is a company in Canada that makes it. The one article I read talked about the negatives. The only thing that concerned me the most is I avoid buying things from China since things are coming in that are detrimental to our health so I was glad I found that out and will be cautious when I start shopping for backsplash as I will go with the glass idea. Thank you so much for the info!!! Do you still have iconic frank items in your house?

groveraxle No. I have some original mid-mod Cesca chairs by Knoll, but since I now live in a historic craftsman bungalow, I have slipcovered them for now and am looking to replace them.

groveraxle I did a bit of exploring, bevballew, and it appears that back-painted glass is not too difficult as a diy. Your contractor could probably do it. You should use tempered glass, especially behind the stove, and you can have a glass fabricator cut out for the electrical boxes. (Will require some careful measuring or a template, I suppose.) And here is a paint that looks like it is made for this:

http://www.glassprimer.com/glass-paint-backsplash-gallery.php

Once the glass is painted, it can be installed with silicone used for hanging mirrors. Good luck.

bevballew If I go with it I figured it is something easy to replace hopefully when it is time for a change. Thank you!

Daniel Dionne Designs llc Hi bevballew. I have been out of the chat for a few days. In regards to your question about limestone color, make it something pretty light to maximize brightness. Groveraxle, you are FULL of good ideas!

bevballew Oh good. Thank you for getting back to me! Do you think tumbled marble would be comparable enough to limestone?

mousemaker remember that in the years since his passing, there have been many many students, but only a few apprentices, and only several of them survive. also, no one, i assure you, addressed him as "Frank", but only as Mr. Wright.

Daniel Dionne Designs llc Tumbled marble would definitely work if you like that. Absolutely. Subtle, minimal veining though.

MyCraftWork, LLC Hardwood flooring would look very nice in this area. Good luck!
Tao Bellamine.

bevballew Mouse maker. You made my day!! Lol! And a big belly laugh at that!! I do hope you meant it in humor! That was a good one! The people that owned the house kept too much in its original state which some of it was not FLW ideas. I have a pink tub that is square that has the tub part on a diagonal. I do love the style of the house and the stone and intend to preserve what I can to keep the FLW theme and keep in the tradition, especially on the outside. So I will ask for ideas to preserve it. Thanks again for your comment!

bevballew So if I went with tumbled marble and a glass backsplash in the green tones that would work? Still will replace the green granite but I will get rid of that pink wall color first. The backsplash just messes it up. In the flower is the old slate and in the kitchen is a dark, dark grayish color tile in a geometric pattern. Not bad but nothing special. What about a dark gray cement looking countertop?

bevballew Daniel. I have limestone now and I see your point. That would probably be much nicer than tumbled marble? I see limestone being more natural and imperfect. Would you agree? Tao bellamine... Wood floor in great room? I thought cherry but someone suggested a light color that blends with the fp, which sounds awesome also. I saw in a magazine a contemporary kitchen that had cherry cabinets with a dark stone countertop. Gorgeous in the magazine but I am not sure if it would look good in my place.

Daniel Dionne Designs llc Bev, I do prefer limestone for the reasons you pointed out. For the flooring in the family room, consider white oak in a dark walnut stain. This will actually draw attention to the fireplace through the contrast of the deeper tones. It is also what FLW would have used. (Oak) I could see cherry cabinetry but I don't think I'd go too dark on the finish. Perhaps a mid-depth "true" brown, meaning without a lot of red or gold undertones in the finish. A cast concrete countertop would be a very thoughtful (and amazing) update.

Daniel Dionne Designs llc I have not asked: How do you like the idea of glass shelves between the two upper cabinets to the left of the island, with the backsplash surface carried up to the ceiling? (if it is something subtle) I see this area as a huge opportunity for both visual and more importantly, functional enhancement. Also, if you DO want dark elements in the cabinetry, why not do only the island in something quite dark and the remaining cabinetry in something more mid-depth as previously mentioned.

mousemaker sorry, bevballew, i was completely serious. my comments were not directed at you, however. i think it's great you want to preserve what you can and perhaps return your house to it's original state but make it better. i was going to suggest perhaps doing something with the large window in the living room that would be more in tune with Wright design and would complement the fireplace.

bevballew Daniel. I loved your idea of the glass shelves and especially the tile going all the way up. I thought that would be totally stunning!! I will probably go,with glass tile. I was afraid you would say that about limestone. I do like it and love tumbled marble,but I think the house may be much more conducive to limestone. I will have to,go,to,the tile store and see the limestones. What I have now in my present house is old and in a small bathroom. I can imagine it must be gorgeous on a large floor area. I thank you so much for your wonderful suggestions!! They are awesome!! Deeply grateful for your help!

bevballew mousemaker. I knew it was not directed at me. Sorry for how you felt. So what was your suggestion re the front window? I would love to hear your thoughts!

aloha42 Obviously I am not the first person to say this but I am adding my comment to emphasize - NO MANTLE!

