Organic home decor fits seamlessly with many styles. It is something that has been interwoven into many design trends over time, but is just now becoming popular as a stand-alone design aesthetic. While it might sound like a style that is hard to take from lofty concept and put into tangible action, it’s actually quite simple. Today, we will learn 7 simple ways to bring the natural world inside for quality, comfort and beautiful organic home decor.
1. WOOD (ESPECIALLY RAW WOODS)
The first main element of organic home decor is incorporating wood elements. While this can be done with larger design elements like doors, flooring and large furniture, it is also easy to add with small accent pieces.
While any wood accent adds charm, raw woods are especially key to an organic feel. Rather than changing the natural color, and adding a high gloss with polyurethane, organic lovers let the natural beauty of wood shine. Raw wood also shows more character because of the natural pitting, denting and wear.
2. PLANTS AND FLOWERS
Is there really anything more organic than actual living plants and flowers? While faux flowers work well for those who don’t want to care for live plants, I always recommend adding a few houseplants if you’re able. They really bring so much life and vibrancy to a space.
3. POTTERY, STONE OR CLAY TERRA COTTA ELEMENTS ARE ORGANIC HOME DECOR
Natural stones and earthy elements, like clay and pottery, are a huge part of organic home decor. Remember, organic design is intended to bring nature inside. What better way to do that than with natural stones like marble and granite, or items formed from the earth like pottery.
One of my favorite organic collections is vintage, or handmade, pottery. I love the imperfect textures, natural coloring, and old world charm that these pieces bring to my home decor.
Above, you can see several pieces of pottery layered amongst my wood accents, sterling silver salt and pepper shakers and wooden spoons.
My vintage paper mâché bowl is another example of using natural materials to create a high texture organic look.
4. NATURAL FIBERS
Perhaps the easiest way to incorporate organic home decor into your space is with natural fibers. Jute and wool rugs, linen pillows, and cotton blankets are all very easy to come by.
And not only are they beautiful, but they will outlast synthetic fibers most of the time. Plus, they just feel good when you use them. There is nothing like bundling up in a blanket or lay on a throw pillow that is made of organic elements. Click Here to see Urban Re-Leaf home eco-friendly throw pillows.
5. WOVEN TEXTURES
The fifth organic element I want to point out is woven textures. This can come in the form of baskets, light fixtures, caned furniture, rattan pieces, tweed fabrics, and much more!
The main reason woven elements add to an organic feel in your home is because they are usually made of natural elements. Plus, they provide a high texture focal point.
Baskets are typically the main thing that people think of when they add woven pieces to their home. And they are a great option since they are functional as well as beautiful. But don’t overlook the impact of simple woven accents that are incorporated into larger pieces as well (ex: caned furniture).
6. ANTIQUES AND VINTAGE ITEMS AS ORGANIC HOME DECOR
Possibly my very favorite element of the organic style is the addition of antiques and vintage pieces.
In the image of this retro sofa and dark moody space the vintage old school lights adds just the right amount of charm and character to the space. The textured walls and drapes only adds to the effect of this sexy living space. All I can say is vintage looks goods. The older pieces bring a ton of charm and character to a space.
One of the hesitancies of people bringing antiques into their home is that they don’t want it to look old fashioned or rustic. But antiques don’t inherently look old fashioned if they are incorporated into modern decor. Usually that comes from how someone finishes them: chippy paint being a big culprit.
When you let the natural beauty of these organic pieces shine, vintage and antique pieces add a lot of personality because of their hand made shapes and one-of-a-kind value.
7. NATURAL LIGHTING
Last but not least, natural lighting plays a huge role in organic design. While trends have leaned towards light, white, and bright over the last few years, the organic design style is embracing moody colors and shadowing.
A beautifully lit home in natural light is my favorite. Allowing the shadowing to highlight different areas of the home as the sun passes over is a wonderful way to enjoy the different looks a home can have.
While lighting tends to be more important when capturing interior photography, take a minute and look at how lighting impacts your home throughout the day.
You might find that certain areas would benefit from lighter paint colors to amplify the lighting in that space. While other areas can handle darker tones and cozy atmospheres.
KEY POINTS TO REMEMBER FOR ORGANIC STYLING
Let’s summarize the 7 simple elements of organic home decor.
- Wood accents (raw woods especially)
- Live plants
- Natural earthy elements like stone, clay and pottery
- Natural fibers
- Woven textures
- Antiques and vintage finds
- Natural light
There is one thing I want you to take note of: You don’t have to change everything in your home, or even use all seven of these organic elements, to create an organic design aesthetic.
Use what speaks to you most. If you don’t love wood tones, then skip that element and focus on comfort with blankets and pillows. If you can’t keep live plants alive, then add in rich tones with baskets and high textured fibers.
The beauty of this style is that you can mix and match what YOU love. After all, you are creating your haven, not someone else’s.