Your guide to the calming organic modern interiors that are taking social media by storm

Today we unpack what we love about organic modern interiors, with fantastic examples from our own interior shots and lifestyle photoshoots!

First, what is organic modern style?

Organic Modern style begins with a foundation of modern architecture and builds on it by layering natural and organic materials to create a warm, effortless atmosphere.

In homes designed in the Organic Modern style, sleek lines are complemented with repurposed or rustic materials, natural textures, and thoughtful accessories. These elements work together to create a modern yet inviting space that is truly unique.

Mid-century room décor, but with an ‘organic’ yet modern twist

Organic modern interior décor is for those who are drawn to minimal, modern interiors, but are still yearning for a little bit of lived-in warmth. This is where we’re seeing a clear intersection of minimalism and Mid-century Modern styling.

The timeless appeal of Mid-century modern décor lies in its clean lines and understated ornamentation. Organic modern styling is a celebration of this structured simplicity and is full of organic forms that are beautiful as well as functional.

Organic Modern + Scandinavian style: love in colour

The light, airy aesthetic of organic modern interiors combines the best of contemporary design and real craftsmanship with a dash of Scandinavian flair. In terms of the colour story, its characterised by soft greys, beiges and white, a unifying colour triad that sets a certain tone.

Designers are building on Japanese minimalism as well as Scandinavian design (‘Japandi’ style) to combine rougher, rustic elements of Japanese interiors with their sleeker Scandinavian counterparts.

There are clear elements of Nordic design in organic modern rooms, in that this colour palette is taken to the next level with warm, rich blends of textures and well-crafted fixtures such as hand-hewn wooden beams, tidy lines, and natural textures and fibres.

Organic modern style is all about intentional living

Both Japanese minimalism and Scandinavian design come from a search for stability and calm. They are both ways of approaching interior design as well as being standalone interior design styles in themselves.

The search for a feel of calm, however brief, has been at an all-time high during the corona virus pandemic. This could be why this interior style is so popular in recent months: organic modern interiors are helping decorators provide us with a much-needed retreat.

For us, this safe haven is epitomised by the feeling of comfort and security of being cosied up at home on the sofa surrounded by soft, luxurious fabrics and cushions.

Read more: What is home? Getting intentional with interior decorating

Top tips for designing an organic modern interior:

Natural materials such as wood, stone, and metal can be used to great effect, creating a beautiful and inviting look. Additionally, adding in accessories such as plants, rugs, and artwork can complete the look, creating an inviting atmosphere that is both modern and comfortable.

7 top tips and details for the perfect organic modern interior:

1. Jute or hand-woven woolen rugs
2. Live edge wooden tables (reclaimed wood if possible)
3. Slingback chairs (a nod to mid-century modern designers)
4. Geometric woven patterns, reflecting the organic world around us
5. Bamboo and blonde wooden accents
6. Recycled glass and stone finishes
7. Introducing texture doesn't end with furniture and finishes. For the modern organic look, LivingETC suggests you introduce it to your walls, too

'Rendered internal walls, particularly Venetian plaster are having a moment and I adore the way you can easily cocoon a space with an inviting, warm texture. Floor-to-ceiling oatmeal linen sheer curtains also add understated visual impact, and filter the natural light into a space with a warm glow.' - Interior stylist Tim Neve, in a delicious article What is organic modern style? Get to know the trending interior mood that's having a viral moment.

Organic modern interiors plus slounge comfort: home decor made in heaven

Slounge Comfort is a trend we've been watching with fascination since 2021. It's about bringing an intentional mode of being into a post-cocooning world. Being away from the way things were changed our notions of wellbeing. Our homes, which became our whole worlds, reflect our souls more than ever now. Quilted materials, fluffy with neutral shades, warm up everything from the sofas in our living rooms to the architectural interiors we inhabit.

Explore our Pinterest board and you'll see the connection between it and organic modern styles!

Bonus inspiration: Organic architecture

Organic modern styling doesn’t stop when you leave the room: it’s been blossoming in the architectural world too. Organic architecture is an approach to design that focuses on natural surroundings and sustainability. Let's take a quick look:

Organic architecture is a philosophy of architecture which promotes harmony between human habitation and the natural world. This philosophy emphasises a design process that is guided by the nature of the building’s environment, materials, and purpose.

Organic architecture strives to create buildings that are in harmony with their surroundings and that take into account the needs of the occupants. This type of architecture often features curved, natural forms and materials that are sourced locally. It seeks to create an environment that nurtures human life, by connecting people with nature. Organic architecture also strives to reduce its environmental footprint and conserve energy by utilising natural lighting, passive solar design, and sustainable materials.

Read more: Eco-friendly architecture: the importance of sustainable design >

'House in the Landscape' is a beautiful example of organic architecture in a modern setting

Russian studio Niko Architect has built a three-bedroom house near Moscow that is sunken beneath an artificial hill, with conical skylights popping out from the planted roof. The home is concealed under lawn-covered hummocks, and is named House in the Landscape.

It's designed in a U-shape that follows the pattern of the sun's daily journey through the sky. The living spaces are lit by skylights in the morning, and the bedrooms are lit by skylights in the evening.

Interested in following the history of organic architecture? We recommend starting at the beginning with Frank Lloyd Wright's 1953 publication Language of an Organic Architecture. He also touches on it a little in In the Cause of Architecture, a collection of essays that he published nearly fifty years earlier!

Join the conversation on organic modern living

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