In this Modern Design Style series, we will be highlighting contemporary design styles that have become popular in the past decade.

Today, we’re exploring the Organic Modern style, a style with mid-century modern roots that has gained popularity worldwide over the past few years.

So what exactly is Organic Modern?

My interpretation of this design style is mid-century modern meets organic elements to create a seamless, inviting, and rustic space.

This design style relates to modern in it’s clean silhouettes and neutral color palette, but heavily relies on organic elements to create texture and interest. When done right, it achieves an earthy yet cozy atmosphere that will have your guest feel one with nature.

Organic Modern
Essential Design Elements

1: Organic Materials
2: Mid-century modern silhouettes
3: Inside-outside elements

Design Element 1: Organic Materials

One of the key and major elements of this style are it’s organic materials. These help create movement, texture, and interest within the space. You may be drawn towards this style if you love natural elements and nature but also like the rounded silhouettes of the mid-century modern.

These organic materials that are normally used in this design style span from wood, cement, rope, woven rugs, or stone. I’ve noticed that the wood in this design style tend to lean more towards medium tone and dark tone, which differs from the lighter tone wood that you may see in California Casual design styles or warm minimalist.

Design Element 2: mid-century modern silhouettes

Another key element of Organic Modern design styles are the mid-century modern silhouettes. The midcentury modern part of this style is what helps this design stay clean, stylized, and cozy. Adding rounded elements to keep from being too sharp and cold, and interesting textures and shapes to keep it warm and inviting.

Design Element 3: inside/outside feel

And the last key element is an inside/outside feel, which can be achieved by indoor plants and trees or large scale windows that let in a lot of natural light or open up. These floor-to-ceiling windows that have the ability to completely open up as doors is an architectural element that have been very popular lately. Which doesn’t surprise me at all. Not only are they absolutely stunning, but they effortlessly creates an atmosphere in the home to blend the outside in seamlessly with the inside.

This really emphasizes the natural and organic feel of these spaces, and helps achieve an atmosphere that’s both organic and inviting.

I included some organic modern inspiration photos to show you the different ways this can look in a home. Like I always say, a design style is a tool, not law, which means that we don’t allow it to define our spaces, but guide the way we decorate. So don’t be married to the idea that this has to look a certain way. This style shows up unique to each interior, which is what makes it so interesting.