In 2005, Renee Russo – long-time design enthusiast and owner of EWF Modern Furniture in Portland’s Pearl District – coined the term “Modern Organic” to embody her style approach. She takes inspiration from the natural world and blends those organic aesthetics with clean, modern sensibilities – all the while prioritizing sustainably sourced wares.

Think supple leather sofas built with Forest Steward Council-certified hardwood, ultra-soft alpaca wool throw blankets, sleek dining room tables crafted with sustainably-harvested wood, energy-efficient LED light fixtures, Scandinavian-style home accents and objects made of marble, and shag rugs of undyed wool. Note that EWF Modern is having a storewide sale from May 18-31st in their Modern Organic showroom that displays these items and more.

“The term Modern Organic has really taken off,” says Russo, who opened EWF Modern Furniture in 2007. “It’s now used by many different companies and has a life of its own on Pinterest and TikTok. Clean lines, soft sensual shapes, and natural textures and tones can transform a home into a sanctuary.”

Russo has some pointers for people who want to make simple changes that will recalibrate a space.

Pillows and Throws Shift the vibe of a room by draping a decadent Icelandic sheep throw over a chair. Or incorporate ivory cotton pillows with hand-loomed tassels, braids, and pom poms into a room; though the color is neutral, they’ll add an earthy, textured feel.

Natural Wool Rugs Bring a room together by integrating a 100% wool hand-tufted rug that has a delicate pattern. A piece like this will keep a low profile while adding cohesion, coziness, and textual interest.

Pottery and Sculptures Clay pieces are completely unique in shape and glaze, and adding them into a room ingrates a combined feeling of artfulness and groundedness.

Solid-wood Furniture Not only do the natural grains of oak and walnut add richness, they also embody a sense of sturdiness and fortitude. Additionally, the sensory elements of natural wood create a sense of calm, harkening to soothing natural environments.

For inspiration, look to EWF Modern Furniture’s  2,400 square-foot showroom. It’s meticulously curated and constantly refreshed according to Modern Organic principles. To ensure her showroom is top-notch, Russo attends markets two-four times per year, building relationships with manufacturers.

“At the markets, we sit on it, feel it, and learn how it’s made,” says Russo. “We aren’t online buyers.”

Russo and her team do tons of legwork sourcing the best, most sustainable options for their customers who, in turn, trust them to have both a sense of timelessness and awareness of current trends.

For people looking for more in-depth guidance, EWF Modern also has custom design services. Their designers have decades of experience and specialize in helping customers identify styles and pieces that authentically express who they are. This process is entirely individualized and includes interviews, mood boards, floor plans, balance of form and function, color palettes, and room flow.

Hot Tip: A great time to visit EWF Modern is May 18-31st when they will be having a storewide anniversary sale with up to 40% off most things – from dining room and bedroom to lighting, workspaces, and rugs.