Urbanxt Design I'm a FLW fan admiring his stong timeless classic textural lines. One thing about FLW homes are; they are not muddy. Be sure to draw atttention to lineal elements and you can do this with complimentary contrasting ie: polish v texture, dark v light. I liked a photo of the exterior posted by Lkristine. I would like to add to her comments; the darker colours need to be quite dark, for instance gutter and downpipes shouldn't blur into the roof tiles (perhaps use the darkest redbrown even black) and gables need to quite light and be sure to pick a white with under tones that contrast with the red but compliment it as well if you know what I mean. Think crisp and clean gloss and gleam. And ofcourse pay attention to your garden landscaping. Paving and gardening ought be inspired by FLW simple and structural style, perhaps large pavers with a row of pencil pines located somewhere leading into the garage or driveway. The interior is simple and elegant. Kitchen is great but contrast it's darkness with a polished light coloured granite of red/orange undertones such as a "rojo alecante". Walls and ceilings need to be a crisp clean polar white and you say you are laying floorboards. If you use dark boards you can introduce light or white furniture and if you use light floorboards you can introduce dark coloured furniture. Remember to play on the contrast all the time. Of course furniture that is FLW inspired will fit in naturally. Timber furniture needs to be structural and high gloss polish. Steer clear of textural timbers with obvious patterns and colour grain as there is too much of that going on in the stone feature wall. make sure you give that wall a nice seal of semi gloss to draw attention to it's multi textural features. Fireplace good as is. If you hang anything on the stone wall, don't make it a painting but perhaps a large remarkable timber clock or something of functional value, such as a TV ofcourse. Window furnishings need to be simple, suggesting blinds not curtains. I can't tell from photo whether the ceiling in kitchen is timber. However, if timber leave of course otherwise paint white. And splashback needs to compliment the style of furniture you use. If you select dark floor light furniture, I personally suggest a light mosaic tile splashback with creamy coloured undertones, and if you select light floor dark furniture, I suggest perhaps using the the same granite for splashback as well ie"rojo alecante" and accessorise with white, no stainless steel. Remove existing lights and replace with hanging pendants located strategically over coffee tables and dining tables. I hope my comments help.

libradesigneye BB - great place. Been following. Front door combo w/art glass will sell well to architectural salvage or out on craigslist.

Instead of a standard door replacement, for your era house, I suggest you look into a pivot hinge door across the whole width of the current door and light if it isn't greater than 4'6" See [houzz=
]

Your modern house architectural marvel deserves a modern door. If you are not sure where to get the right door profile, check out the doors at Crestview Door - no craftsman cooky cutter doors for you, please. See this favorite to echo your planes of stone squares http://www.crestviewdoors.com/order/crestview-doors-and-entry-systems/carlysle-ext-36x80.html

For the outside, a pale greige to match the buff stone, and a charcoal front door! Your family room is amazing, and I would take the walls to a taupe that will work next to the stone and the warm paneling. That will take a lot of swatches to look good against the two different tones there. Maybe test http://www.sherwin-williams.com/homeowners/color/find-and-explore-colors/paint-colors-by-family/SW6071-popular-gray/ (this is not really gray but lots of neutrals got gray names as they became hot)

Pewabic tile is neat, but predates your house quite a bit in style eras. Since you are updating, and considering some limestone products, I think you are on the right track with limestone.

I think that the finish that you are looking for in marble and limestone is a honed finish, not a tumbled finish. Tumbled marble tend to look like ancient rome, but honed marble can be modern and historic too - timeless is the look you are aiming for. Timeless, like your home! Another flooring that would have been right in the era of your home was terrazo. Terrazo was always expensive and now is only available in commercial applications, but terrazzo like tiles are made in large format floor tile and there are terrazo like countertops which you may or may not love.

Finally, I want to say one thing to slow you down in the kitchen. Think a little more. Consult more. Learn how the kitchen functions. Thanks for the bigger photo of your kitchen. I figured out the very specific thing that bugged me, and I can see why you want to keep them overall.

The two full height cabinets that have uppers with the tambour and the arches are a bit country put together. Most of the tambour doors are great, and the way he has done the squares of glass front and these in square format behind the island is real artistry. It is just those two pantry cabinet tops with arches and tambour that read country to me and clash with the center success. He didn't know where to stop/edit.

