Modern organic

Celebrate the beauty of dark, earthy hues and natural wood grains with modern organic-inspired spaces.

The style is rooted in a harmonious blend of contemporary and rustic elements: think natural materials, earth tones and plants contrasted with modern man-made pieces. At heart, it’s a juxtaposition between artificial and organic materials. Contrast is key. In this modern organic-inspired outdoor area, furniture in Resene Shark and a fire pit in Resene Bokara Grey contrast soft linen, stone, wood and plants.

The modern organic style is for anyone who appreciates the simplicity of contemporary design, but likes a homely/rustic touch. In the mid-20th century, the style emerged as a response to the industrial revolution and a desire to reconnect with nature amidst urbanisation. Designers drew inspiration from elements of modernist design and organic forms found in nature (like wood and stone). Today, modern organic design has evolved to embrace a more eclectic approach, incorporating elements from interior movements like Scandinavian minimalism, Japanese wabi-sabi and contemporary industrial design. The result is an incredibly versatile aesthetic that strikes a comfortable balance between modern sophistication and organic warmth.

The use of darker tones in outdoor spaces is a trend that has also taken. While traditionally associated with interiors, statement colours like Resene Element, Resene Ironsand and Resene Bokara Grey have emerged as bold and sophisticated choices for exterior surfaces on both walls and furniture. In terms of modern organic design, black serves as a grounding element, offering a dramatic backdrop for natural textures. Darker tones also helpful in spaces where warmth and cosiness are key, particularly in the evening and over cooler months.

Seamless indoor-outdoor transitions are a central element of the modern organic look. With this in mind, we created a relaxing outdoor zone that oozes sophistication. The wall and battens are wood stained in the rich Resene Charred Black, which adds colour to the timber while allowing the natural grain to show through. The hue establishes a sense of depth and drama – but it also feels inviting and enveloping in this outdoor setting.

A DIY batten wall is a simple but striking addition to a courtyard or decking area.

To create one:

• Start by selecting high-quality timber battens that complement the overall aesthetic of your space.
• Measure and mark the desired placement of the battens on the wall, ensuring uniform spacing between each batten.
• Using a drill and screws, securely attach the battens to the wall, making sure they are level and aligned. For added visual interest, consider alternating the direction of the battens or experimenting with different widths and depths.
• Once the battens are in place, finish the wall in a rich, earthy wood stain like Resene Charred Black, allowing the natural texture of the timber to shine for an organic feel.

Our concrete flooring effect has been created with a base of Resene Gunsmoke, a carbon and sulphur-hued warm grey. We applied a mixture of Resene FX Paint Effects Medium with alternate applications of Resene Triple Concrete and Resene Quarter Concrete, smudged on with a rag to create the concrete look. A tiled mid-section in Resene Gunsmoke adds visual detail to the space, its border dabbed on with a sponge in Resene Bokara Grey triangles.

A Cape Cod-style chair painted in deep charcoal Resene Shark adds subtle contrast. Even softer contrast has been added with a wooden bench seat stained in Resene Bark, a deep and warm woody brown. Accent pieces like a large pot in Resene Bokara Grey and a drinks tray in Resene Off The Grid add pops of colour, and tie the look together. On a smaller pot, we’ve applied Resene FX Faux Rust Effect. Once applied, the paint provides you with a weathered aesthetic effect of rusting that, like normal rust, continues to develop as the coating ages. The textured finish adds dimension to otherwise plain pots, which become statement pieces. The rusty tone ties in with the burnt orange cushions.

Accessories in earthy tones like moss green and terracotta enhance a modern organic design aesthetic at home. These hues pop against Resene Shark, Resene Gunsmoke and Resene Bokara Grey. Pairing earth-toned accessories with lush greenery and potted plants adds freshness. Opt for low-maintenance plants such as succulents, ferns and trailing vines that can handle a little more sun in an outdoor setting. A Resene Bokara Grey firepit is the draw in this courtyard, exuding sophistication and seamlessly integrating into our modern organic design scheme. It feels cohesive set opposite our Cape Cod chair, just as bold in Resene Shark. The deep and dark tone evokes a sense of calm, perfect for setting a cosy ambiance on chilly evenings.

Modern organic design is the ideal blend between minimalist, modern and earthy interior styles. Natural materials paired with muted colour palettes and sleek modern finishes will result in a serene retreat in your backyard.

Colours and products mentioned in this article

Styling by Melle Van Sambeek. Photography by Bryce Carleton. 2024