Modern Organic Interior Design

WHAT IS MODERN ORGANIC DESIGN?

Modern Organic Design is everywhere right now! It is probably the biggest trend since the domination of Scandinavian design. Here’s a boiled-down summary of this trend – what you need, and just as importantly, what to leave out. It is raw yet refined, it’s warm and connects with nature. If analogies work for you: it’s like a country singer took a trip to Sweden and Japan, shed her tassels and big hairspray bangs, but kept her down-to-earth roots. It’s not all whites and linen, so read on for the basics and then the twists to make Modern Organic Design your own.

Below are a few tips on how to achieve some of this in your own home – or at least provide you with some words to help articulate what you like! You want to capture the “effortlessness, embrace of nature, and its focus on comfort and informality” as Jenni Kayne says.

Basically, to draw a line in the sand: if its shiny, sparkly or overly ornate, its out.   If it’s a soft, raw or unpolished, (even hippy!)  its in. This doesn’t mean these interiors are not high-end. In fact the opposite - they are quietly luxurious.

DESIGN COMPONENTS OF MODERN ORGANIC DESIGN

Yes:

• Restrained colour: Earthy colours

• Raw wood

• Honed surfaces, or matte surfaces

• Organic shapes, a variety of shapes

• Wool, linen, clay, rope, plaster, paper

• Simple patterns, repetition

• Leather, stone, hides

No: (or, very little of these)

• Bright colours

• Shiny, sparkly or glossy surfaces

• Velvet, taffeta, shot fabrics

• Anything too ornate

VARIATIONS ON MODERN ORGANIC DESIGN

Japandi – Add horizontal lines and very geometric shapes, and low-slung pieces, Japandi is a little more calculated than modern organic.  More minimal and linear, with very purposeful organic flourishes.

Mid-Century – Incorporate iconic mid-century pieces and furniture that have diagonal lines or curves (think Eames chairs, or a Tulip table)

Global – Include pieces from one or two areas of the world you have travelled, but not just in one room! Be consistent.

Artistic – A handmade vase, original art, or locally made lamp. Incorporate something unique in every room – having a conversation piece can make a very successful interior. 

SIMPLE AND ORGANIC CHOICES

Some keys to consider are:

• Use a combination of shapes - don’t just purchase all rectangular stuff or all curves

• Since colour is often restrained, texture is important in modern organic design

• Choose simple, large scale choices rather than a lot of smaller things

• Ensure you are on the medium-to-low end on visual clutter

• Greenery and branches are a staple in modern organic design.

• Artfully imperfect, materials with patina, and respecting noble materials are cornerstones to modern organic design

Modern Organic interiors are generally calming and easygoing. They aren’t exactly the “clean lines” of modern interiors, but a softer more relaxed look with a variety of shapes, and more importantly, un-fussy finishes. Often these interiors work well for ski cabins, cottages and resorts as these places are often away from urban centers. Their nature-centric design and natural elements relate to the environment. This style works just as well on your home in the city, creating a refuge from busy urban life.

ENGAGE THE SENSES

These are pretty pictures, yes, but at the core of Modern Organic Design is a desire to enhance the sensual experience of these interiors. To include textures that beg to be touched, natural materials that remind us of our surrounding environments, shapes and light to delight the eye. Essentially, as stated by Kinfolk & Norm Architects in The Touch: to “heighten the human senses and provide a richer quality of experience. “