What is "Organic Modern" Style?

Here at Maggie Stephens Interiors, we have finally been able to hone our aesthetic to “PNW Organic Modern.” You may have heard the phrase organic modern cropping up here and there, and wondering what the heck IS that? Well, here’s what WE mean by it, and why we love it.

Organic

Now, we aren’t talking USDA certifications here (although we do love an eco-friendly house!). In this case, organic means natural elements. Raw or unpainted wood. Natural stone. Live plants. Clay and pottery. Patina’d metal finishes. A connection with the outdoors, whether that’s with windows, courtyards, or indoor/outdoor spaces. And literal nature brought indoors - pretty rocks or shells on display, an ostrich egg under a cloche, a hunk of driftwood. A little wabi sabi.

Modern

While the “modern” aspect may feel more straightforward, it is more than just slap-dash throwing in some lucite and lacquer. I do love to mix different furniture styles in one space, but I dislike the overall “modern” aesthetic of cold, detached interiors. In our version, modern means simple. Clean. Unfussy. That can mean, a beautiful sculptural light fixture. Danish modern teak nightstands. A clean lined sofa. A clean white wall. Easy to clean wood floors. And yes, maybe a little lacquer here and there…

Organic Modern

What does that mean when the two come together? Well for us it means, we may have a rustic pine sideboard with a modern lamp, a framed art poster, and a stack of books. We have a clean lined, round column dining table on a worn vintage rug and sleek but comfortable upholstered chairs. We take a traditional style English arm sofa and reupholster it in vintage Japanese textiles. It’s letting in the patina and ruggedness of nature with becoming rustic. It’s enjoying the spaciousness and inventiveness of modern design, but with touchable fabrics and softened edges.

And what about the “PNW”?

I said in the beginning that our design firm does “PNW Organic Modern.” Is that different? Yes and no. Architecture and design are ultimately always rooted to a sense of place - especially if you’re committed to incorporating this organic element. The PNW has a tradition of design has a very unique point of view. Some of this has to do with the weather. A house in Malibu and a house in Seattle have very different uses of their outdoor spaces. A brick house in Boston and a craftsman on Bainbridge Island have a completely different vibe. We like to focus on bringing in light! When the skies are overcast 226 days a year, you need all the natural light you can get. I also love to bring in references to the landscape around us. Many people live in the Pacific Northwest because they love being outdoors. In the Puget Sound area, you’re only a short drive from hiking, skiing, boating, paddle boarding, or snowshoeing. Here on Bainbridge Island, we can see the Cascades and the Olympic Mountains, and you get to see the water every day. Not many places can boast that!

What do you think of this aesthetic? Does it resonate with you? How would you describe the MSI look?