WRIGHT DESIGN

A quick glimpse of the trip while I have a chance. Fallingwater has been called the greatest home of the 20th century,  and the Smithsonian names it as one of 20 must -see places for your bucket list if your into design and architecture. As a fan,  it's been at least 10 years since I saw it last, so the Lad and I rented a cabin and took off for a weekend jaunt. It's not in one of my favorite parts of the state by any means... I have never been  a fan of Pittsburgh or Allegheny or Fayette Counties, but must admit the scenery around the house is pretty spectacular. The house designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in 1939 was built partly over a waterfall on Bear Run, and was designed originally for the owner of the Kaufmann's Department Stores. Wright himself thought the household should never be constructed on a hill or plot of land,  but be merged with the landscape, and blend in with the natural surroundings...and he archived that.

Approaching the building, I had forgotten how much more massive it appears in person. It's enormity is in part optical illusion. The house has three levels and a private detached guesthouse. Wright is most times noted for his conviction that the hearth is the heart of the home, so upon entering Fallingwater, one is interested to see where he placed it for the Kaufmanns. After entering the first view through the door is into a massive open living area surrounded on three sides by glass, looking out onto the wooded hillside. And the heart is a vast expanse.

You can't help but notice the lush natural world coming into the hearth, dining and living room. It feels welcome, comforted, a home at peace. I think it's why I enjoy my treehouse apartment. When I look out, all I see is leaves and woods. It is calming. You can tell Wright was conscious of the effect of design on one's mood and sense of well-being, and he used design and structure to evoke that.  Walls and floors of the home are natural stone from the local hills. When going from level to level, the stone steps along narrow shadowy corridors, often lead into beautiful rooms, well lit by sunlight thanks to numerous windows, which again illustrates Wright's use of transitional area to channel foot traffic and emotional reactions. While the home does feel dated in some ways to me, I still think it's one of my favorite homes of his. It really does seem to bring the outdoors in more then any other.

It was a good weekend. I finally got to wear some turtlenecks and sweaters finally. We also enjoyed a great firepit at the cabin. Truth be told, I think the fire might have been my favorite part of the weekend. I enjoy a good firepit, and nothing like a chilly November night to take in the feel of the heat, the smell of campfire, and a bottle of merlot. I wish someone would bottle that scent into a perfect candle. I have yet to find one that actually smells like campfire since Henri Bendel's closed.

And we hit a great roadside farm stand on the way home.

 Many apples bough. I think I'll be making some homemade dumplings to take to Pearly. After a busy work work, I'll be looking forward to the next excursion. Be back when time permits dears.