Martin Scorsese's organic modern living room strikes a rare balance of hard and soft design features

Acclaimed director Martin Scorsese knows how to make a space look good. As the director of award-winning films such as Goodfellas, Taxi Driver, and most recently, the Oscar-nominated Killers of the Flower Moon, the filmmaker has been lauded for building cinematic worlds on screen. 

His home is also a sight to behold, specifically, his well-balanced, wood-adorned living room, complemented by a clean, white sofa. 

Wood and white are a pairing that fits in a variety of design trends, from Organic Modern to Japandi. Our editor, Jennifer Ebert, says that Scorsese's interiors are the ideal blend of hard and soft, and the look is easy to replicate (even in homes that aren't adorned with the same architectural features).

'The dark wood really contrasts the cream couch in a complementary way; the paneling on the wall adds visual interest, while the smoothness of the cream couch gives the space a more gentle ambiance,' Ebert says.

Jennifer Ebert

Jen is the Editor (Digital) of Homes & Gardens online. Before starting this position, she had completed various courses at KLC Design School, as well as working across Ideal Home, LivingEtc, 25 Beautiful Homes and Country Homes & Interiors as an interiors writer. 

The organic modern design trend is all about combining natural materials with modern details. The timeless shape of the cream couch (a color often used in modern trends) alongside the wood wall fits in well with the style.

'Organic and raw materials are incredibly popular at the moment, with many looking to give their homes a more natural feel and evoke the outdoors,' Ebert says. 'If you have existing wood features in your home, then that is, of course, ideal, but wood accessories can help enhance a space. Think tables, chairs, or even catch-all bowls.' 

Essentially, we can work as much or as little wood as we think will suit our space; we just need the right amount of soft neutrals to keep the space balanced, the Scorsese way.

Though Scorsese's living room appears a bit moodier, Ebert says that lighting is incredibly important to optimizing an organic modern space.

'Avoid harsh lighting. Natural light from windows is preferred, or light emitted from a fixture or lamp made of organic materials is a great options as well,' she says.

Shop the organic modern edit

Below, find a few of our organic modern-inspired living room picks to achieve the ultimate cozy yet sophisticated space.