The Organon Architecture Blog: Mid-Century features worth thinking about

Monday, September 21, 2026

Mid-Century features worth thinking about

Organic architecture has been called "the other modernism." Modernist architecture is not organic architecture, but organic architecture has more in common with mid-century modern than with today's insipid antiseptic styles.

Instagrammer @leonie.pauls posts features from mid-century homes it's worth thinking about ...

As the great modernist designer Zsuzsa Kozma (aka Susan Orlay) used to say,
what isn't built-in should be easily moved, ensuring spaces are
open and flexible. Built-ins save space, give the sense that the
home is a provider -- and you can build-in carefully chosen
ready-made furniture to ensure a high level of cabinetry
without the expense of a cabinet-maker on the job.

Ceiling shelves and ceiling decks can frame a space, hint at the zoning of spaces,
and can give you display space without clutter

Built-in seating is the ultimate space-saver -- and
a powerful invitation to sit and enjoy a cosy space.

No television, no distractions, just honest conversations (although we
could spend some time here arguing about the style...)

An ideal way to bring second-hand daylight into an interior space

Why not have both spaces enjoy the delight of your open fire

There are many things the regulators have killed off. Here's another one.

Just one of many flexible ways to divide space, and help it work hard for you

Corners define a space. Open space at the corners, and space

begins to open out, rather than enclose.

Who really needs a palace made of gib?

An underrated flooring choice. Warm underfoot; soft to the touch; kind to feet, knees and hips; and (these days, with so many gorgeous varieties of cork on offer) beautiful to look at.
And it's a natural material. What's not to like?