Even if you've never heard of “organic modern interiors,” you've almost certainly seen the style in action. It's the signature of hugely popular interiors professionals like Leanne Ford and Colin King, and has become a buzzword in the industry in recent years. And what if you really somehow missed this move until now? It will officially take over this summer, so now is the time to get familiar with it. According to a recent report from Festive Lights using Google search data from June 2023, “searches for ‘organic modern’ have jumped 217%, with ‘organic modern style’ seeing a particular increase in searches. Numbers are up 800%.'' Clearly, that big moment has arrived. And luckily for new fans, designers say it's easy to recreate at home.
That being said, if you're interested in pursuing an organic, modern aesthetic in your space, you probably need to know what defines this style. Heather Goerzen, Havenly's design director, breaks it down in an easy-to-imagine way. “Organic Her Modern is a balance of minimalism and modern influences, with plenty of natural textures and materials,” she tells TZR. “Clean lines brush the shoulders with a sculptural silhouette. A neutral palette is enhanced with organic elements. Effortless design decisions fuse her style with layers, warmth, comfort This creates a unique look that prioritizes style.
That's a fascinating explanation. But if you've never seen an organic modern space before, you might wonder why someone would actually choose to decorate in this style. According to the designer, there are many reasons why it's a good candidate for your home, and Goelsen's explanation sums them up nicely. She calls the trend “welcoming yet aspirational.” Livable and original. It's cozy and definitely cool. It embraces imperfection and feels completely “lived in” without getting too cluttered. ”
Whether you're ready to dive headfirst into organic, modern decor or just want to learn more about the look, keep reading. Below, experts reveal everything you need to know about this in-demand aesthetic, including how to try it at home.
Pay attention to earth colors
What's one of the first things many designers say when sharing tips for achieving this look? An earthy color palette is key. “Pair browns, hemp, and warm creams with pops of earthy tones like olive, burnt umber, and deep blue,” suggests Brittany Hakim Farr, lead designer at Far Studio. . In other words, “look for colors and elements that would exist in nature,” she continues.
However, that doesn't mean you can't use other colors. Hakimfar recommends avoiding gray in most cases, but says using black in a thoughtful way goes well with the aesthetic. About bright colors: According to HomeGoods style expert Beth Diana Smith, there are all kinds of shades in nature, so it's actually okay to use almost any hue. However, “avoid using too many bright colors,” she says, because adding too many vibrant colors won't stay true to her organic modern trend.
Incorporate natural textures and shapes
In addition to earth-inspired colors, natural textures are at the core of the style, given that the organic modern trend relies heavily on nature to provide a warm, layered, and relaxed atmosphere. It makes sense that it is one of the doctrines that Hakimfar recommends incorporating “organic materials such as reclaimed wood, white oak, sugar cane, marble, and sisal.” Of course, these natural textures should also include plants, but not all of them will give you the desired effect. Goelsen advises choosing foraged greenery over fresh flowers, and Smith recommends “incorporating plants, especially those that grow wild in your area.” What should I not use? “Luxury influences like marble and statement stones are possible, but we don't recommend using a ton of overtly glamorous materials like velvet, brass, or crystal,” says Goelsen.
But include more than just nature-inspired textures. If you look at a truly organic modern room, you'll notice that the decor features natural and sculptural shapes. This detail is a key element of the trend, Goelzen acknowledges. These silhouettes can be incorporated into any part of the room, but the focus is on furniture, “particularly accent tables and chairs,” she says. Smith says organic shapes help keep a room from looking too linear and make it feel warm and nurturing instead of cold and uncomfortable.
be particular about decoration
Sorry to all you maximalists out there, but organic modern is definitely a minimalist trend. As Goerzen explains, overall clutter is one of the main things he says to avoid when pursuing this style. Rather, she says, “organic modern spaces are an evolution of warm minimalism.”
Of course, to achieve that, you need to be selective about the decorations you put on. So choose just a few special pieces that really convey your aesthetic. A few details worth noting? Mr. Goelzen always emphasizes craftsmanship and quality, and says he prefers “craftsmanship accents such as bowls, vases, and other collected pottery” and “well-worn and long-cherished pieces.” Look for leather accents.
It's not just what you choose for your home that matters. Görzen also explains that organic modern spaces require juxtaposition through styling. Therefore, avoid placing all wooden bowls on wooden tables or adding marble lamps to side tables of similar material. “Instead of focusing too much on one thing,[Organic Modern]values contrast,” she says. “Imagine: a vintage wood bookcase minimally styled with plaster vases, framed by a sculptural travertine coffee table and bouclé accent chair.”
bring vintage
Of course, not all organic modern rooms look the same, but if you look at them hard enough, many of them look surprisingly similar. Of course, there's nothing wrong with that. But if you want your space to stand out from the crowd, Hakimfar's tip is to incorporate some vintage elements and artifacts. “Look for unique pieces, whether it's a sculpture or a piece of art,” she says. With such a minimalist style, she often needs little ingenuity to create a unique room. So by finding items that others don't have that make you feel special, it's much easier to create an organic, modern space that looks truly unique.
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This article was originally published on June 15, 2023.