What Does Organic Mean? What is Organic Design? Ask Frank Lloyd Wright

Frank Lloyd Wright believed in organic lifestyles and environments. His thought was that “The good building is not one that hurts the landscape, but one which makes the landscape more beautiful than it was before the building was built.” In the early part of the twentieth century Wright and other organic minded Arts and Crafts and Mission designers, not only created in less invasive design shapes but with organic materials drawn entirely from nature. By using siding that was unglazed brick, roofs made of clay tile or un-planed woodwork and ignoring the use of paints it appeared to create simple, healthful, and close to nature environments from the outside inward.

Today we hear the term organic used to describe everything from vegetables to meat to milk to clothing and designs. While in today’s society of commercial competition advertisers may have watered down the true definition of organics in order to sell more product, and not necessarily to save the environment or to create a happier living space, once upon a time great architects like Wright’s mentor Luis Sullivan believed that “form follows function.” Wright himself took it a step further in his argument that “form and function are one.” Either way, their mission was to achieve a form that while appealing to human’s esthetically was useful and not so abrasive on the natural landscape. It also meant bringing the outside indoors in the theory that it made for healthy indoor environments.

If your home is not organic but you long to have a place that brings you home to nature it is achievable. Like all great journeys your home can begin its conversion to organic designs one step at a time. Creating an open space that flows together is essential when organizing your organic environment. Window views are essential. Use natural colors, shapes and textures in textiles and potteries. Using recessed lighting also helps to create a more natural lighting effect, like sunlight through treetops.

Replace your mass produced furniture a piece at a time to eliminate toxic and unnatural elements, such as pressed or particle board that give off dangerous fumes called outgases. If you cannot afford to actually build unassuming built-in shelves and cabinets to conserve space, organize and minimize clutter then consider buying pre-made but high quality cabinets. The Amish woodworkers of Northern Indiana create organic designs in home furnishings from Native North American hardwoods. Never using veneers or press woods these products honor the vision of organic purists. Like Wright you can begin one detail at a time to make your home seem “handcrafted like a fine piece of furniture”.