I wonder if you could steal doors from the island and have those cut down to be square to go with the great mission elements above and behind the island. If the arches were on the back of the island (of course, the perfect solution is a swap of equal sizes) then they would be a lot less visible and would not clash with the emphasis on the squares that was done so nicely in the middle of the wall. Every other element that you change locks in the cabinets for a good while because of the new backsplash and countertops. Of course there are things you will want to do that you can't do right away, but I think the longer you live with the house and learn about modern style, and since you can see the kitchen cabinets from your main living area, the more you will want to at least change out a few of the doors.

The only other issue I have may just be your camera, but the wood tones look red to me. That can be solved with gel stain and a good painter. You want it to look good "next" to the stone. Now it makes the stone look pink. Again, it may be gorgeous in real life / natural light. New stone will make a huge difference. Consider soapstone for your kitchen counters - a classic and modern option.

p.s. thanks for letting us kibbitz on your beautiful house. I would put the piano in the room just below the stone wall to the right of the stairs (looking from back of room) - the wall will reflect the sound in a gorgeous way and make a perfect "corner" for it. Guests will get to enjoy this as it will be centrally located to fill your whole house with music!

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mousemaker bevballew..i don't know for sure how much you have decided to restore or replace in your new home, but it should be what makes you happy. none of us are going to live there :) my feeling about homes is that they should be shelters from the storms of life--in other words, yes they can be beautiful, but really they should be peaceful and relaxing too because the outside world can be stressful enough and you should have somewhere to go and unwind. Since you are lucky to have a fireplace i would make sure to use it and enjoy the space around it. whatever you do, don't put a TV over it!!! or i will never visit!! LOL
as for the window? i am out of my league there. i can only tell you that low overhangs were a trademark, (which are quite nice when it's raining in the summer you don't have to close your windows)
but i can't tell from your photo if that is the case with yours or if it opens? it looks like a picture window.
I would imagine it would be very expensive to replace, but you might be able to put some trim around it to make it fit in better..someone else would be better suited to answer that than i am. I don't recall seeing any curtains or window treatments at Taliesin, but i could be mistaken. there may have been small curtains in the small bedrooms..i think the point was to be one with nature :)
I think your best bet would be to go to your local library and check out a stack of Wright books and just look through them. It's ever so much more fun than sitting at the computer :) for what you need.
and don't forget that when he was designing homes and buildings, materials that are being used now were not available then--not in the same way or not as environmentally geared, which i believe is what he was trying to push for--so what you are investing in will be long lasting, hopefully.

bevballew Wow! Thank you all for the wonderful comments! I love it! I probably will not put a mantle but add a piece of cool art, metal, etc. I absolutely love terrazzo! Another great idea! The door, just stunning Libradesign! Thank you so much!!! Thank you all for your ideas and time!! I thought about mosaic tile too, good to hear. And thank you urbanxt for how to decorate re dark vs. white. Perfect info! NO tv over fp so you can visit mousemaker and we will have a cocktail in the yard as we look out at the lake. I love,the idea of a charcoal door; I love the idea of the rojo granite and the soapstone! I can't comment on everything but I love every idea. I will be getting rid of that pink color in the kitchen and the exterior paint. I like the cabinet switch as I agree the arch throws it off. I am replacing both picture windows. They are very old, get condensation and unbelievably they don't open...I want a breeze from the lake and hopefully hear the waves! I will probably go,with three panes across. And yes I will go,the the library. Great idea!

Anisa Shattuck Hi bevballew, I was brainstorming on furniture arrangement and wondered if you could supply the measurements of your great room? Also are you partial to separate seating, or a sectional? If I were arranging the room I would place the piano in the corner behind the stone half wall. That way it is not a main focus in the room, and I think it would make for a cozier atmosphere. You want people to be drawn to sitting in the room, and a highly visible (and beautiful) piano may distract from that desire, and they may instead find themselves wondering if there is a place to sit. Just a thought :)

bevballew Hi Anisa! Thank you for your interest. The room is about 22 x 20. Like your idea re piano and yes to a sectional. I have a beautiful velvet couch and if I kept that I thought of a lounging type sofa since it would be hard to match and since the view is out at a lake. I do have an expensive iron glass table, possibly a la barge. That would be a keeper. But someone might buy my furniture when they buy the house....as has been indicated by my agent.

