It is an understatement to say that sustainability is in. As climate change intensifies, most everyone is looking for small and meaningful ways to reduce their environmental impact, from driving electric vehicles to using reusable shopping bags. Yet, few think to make their lives a little greener by altering their interior design.

There are various ways interior decorating can negatively impact the environment. First, some materials are incredibly unsustainable, meaning they aren’t easy to replace once they are taken from the natural environment. For example, exotic woods like mahogany and ebony are often taken from natural forests, and the deforestation process is devastating to other plants and wildlife in the area. Additionally, some materials emit toxic compounds during or after production, which can pollute the environment and even cause health problems for those living in homes where these materials are used.

If you are interested in changing your interior design to reflect your interest in protecting and preserving the environment, you might be interested in adhering to the style of Organic Modern. Here’s a guide to Organic Modern, including how you can make it work in your home.

Minimalist, Sleek

The modern interior design aesthetic is at the heart of organic modern, and it is important to look deeper into what makes modern design work. Modern design is about streamlining and editing. Modern spaces are meant to feel refined and minimalist, without excess clutter which can make a room feel busy and unwelcoming. The pieces included in the modern style should be carefully selected to fit the aesthetic; they should have clean, straight lines and lack garish color or active patterns.

In modern organic, the design ethos of “less is more” holds true. Modern organic homes tend to feel light and airy thanks in no small part to an emphasis on refining one’s furniture choices to a handful of optimal pieces. Simplifying one’s space to the bare necessities helps a home feel more comfortable and look more beautiful.

Natural, Organic Materials

Though the modern design aesthetic informs organic modern, the “organic” element of the style certainly shines. Organic modern designs are dominated by natural materials, like wood, stone, leather, linen, concrete and burnished metal. Design pieces often boast natural curves rather than stark, straight geometric lines. This helps make a space feel warmer, more welcoming, cozier and more alive than traditional modern spaces, which can feel cold without the light, natural elements.

Many interested in the organic modern aesthetic also appreciate the lifestyle changes that can accompany integrating natural design elements into the home. Natural materials can be more sustainable, reducing a homeowner’s carbon footprint, and they can also help eliminate toxic chemicals in the home. For example, buying an organic mattress instead of a traditional mattress will drastically cut the presence of pesticides and VOCs in one’s sleeping space. Everything from furniture to flooring can be made less wasteful and more natural to suit the organic modern style and help the environment.

Outside, In

Organic modern is more than white walls and cane furniture. It is about bringing the beauty and simplicity of the outside into one’s home — which is exactly what amateur designers can do to successfully integrate this style in their spaces. Obviously, designers don’t want to cover the floor in soil or open the ceiling directly to the sky, but there are a few ways to make the indoors feel fresh and natural like the outdoors, such as:

Decorating with plants. Plants purify the air, provide pops of color and offer an effortless organic accent appropriate for any space. For those unable to keep any indoor plant alive, there are convincing fake plants that do not require upkeep.

Open windows and doors. Natural sunlight is ideal for the organic modern look, so indoor décor should eschew heavy window shutters or blinds and opt for little or no window coverings whatsoever. When seasonally appropriate, windows and doors should be kept open to invite natural airflow through the home.

Consider textures. While modern design is primarily sleek and smooth, the natural world is filled with rougher textures. Using natural materials with texture, like sheepskin, leather and stone, is a good way to evoke the feeling of the outdoors in a more sophisticated space.

The desire to be sustainable should compel you to decorate your home in a timeless, simple and beautiful style. Organic modern spaces will remain appealing for years to come because minimal natural materials speak to a lasting design ethos that won’t go out of style.