What is organic modern style?

Organic modern style is a harmonizing hybrid blending modern minimalism with nature’s beauty. This on-trend design duo introduces warm neutral tones, rich textures and natural materials into cool contemporary spaces for a nurturing yet elegant aesthetic—the best of both worlds.

While modern design evokes a sense of sophistication, it often leaves behind the desired warmth and comfort a home (and home dwellers) crave.

Add in an organic touch with rich natural textures and warming hues, and suddenly spaces soften and reveal a warmer, inviting atmosphere brimming with character and soul while keeping its elegance intact.

Influenced by our innate desire to be closer to nature as put into practice by designers like Frank Lloyd Wright and the Brazilian Modern movement of the mid-20th century, modern organic style is what results when industrial forms meet natural influences.

With arguably more time spent at home these days, there’s a new standard for home comfort—and a desire for spaces and surroundings to both be stylish and soothing. Organic modern design turns our spaces into the style-forward sanctuary.

ELEMENTS OF ORGANIC MODERN STYLE

Not quite hygge or rustic, organic modern style is its own unique design theory with particular foundational elements to make the perfect raw yet refined look.

FORM

Less is more. At the root of organic modern style, we’re focused on a minimalist approach with simple silhouettes and pared-down furnishings for visual flow. Once that groundwork has been laid, we add organic shapes with soft curved lines to warm things up and add visual interest.

COLOR

A subdued, neutral palette is key for an organic oasis. Think calming warm tonal hues all mixing together to bring in warmth and comfort. Designers often bring in multiple tones to inject depth but keep them all in the same palette to ensure visual flow. If you’re craving color, opt for pops of terracotta or olive green to stay in the earth-tones family.

MATERIALS

Bring in natural materials such as wood, jute, stone, bamboo, clay, concrete, linen and rattan to create an instant earthy essence in spaces. Contrast natural materials with contemporary metals such as brass or stainless steel to add a pop of modern edge.

Embrace the imperfections. Imperfect organic materials inject a sense of character with their storied finishes and patinas. Wood accents and one-of-a-kind repurposed architectural elements bring an unmatched richness to homes.

TEXTURE

As varied materials make their way into spaces, textures will inevitably start to harmoniously meet and mingle. Pair soft linens against raw, porous stone and smooth marble against supple leather and watch your space fill with depth and character. Consider concrete sculptures and plaster decor pieces to add a tactile warmth alongside contemporary silhouettes.

LAYERS

Create a lived-in luxe look by layering in organic accessories. Because simplistic furnishings provide the foundation for organic modern design, accessories are essential for achieving that cozy, curated look.

Layer with plush throw blankets, woven baskets and small textural decorative objects like crystals and stones—making sure to not overcrowd the room. When we give our decor room to breathe, we have room to breathe.

Keep spaces feeling open by choosing the right number of pieces—in the right size. In general, large-scale accessories will offer a bigger impact without cluttering the space. Opt for a large sculptural piece over a small grouping of items and look to a substantial statement art piece to fill a blank wall instead of filling up a gallery wall.

NATURAL ELEMENTS

Look to foliage for the final touch and bring the outdoors indoors. Greenery not only enlivens a space but is the fundamental element in organic modernism.

Bringing in the green instantly adds a bit of soul to modern design and has been scientifically proven to improve air quality and even reduce stress.

Hang houseplants overhead, display trees in focal points of the room and style oversized branches in clear dramatic vases. Sprawling plants, like Monstera, will make your space feel a bit more wild and free, while bamboo and succulents create a Zen-like aesthetic.

A marble sculpture’s beautifully imperfect shape and texture will help to break up clean contemporary lines while feathery plumes of dried grasses will add the perfect softened organic touch.

EXAMPLES OF ORGANIC MODERN DESIGN

Organic modernism and organic modernism furniture work well in communal living spaces as well as private areas like bedrooms and bathrooms—perfect for anyone who loves both the clean look of contemporary design and the storied style organic touches bring.

ORGANIC MODERN DINING ROOM

Sit down at a sleek but natural dining table, complete with a flora or fauna centerpiece and statement chandelier or pendant lighting overhead. Mix and match wood tones with a plush material for seating and accessorize with both metal and organic touches.

ORGANIC MODERN LIVING ROOM

Achieve the perfect modern organic style living room with a minimal modern-form sofa or loveseat paired with a curved accent chair in a complementing material, such as warm rattan. Opt for a curved coffee table atop a clean minimalist rug and go for an oversized palm or olive tree in the corner to frame the room across from a standing light fixture that doubles as a sculptural work of art like our Polar Floor Lamp or our Lido White Plaster Floor Lamp.

ORGANIC MODERN BEDROOM

Create the ideal bedroom ambiance with soft sumptuous linens atop a discreet bedframe with textural touches on nightstands, in blankets and baskets. Place leafy calming plants in intimate corners and on dressers or nightstands to complete the look.

ORGANIC MODERN BATHROOM

Brighten the bath with an airy, clean design complete with an elegant marble or stone vanity paired with wooden cabinetry, organic shapes and brass finishes. Add pops of botanical influences on counters and above showers and bathtubs.