Daniel Dionne Designs llc Hi bev. This space is certainly large enough to easily accomodate a sectional. I recommend really thinking carefully about the way you intend to use the room before making any purchases. Remember, form FOLLOWS function. That said, consider dual seating areas and two focal points, both based on function, Meaning: seating by the fire? TV on the opposite wood wall? Or: do you want TV viewing and fireside seating/conversation/reading both on the same wall. I recommend the former. Also, when considering art for the stone fireplace wall, remember that it is heavily textured and dimensional. Is a metal sculpture going to show to best advantage on such a surface? I do not think so. This touches on some very good advice posted earlier about contrast. In this case, the contrast to be conscious of is contrast of texture. Busy sculptural elements show best on relatively smooth surfaces. Cleaner shapes show beautifully on textured surfaces. The contrast of textures assure that the elements complement versus compete with one another. If you want a metal wall sculpture, why not? Just not on the fireplace stone wall. Regarding the piano placement, I agree that it could look nice by the stone elbow wall, BUT: as previously pointed out by a contributor, this puts it on an exterior wall AND near a heat source, functionally both no no's for the maintenance of the tuning, particularly in a clmate prone to drastic seasonal changes. Consider placing it to the LEFT, on the fireplace wall, allowing enough space to also place a LARGE scale framed piece of art, slightly offset, also to the left of the fireplace. I would recommend something with a vertical orientation. This will also support the asymmetry inherent in the architecture of the space and allow enough space for seating as well. Added benefit: the traffic path to the kitchen will feel more open, maintaining all that wonderful spaciousness. Hope this is useful I can't WAIT to see how it all settles. Best of Luck.

bevballew Daniel. Thank you so much. Good point re metal artwork. See how little I know about decorating!! My thoughts of the piano have gone to every corner of,the room so I like hearing different ideas where and why. I like the idea of your suggestion on the fp. I have some very beautiful artwork. As you can see in one of my pics I have this black cabinet, which will have to go up against the paneled wall as there is nowhere else for it to go...unless I sell it with my present home. But I love it. The paneling will be removed as well as the wood box used as a cabinet. It is junky wood. So your suggestion where the piano goes would be great especially if I keep the black cabinet. That way it will balance black on each side of the room, right? I can't wait either. I have to sell my present home!!

Daniel Dionne Designs llc Right. Yes. Good balance. It is pretty traditional and formal though. I love it too, however. Can it fit in a different space? Foyer, maybe? Dining Room?

bevballew Nowhere else except maybe a library or bedroom.

Daniel Dionne Designs llc Library would be awesome. Dress it as a breakfront versus China Cabinet. Books, accessories, etc. It will be fine in this room though. Btw, based on the photos of your current spaces, you have a better design sensibility than you are giving yourself credit for. Just sayin'...

bevballew Kind of you Daniel. I hired a professional designer to decorate the room. The cabinet now is used for accessories for a living room. This is the problem with downsizing. I have a cabinet that is on another post which I believe you were on with the antique pine and the lady wants to paint it. I have the same piece but without doors and was going to put that in the library with a rug I bought in Turkey. I have too much furniture for my new house so I will have an estate sale. We are downsizing.

Daniel Dionne Designs llc I see. Well, the scale and, to your point, the black finish of this cabinet will provide visual balance with the visual weight of the piano.

bevballew Daniel. The black cabinet does have an Asian touch to it so... Thank you for your suggestions!!

Daniel Dionne Designs llc ...and FLW used Asian influences quite a bit. There it is then.

bevballew What would you suggest for a garage door style? I would like to change it? Thank you:)

Daniel Dionne Designs llc Sorry I missed this question Bev. There was a craftsman style entry door posted earlier in the thread. It looked like cherry or walnut. This aesthetic is ideal and replicating it on the garage door would give your exterior a clear point of view and support the overall architectural style of the house's facade. Unless you require the light provided by windows, I would make it all wood.

bevballew Thank you so much Daniel! I had hoped you would say that because that is what I thought and I love those type of garages and I am glad you said no windows because I did not want windows! Thank you a bunch!

Nancy Walton I went to the Pewabic site and did not see any tiles designed for the floor. Glazed tile is particularly slippery when wet, so I'd cauution against it. I also picked a backsplash out of their installations that I thought would go very nicely with your present granite, but I would definitely get rid of that ghastly pinky red!

libradesigneye So exciting to check back in on your new home bb and see the conversation is advancing. Love the asian library breakfront - so much terrific collaboration for you and your work of heart.

bevballew Thank you Nancy for checking. Pewabic does have tile for the floor as I did install the tile in my sunroom. I attached a pic. They sell them in kits with set color combos. You should see what is in its store. Unbelievable. Dishes, vases in the most beautiful colors. Dangerous store if you don't want to spend money!! I have three great choices with pewabic, limestone or terrazzo. I suppose it will be based on price for one. It will be tough decision. Thank you libradesigneye's re break front because I just love it and believe it would cost a fortune to buy something like that brand new. If I keep it it has to go on that paneled wall unless in a library room which is paneled. I will remove that ugly paneling in the great room.