Pros are also excited about a rising interest in organic modern style, which happens to embody the aforementioned warm and welcoming colors. “We are seeing a growing preference for organic modern elements,” architect Harper Halprin of AAHA Studio says.
This style encompasses natural (organic) materials, colors and shapes used in a modern way. They include natural stone and wood, creamy off-white tones, natural upholstery such as linen and rounded shapes like arches and curves. This past summer, many search terms on Houzz associated with this style increased year over year, including “organic modern bedroom” (up 245%), “organic modern dining room” (146%) and “organic modern kitchen” (97%).
“Lately, clients are increasingly drawn to natural materials and earthy tones, seeking a connection to nature within their homes,” says Gloribell Lebron of G. Lebron Interiors. “Organic forms in kitchens are becoming more common than square, boxy styles. We are seeing an inclination toward using curved islands and arches as interesting elements in the space.”
The emphasis on curves and arches can’t be overstated. We’re seeing arches everywhere. “Arches are having a big moment,” says Ruchi Agrawal Mohan of DesignbyRuchi. “I’ve done arched doorways, arched beds, arched niches and arched millwork. It adds some playfulness to the design.”
You’ll find many organic modern elements in this Cleveland kitchen by Payne & Tompkins Design-Renovations.
Wood is a timeless material that never goes out of style. But, boy, is it experiencing a significant moment of popularity right now. It fits nicely with the two previously mentioned trends, helping to add warmth and contribute to an organic modern style.
White oak is among the most common woods being used right now. But walnut and maple are also trending. White Birch Design used an abundance of maple cabinetry in this warm and welcoming Minneapolis kitchen.
Some designers are getting requests from homeowners for a more-is-more approach that layers bold color, pattern and texture. “I feel like after COVID, a lot of people turned to maximalism as a way to infuse their homes with energy, joy and fun elements that reflect their individual tastes,” designer Alexa Cowley of Alexa Interiors says.
Designer Anastasia Harrison of AHD & Co. agrees. “Vibrant colors and intricate details are replacing the once-popular clean, minimalist design aesthetic,” she says. “The resurgence of layered colors and patterns in contemporary design projects is a delightful shift.”
This Chicago sunroom by Haywoodmade Interiors shows how the layered look is done, with green shiplap walls and a green beadboard ceiling, patterned furniture and rug, and woven window shades.
A vibrant yellow butterfly wallpaper energizes this San Diego bathroom by Savvy Interiors.
In conversations with design and remodeling pros, we heard repeated references to homeowners requesting spaces with personality, character, unique designs and custom curations. Designer Ricardo Guisse of Studio Guisse says many of his clients are asking about how to add “character and individuality while maintaining a modern design.”
One-of-a-kind tile patterns and wallpaper designs, bold colors, artwork, custom cabinets and furnishings all help homeowners create styles that feel personal and special.
Carl Mattison Design used a colorful floral print wallpaper and a wood dresser to personalize the style in this Atlanta bathroom.
By far, the word we heard most from designers was “warmth.” Warm tones, warm woods, warm and welcoming spaces — homeowners are craving warmth. You see this manifest in a shift from cool whites and grays to warm off-whites, tans, beiges and creams. Earthy tones and organic colors are popular as well. “Lots of browns,” designer Lauren DeBello says.
These palettes help create inviting and cozy environments. “Currently, our color palettes are focused on warmer tones,” says architect Justin Bell of Ruggles Mabe Studio.
This Orange County, California, living room by Gonterman Custom Homes features many of the elements pros see trending now. They include a warm palette of creams, tans and browns; an organic modern style; arches and curves; and layers of pattern and texture.