Trending with Mike: Organic is in vogue!

Mike Siewert. Photo courtesy Mike Siewert

Date: January 21, 2024

I often work with a husband and wife as I design projects, and so many times they cannot agree on much.

Whether it is a style or pattern or color selection, the couple tend to always have a difference of opinion. And sometimes even a single client has had a hard time making a decision.

One path I can usually take is to share organic details. These components seem to appeal to most everyone! And considering so many of these organic details are sustainable, they are a “green” option. So it is a win-win on several levels! 

Sometimes a style of furniture can be a reclaimed piece of wood. My male clients especially love a gnarly twisted piece of wood as a statement piece for a coffee table, console table or even as an art object.

Considering it is a natural element, it blends nicely with anything. Whether you are tradition or contemporary, this idea will work for you! The wood tone is usually left in its natural finish, so that’s an easy detail to work with as well!

Photo by Mike Siewert.

Organic fabric is usually all about texture. We sew fabrics for window treatments, upholstery, bedding, etc.

Whether bamboo, cotton or linen, most people consider these textural fabrics warm up their space. There are many color options, but neutral is the most popular of these natural fiber fabrics. Silk is usually very colorful and a great option if you want more elegance or sheen.

Natural fabrics are a little more expensive than the popular performance fabrics made of synthetics. And there are some synthetics that look almost exactly as a natural fiber fabric. My clients are usually shocked at how natural they can look!

Natural woven rugs have been popular for some time. Being a natural fiber, sometimes jute or maybe wool, cotton or silk it can break down a little as it is walked upon. If after a few months you pull up the corner of the rug, you will see it leaves a little lint.

There are some synthetic fiber rugs that look almost exactly the same! And they won’t break down as the naturals do. And again, there is a difference in price between natural and synthetic. The organic rugs are all about texture. Usually braided or twisted to give a nice dimensional appearance.

Natural:

Photo by Mike Siewert.

In considering these neutral and textural options, it allows for an easy base palette to work with as you select other furnishings or decor. It makes it easy to change other details out from time to time. And it allows you the option to create some “pops” around the room that we hear so much from designers! 

In working with a designer, they can assist you with what is available on the market and what best suits your budget. Never underestimate paying a professional that will help you save money by making wise purchases!

Hardwood floors have become very popular. Again, a natural product that offers a variety of neutral colors and textures considering every wood species has a different grain. And, of course, there is a man-made product that emulates a natural wood floor that costs a little less, is a little more durable and has much easier maintenance! 

What to Read Next

The Author

Michael Siewert, aka Signature Mike, is a familiar face in Augusta, Georgia. His store, Signature Interiors and Gifts along with Signature Soles is in the Signature Shops on Furys Ferry Road. The store is busting at the seams with furniture, art, lamps, chandeliers, rugs, home decor and gifts! And next door is shoes and clothing! Mike and his staff work with many clients around the country, from new home construction to redecorating for both interior and exterior, and for both residential and commercial projects! Michael has been the headliner for the Home & Garden Shows in Augusta, Savannah, Orlando and Roanoke, where he shares his design knowledge onstage. There is nothing he likes more than to empower people to make smart design decisions! Catch Signature Mike and his guests at 3:00 every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday on CBS Channel 12 WRDW on THE SIGNATURE MIKE SHOW for decorating tips and to see what is going on in building and home decor in our area!

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