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Dr. Jin-Moo Lee has always been fascinated with 20th century architect Frank Lloyd Wright, whose housing designs became the inspiration for the custom home for his family. Dr. Lee was specifically impressed with how the architect was able to create “a happy marriage between Far Eastern and Western cultures” in the exterior features of his homes as well as the interior minimalism.

Dr. Lee and his wife, Dr. Katie Vo, developed a wish list of desired features. While Dr. Vo preferred a contemporary style, both were surprised to find that their new construction plans embodied many elements of the Prairie style made famous by Wright. The homeowners admit that as building progressed, the home became more “retro than modern” and attribute much of the success to the architect and builders, as well as the in-depth work of designer Caryn Burstein. While this beautiful home is contemporary in feel and use of vertical space, it is softened by the Arts & Crafts touches, warm colors and personal artwork collected during travels around the world.

The family’s home commands attention at first sight as the property exhibits many exterior features of the Prairie style, a distinctly Midwestern sensibility that arose from the Arts & Crafts movement. This style developed as a reaction to the fussiness of Victorian architecture and instead reflected the grandeur of the American landscape. The rooflines are low and cantilevered, with overhanging eaves. Neat and lengthy horizontal trim emphasizes the basic structure, and an abundant use of windows opens up the living space. Hand-laid flagstone contributes to the natural feel of the unique, earthy exterior. The entryway is wide and inviting, and boasts an arched door inset with stained glass designed by Burstein and assembled by a local craftsman, whom Lee praised as exemplifying the workmanship seen throughout. Their landscape architect designed a park-like setting and used a minimum of decorative flowers in keeping with the Prairie style.

The use of a consistent wall color, a warm “Renaissance Gold” by Porter, the pristine oak plank flooring throughout the common areas, and the interesting differences in ceiling height are all hallmarks of the Prairie style. The stunning staircase, banister and railings were custom-designed and built for the home, providing period detail in the entryway. The dining area is set off by the copper-colored tray ceiling, low-hanging “chandelier” of electric candles and the Burstein-designed dining table of wood and glass – made to fit the unusual space requirements of the area – as well as the custom-designed built-in buffet table, another typical Frank Lloyd Wright element.

The influence of Wright is evident at first sight of the beautifully designed suburban home, with a striking angular stained glass doorway and an open floor plan similar to those adapted from private Japanese homes. The stunning living room boasts a number of Wright-inspired details, including the wraparound wood baseboard and rails that circle the two-story room, built-in shelves flanking the flagstone fireplace, and the wall of unobtrusively tinted windows that allow a clear view of the backyard greenery. CLB Interiors designed the neutral sand-colored rug, as well as the low-slung upholstered furniture and coffee table that reflect the Frank Lloyd Wright aesthetic of simplistic form.

Burstein says, “Artwork makes a house a home,” and always incorporates personal artwork, along with CLB Interiors accessories. Lee and Vo collect an eclectic mix of art, much of which represents their Asian heritages, and blends harmoniously with the Oriental-inspired structure of the home. Korean celadon ceramics, rubbings of carved stone Zodiac symbols, a sandstone Buddha head from Vietnam and a Korean brush-ink painting over the mantel bring color to this soaring space. A series of five stone-rubbings depict the ancient Sung Dynasty poem, “The Imperial Garden,” serving to accentuate Wright’s appreciation for the graphic aspects of Oriental art.

The true heart of this home is the kitchen, where Dr. Vo is able to indulge her love of cooking while their two children have a snack or work on homework nearby in the light-filled dining nook. Custom-built Shaker-style cabinets with linear hardware, a six-burner Wolf stove, SubZero refrigerator, honed granite island, granite countertops, slate backsplash and a well planned butler’s pantry combine functionality with beauty as natural materials enhance the coziness of the room. Typical Wright details include built-in seating in the dining nook, in addition to the flagstone fireplace with artful cantilevered shelves in the adjacent hearth room.

Designer Caryn L. Burstein Photo by Colin Miller/Strauss Peyton

The first-floor master bedroom suite provides a restful sanctuary with its upholstered headboard, sweeping silk drapes in a toasty gold tone, and custom-designed bedside tables that follow the low proportions of Wright’s furniture designs. A paneled Oriental screen, painted by Lee’s mother, dominates one wall and was the color inspiration for CLB Interiors’ design plan in the home. The master bath, with slate floor, custom cabinets and custom-designed lighting, is entered via a narrow hallway, which typifies Wright’s “element of surprise” and use of hidden doorways.

Burstein contends that “less is more with accessories – keep it minimal, letting the space ‘shine’ in a contemporary home.” Decoration is used to bring color to the neutral palette of Prairie design, and strokes of red, copper, brown and green are used for accent in this 6,100 square-foot home. This truly stunning property, where the art of the Far East matches the Oriental sensibility of Frank Lloyd Wright, shows the inspiration derived from his vision and creativity. Dr. Lee notes, “Wright’s homes look as contemporary today as they did when built in the early part of the 1900s. Some concessions were made to modernity, but I believe that if Wright could see this home he would be pleased.” The Lee and Vo home, combining a sense of simplicity, contemporary design and natural elements, seems destined to become a timeless classic.