Step inside the most famous piece of Modern architecture, The Fallingwater. The iconic architectural masterpiece by Frank Lloyd Wright beckons visitors with its breathtaking exterior and equally captivating interior. While many people are drawn to its cantilevered terraces and the harmony it creates with nature, Fallingwater’s interior often conceals hidden gems and intriguing stories that frequently escape one’s notice. In this comprehensive exploration, we’ll step inside the Fallingwater beyond the awe-inspiring facades and delve into the three floors that tell us what the Kaufmanns enjoyed about the interior spaces, unveiling the meticulous design, inspired furnishings, and their unique influence on this architectural sensation.

First Floor Plan

The Kaufmanns profoundly influenced Fallingwater, the architectural sensation that manifests their unique vision. They selected the site with a keen eye for its natural beauty and intimate connection to waterfalls, shaping the house’s design. Their passion for art and design is evident in the house’s interior, featuring their extensive art collection and Asian-inspired elements. Their collaborative partnership with Frank Lloyd Wright resulted in a harmonious blend of their lifestyle preferences and Wright’s architectural genius. The Kaufmanns’ legacy endures, as their ongoing connection to Fallingwater preserves its status as an iconic architectural masterpiece.

A Glimpse of Luxury and Functionality

The first floor of Fallingwater serves as the heart of the home, blending both luxury and functionality in a way that only Frank Lloyd Wright could envision- using his principles of organic architecture. As you enter through the main door, you’ll first notice the seamless transition between indoors and outdoors. The living room’s massive stone hearth extends from the interior to the exterior, serving as a central anchor and evidence of Wright’s unity with nature.

1. The Kaufmanns’ Travel-Inspired Legacy Inside The Fallingwater.

The Kaufmanns took on a pivotal role in influencing the interior design. Their passions for travel, particularly their journeys to the Orient, left an indelible mark on the home’s aesthetic. This influence is prominent in the room’s upholstered zabuton floor cushions, banquette seat cushions, other built-in furnishings, and decorative elements. Wright masterfully incorporated Japanese-inspired furniture and motifs, such as the intricate geometric patterns adorning the built-in cabinets and the carefully chosen Asian art pieces displayed throughout the first floor.

2. The Great Room: A Living Space Like No Other.

The main living space on the first floor, known as the “great room,” is a sight to behold. It features a double-height ceiling with exposed structural beams and clerestory windows that flood the room with natural light. The warm, honey-colored stone walls and the richness of the cypress wood ceilings create an inviting and cozy atmosphere.

3. The Dining Area: Where Nature Meets Fine Dining.

The dining area is adjacent to the great room, with a massive dining table extending directly from the stone floor. This unique design allows for an uninterrupted connection with the outdoors. Imagine enjoying a meal while listening to the soothing sounds of the waterfall just a stone’s throw away. It’s a dining experience like no other, epitomizing organic living.

4. The Plunge Pool: Take A Morning Dip Before Breakfast.

The plunge pool at Fallingwater serves as a stunning architectural feature, vividly illustrating Wright’s design philosophy. It deviates from the ordinary swimming pool, seamlessly integrating into the house’s design. This simplicity in design reveals itself through a rectangular shape, meticulously lined with Pennsylvania sandstone to harmonize with the rest of the house. Notably, the pool draws its water directly from Bear Run, offering residents and guests a unique and natural swimming experience.

As you immerse yourself in the plunge pool’s refreshing waters, the symphony of rushing water and the verdant forest envelop your senses, forging an extraordinary sensory connection with the natural world. Positioned on a lower terrace, it lies directly beneath the house’s main cantilevered structure, which dramatically extends over Bear Run. An intriguing tidbit: Liliane’s cherished morning ritual was taking a refreshing plunge in this pool before breakfast.

5. The Kitchen: Culinary Harmony at Fallingwater.

The kitchen in Fallingwater is a masterful blend of form and function, though small compared to today’s standards, mighty in performance for its time. The local Pottsville masonry sandstone found nearby is the background for the buttercream-yellow stainless steel cabinetry designed by St. Charles, an Illinois company specializing in factory-made modular units. It’s located adjacent to the main dining area and living spaces. Ensuring it’s an integral part of the home’s daily life, the cooks prepared many fantastic meals for Kaufman guests. In the late 50s, modern appliances like the AGA stove, carefully selected appliances, a Frigidaire refrigerator, and a KitchenAid dishwasher were included. The stunning views from the kitchen maintained a seamless connection to the surrounding natural beauty of the home.

Second Floor Plan

Private Retreats with Scenic Views

1. Liliane’s Bedroom: A Tranquil Escape.

Moving to the second floor, Fallingwater continues to surprise and delight. This level houses the bedrooms, each offering a unique view of the natural surroundings. The bedrooms, in particular, are a masterclass in understated luxury. The steps looking forward led us to Liliane Kaufmann’s bedroom. Upstairs, every room overlooked the serene scapes of the property; this was evidence of Liliane’s refined taste and appreciation for simplicity.

