I thought this dated design feature was reserved for 80s ski resorts – but Amber Lewis has proved it can work in a chic modern organic space

While most of us will aim to cover dated features (or dispose of them entirely) interior designer Amber Lewis has proven that even the most retro details can be made to feel unique and interesting.

There are many things that make a home look dated in 2025, and while you may think stone feature walls belong on this list, designer Amber Lewis has proven that the distinct design feature isn't one to avoid. A popular 1980s architectural feature, dominant stone walls are typically seen in Alpine-style interiors (think ski resorts and cabins), nodding to the native mountainous ranges.

Not put off by the dated connotations, Amber embraces the floor-to-ceiling exposed stone wall in her recent living room project and uses the organic modern trend to make the space feel current, earthy, and serene. We delve deeper into the look and discuss how to make this controversial design accent into a contemporary statement.

Although many of us would place a stone wall within outdated living room trends, Amber has worked with the room's architecture and embraced its texture by decorating with neutrals. Amber has taught us that by taking a design feature and using it as inspiration for the rest of the space, a dominant detail can feel sophisticated, stylish, and integral to a room's design.

An example of a modern organic living room, Amber has been sure to bring in plenty of natural textures that align with the stone. She has mixed wood tones and incorporated linen and a woven rug that all come together and add to the earthy feel of the space, proving that a neutral palette can be made interesting when you layer textures.

Amber has been clever with the living room layout and has made the stone wall the focal point. She's positioned the sofa, stools, and coffee table at the center of the room, creating an intimate conversation area that acknowledges the wall. She's made the feature the star of the show and been careful not to fight against it, instead embracing its natural beauty by choosing earthy decor and a modern organic color scheme.

Amber has been clever with the living room layout and has made the stone wall the focal point. She's positioned the sofa, stools, and coffee table at the center of the room, creating an intimate conversation area that acknowledges the wall. She's made the feature the star of the show and been careful not to fight against it, instead embracing its natural beauty by choosing earthy decor and a modern organic color scheme.

Shop Amber's modern organic living room look

Feature walls, and stone or brick feature walls in particular, have come under fire in recent years, and yes if they aren't done tastefully, they can really date a room. But as Amber proves, when approached correctly and the surrounding room is styled to suit the focal point, they can add a load of interest and texture to a room. The result is a cozy, rustic space that still feels chic and sophisticated.