Organic Modern Design: Essential Elements & Inspiration
It’s no secret — organic modern design is in style right now, and for a good reason. It provides a refreshing take on the clean-lined modern aesthetic but balances alllll the cozy, lived-in vibes for a soothing home environment. That sounds timeless to me! And, to be honest, I’d probably call it my signature aesthetic.
So, how exactly do we achieve the overall look and feel? Today I’m here to share the must-have elements to include. But first, let’s take a look at the basics of organic modern design.
What is Organic Modern Design?
Imagine curling up on your sofa under a cozy blanket. Abundant natural light highlights the soft color palette of the room as you take that first toasty sip of coffee and sink into your latest page-turner. Ahhhh, do you feel it, too? That sense of soothing comfort is what this design aesthetic is all about, my friends.
You may hear the word “modern” and think of clean-lined and simple spaces that lean towards minimalism. While beautiful in appearance, modern design can feel somewhat cold, sterile, and stiff when it comes to actually living in them. But when modern meets organic…that is where the magic happens.
Organic modern design thoughtfully balances clean lines, natural light, and minimalism with the inviting warmth of organic elements, cozy textures, and neutral colors. The result? A beautifully liveable, sophisticated, and peace-inducing home. Who doesn’t want that?!
If you love the classic simplicity of modern design but want a home that feels warm, comfortable, and welcoming, keep reading…
5 Essential Elements of Organic Modern Design
1. Embrace Wood in its Natural State
Embrace nature’s imperfections in your home by welcoming wood in its natural state – flaws and all! In my opinion, those are the character traits that make it beautiful. I love how each knot, grain, and unique texture tells its own story and infuses your home with character.
How We Implement:The most common use for wood is flooring, but we can also use it on ceiling beams, wall paneling, mantels, and trim around doors and windows. In the Lake Independence Remodel (below) we incorporated varying tones with raw wood cutting boards, open shelving, wood flooring, and barstools to cozy up this otherwise modern kitchen. Love!
2. Incorporate Durable Stone
To create a zen-like vibe, take a nod from nature and incorporate durable and versatile natural stone. This element works double-duty with its uniqueness and earthy appearance, plus it’s easy to maintain.
How We Implement: Opt for stone that is naturally within the earth, like marble, limestone, granite, and slate. Or, go with durable, human-made materials like quartz and ceramic that mimic their natural counterparts.
Just as there are various types of stone, there are many ways we can use it in your home. For example, bathrooms are perfect for tile floors and walls. In your kitchen, we could choose quartz, granite, or marble for your countertops and tile for your backsplash. Stone can also be used in its more raw form in shelves and fireplaces, as we did in our Platwood Remodel:
3. Invite Greenery Inside
What better way to bring the outdoors in than with actual nature? Yep, I’m talking about greenery! Plants have been shown to reduce stress and may improve air quality, so including them in your organic modern designed home is an all-around win.
How We Implement: We like to position plants around your home for a pop of natural color, interest, and texture. Use potted trees to emphasize the height of a room or fill an empty corner, as we did in the calming dining room in our Brandtjen Farm New Build below. Ideally, choose real plants, but if you don’t have a green thumb or can’t keep up with their care, it’s perfectly okay to invest in high-quality artificial plants. They look real these days!
4. Layer Natural Textiles
Soothe your sense of touch and coziness with natural textiles like linen, cotton, sisal, grasscloth, and even rattan. These textures add comfort and, when layered appropriately, bring in depth, interest, and softness. Mixing clean lines with cozy materials is a great way to incorporate a relaxing, lived-in feeling while keeping your home modern and fresh.
How We Implement:From woven rugs and cozy throws to soft drapery and neutral pillows – there are countless ways to layer natural textiles throughout your space. In our Brandtjen Farm New Build (below), we created the ultimate retreat of warmth and comfort by thoughtfully layering soft-toned neutral materials. Perfection. We’ll find the perfect blend for you, too!
5. Illuminate Your Home with Natural Light
Unlike the other elements, you cannot purchase natural light, but it is an equally important component of organic modern design that should always be considered. The more natural light you have, the better your space (and you!) will feel.
How We Implement:When designing a new build, we strategically consider window placement to make the most of natural light. Since this isn’t always possible with remodels, we’ll look to increase natural light in other ways. One of my favorite methods is to utilize simple, light-colored drapes or leave large windows uncovered, like in our Lake Independence Remodel, pictured below. We can also use mirrors, glossy tiles, or other reflective materials to help spread natural light throughout the room.
Bringing Organic Modern Design Home
There you have it, my friends…the secret sauce to creating all the warm coziness of organic modern design. The soft, soothing harmony from infusing classic modern design with natural elements is undeniable, and there is every reason to want it in your home. Those moments of swoon-worthy comfort are well within reach!
Not sure where to start? We’re here to help. Reach out to us, and let’s start the conversation.
