What is organic modern style?
If you value nature, warmth, organization, and minimalism, then organic modern is the ideal style for you.
Organic modern is an emerging style. This style represents us all taking a step away from the colder, more sterile elements of modern design — elements like harsh metals and strict horizontal lines. As a society, we’re longing to go back to nature, and that’s why we’re embracing organic modern design.
An organic modern interior design allows city dwellers to carve out a natural oasis amid concrete high-rises, and it allows homeowners in natural settings like coastal towns or pastoral suburbs to create a design that works in harmony with the natural elements that surround them. Yet, this style holds onto the elements of modern design that make us more resilient to the hectic pace of life — elements that inspire calm, like clean lines and minimalist design.
Elements of organic modern design
Clean lines paired with round silhouettes
Similar to mid-century design, Scandinavian style, and other contemporary design styles, organic modern design avoids the purely decorative flourishes of traditional style decor (flourishes like turned table legs and carved filigree designs).
Instead, it incorporates clean, modern lines, like a dining room hutch with a simple rectangular silhouette and hairpin legs. But unlike other modern styles, organic modern design adds round silhouettes too. Picture a coffee table shaped like a boulder. This decorating style also makes room for free-form, organic shapes. Imagine a piece of gnarled driftwood, a windswept canyon, or a seashell — then reimagine those shapes as furniture and artwork.
Natural materials in a variety of textures
Organic is in the name, so it should come as no surprise that this style incorporates a lot of organic materials. Layer materials in a variety of natural textures to add visual interest and make your home more welcoming — tactile elements invite guests to feel their way into the space and to feel more comfortable while they’re there.
A strong mix of natural textures could include natural wood furniture, stone countertops, a jute rug, rattan accents, and a variety of natural textiles, such as linen, cotton, sheepskin, and faux fur.
You can also incorporate organic elements through your smaller decor items. Just don’t go too small with your decor, or you could lose the uncluttered look that’s a signature of this style. Add natural greenery or a vase full of dried seagrass. Use shells, dried palm fronds, and reclaimed wood in unexpected ways, like to create three-dimensional wall hangings.
Choose decor that represents the most beautiful elements of the natural world, but don’t be afraid of man-made decor either. Look for pieces that remind you of nature, like a poured concrete stool that’s weathered to look like natural rock, or a plaster sculpture in the shape of an abstract sand dollar. An organic modern home doesn’t have to be 100% natural, but it should be 100% nature inspired.
Neutral color palettes with a layered effect
The color palette in an organic modern home is similar to that of a Scandinavian style home. It features a base of whites, creams, and tans, but you can invite more color into your space by selecting other natural tones like clay, moss, or stone-inspired hues.
Choose shades with earthy undertones, rather than bright white tones. And if you’re struggling to decide on a color palette, look to the natural world around you. A handful of seashells from the beach, stones from a stream, or leaves from local plant life could provide all the inspiration you need.