Liliane Kaufmann’s bedroom offers a tranquil retreat enveloped in its minimalist elegance, with built-in furnishings seamlessly integrated into the walls. The room provides unobstructed forest views through large windows and a balcony, immersing its occupants in the natural beauty outside. Liliane’s love for travel, particularly her journeys to the Orient, is evident in the room’s decor, adding an exciting touch. Like her impressive art collection featuring notable pieces like a Tiffany lotus lamp adorning the desk. Nestled within a niche by her fireplace stands her cherished favorite, an Austro-Bohemian Madonna and Child carving from around 1420 CE.

2. Edgar Sr’s Bedroom: A Private Balcony of Serenity.

The corner windows integrate the lush forest and nature’s beauty into the room, framing them alongside the panoramic windows. The built-in desk, maintaining a natural aesthetic, maximizes space efficiency. A private balcony provides exclusive outdoor serenity. Edgar Sr.’s influence is evident in the personalized decor, which features artworks from his collection. The room embodies functional design, skillfully harmonizing comfort and aesthetics. The elegant corner window is a testament to Wright’s ingenuity, seamlessly blending form and function and allowing uninterrupted views while preserving their functionality, with the shaped cutout on the desk accommodating the window’s swing open.

Third Floor Plan

An Immersive Connection With The Natural Surroundings

The third floor of Fallingwater, often affectionately called the “crow’s nest,” commands attention as a remarkable space where architectural innovation and natural beauty seamlessly converge. Its strategic placement offers panoramic views of the lush forest and the beautiful sounds of the cascading waterfall below, fostering a deep connection with the surrounding environment.

1. The Cantilevered Terraces: A Suspended Oasis.

One of the most captivating features of the third floor is that the cantilevered terraces extend dramatically, providing awe-inspiring vistas and exemplifying Frank Lloyd Wright’s daring structural design. Rich natural materials, including stone and wood, create an inviting ambiance, while the open and flexible layout embodies Wright’s commitment to function yet aesthetically captivating spaces.

2. The Study: A Tranquil Respite for Reading and Relaxation.

This level also includes a study and a restful haven, a thoughtfully designed built-in desk and shelving for work and contemplation, and an integrated bed area for repose. A canopied walkway providing access to the guest house was added and completed in 1939.

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Design Details and Secrets Inside the Fallingwater

Fallingwater is a treasure trove of hidden details that often escape the casual observer. Wright meticulously designed the built-in furniture to be both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Every inch of Fallingwater reflects a commitment to detail and craftsmanship, from the intricately carved wooden latches on the bedroom doors to the carefully concealed storage spaces. Enjoy these secret details of inside the Fallingwater.

1. The Many Fireplaces Curated into the Spaces.

The fireplace in the living room on the first floor is a work of art. It features a concealed door that leads to a firewood storage area, demonstrating Wright’s dedication to marrying form and function. Throughout the project, Fallingwater has multiple fireplaces throughout the house, each uniquely integrated into the design. Placed in corners or niches, creating cozy nooks for relaxation.

2. Artificial Skylights and Skylights are Placed Strategically for Illumination.

Throughout the interior, you’ll find concealed skylights that illuminate the rooms with soft, diffused natural light. They testify to Wright’s mastery of light and ability to create dynamic and ever-changing interior spaces. Some areas of Fallingwater have artificial skylights. Designed to provide additional natural light to rooms without direct access to exterior windows.

3. Custom Artwork that Tells a Story.

The excursion to Florence led Liliane to commission the portrait of Edgar Kaufmann Sr. displayed by the dining table. It was painted by artist Victor Hammer in 1929, during his residency in Italy. The 90-year-old Painting of Edgar Kaufmann Himself has been thoughtfully preserved. Wright’s attention to detail extended to the selection and placement of artwork within the home. The Kaufmanns’ collection included pieces from renowned artists and emerging talents of the time, contributing to Fallingwater’s overall ambiance and aesthetic.

In conclusion, Fallingwater’s interior spaces reflect Frank Lloyd Wright’s genius and the Kaufmanns’ discerning taste. As you explore the depths of this architectural masterpiece, you’ll discover a harmonious blend of nature and design, functionality and luxury, and hidden details that continue to captivate and inspire visitors worldwide. It’s a living testament to the enduring power of innovative architecture and the timeless allure of a unique vision brought to life.

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Le Chateau De Pierre is an Architecture and Interior Design Journal dedicated to sharing and exploring tips for emerging professionals and educating readers about great architecture and building design concepts. Our publication is designed to inspire and inform both new and experienced Interior designers, architects, and those interested in the field of architecture.