7 Ways To Embrace Curved Interiors, According To The Experts
From shapely, sculptural furnishings to flowing, voluptuous silhouettes, the trend for curved lines in our interiors continues to be a sumptuous favorite. Here, three interior tastemakers share how and why to embrace its striking benefits in your space. By KATIE BERRINGTON
Embrace your curves
“The soft silhouette of a curved design is pleasing to the eye, as it presents a cozy character, whilst adding a layer of playfulness to a space with its puffy, cartoon-like appearance,” says designer Kelly Wearstler. It also acknowledges the trend for natural forms in our interiors, says Alexandra Donohoe Church, director of Decus Interiors. “It invites a quality of sensuality and sinuousness into any space, bridging the gap between the built environment and the human form,” she says. Designer Linda Boronkay concurs: “Generally, I love softer, curvier silhouettes in a space, as they can create a better flow in a room. Curved shapes resemble nature, so they are usually more comfortable and ergonomic. Plus, from an aesthetic point [of view], they are also easy to work with, as they look good from all angles.”
Assess the space
“Curved designs are best placed in rooms featuring geometric, architectural shapes, or spaces that are host to horizontal and vertical lines,” advises Wearstler. “For example, in my Harper Avenue residential project, I chose a dining table in which the round-edged top is grounded confidently by a contrasting sphere and cube. This curved design works well in the room, [providing a] striking contrast to the geometric pattern on the surrounding walls. I love how the monochrome diagonal stripes interact with the curved edges of the dining table.”
Donohoe Church also favors “the tension created by polarity and the pairing of opposites in our work, and I would typically introduce curved elements to break the repetition of a rectilinear space with strong angular lines,” she shares. “I find that curved pieces are most successful when they have a generosity of space in which to breathe, allowing the user to appreciate their form fully.”
Experiment with texture and tension
“Curved designs can soften heavier materials to create unusual tensions,” Wearstler says. “In the family room of my Broad Beach residential project, I chose two textured, soft-edged sofas that sit low to the floor. I placed these beside a tall marble plinth, which is home to a curvaceous vase, to create a visual hierarchy and guide the eye around the room. Next to each sofa, I chose two marble side tables, each exhibiting a straight-edged silhouette. I love the double contrast of the cool material and hard edges against the soft texture and round edges of the sofas, creating a beautiful tension between the designs.”
Play with proportions
For Boronkay, it is essential to choose pieces that work with the dimensions of the space. “Curved lighting works almost anywhere,” she says. “Curved furniture tends to work better in larger spaces, especially if we are talking about sofas, but nowadays there are also some really petite armchairs that almost hug you and have a stunning silhouette.”
Begin small…
“Start small, with an armchair or a lamp, and build on it,” she continues. “Curved sofas can be tricky to place if you don’t have a big space to play with, so always triple check on sizing before you commit to a larger curved piece.”
For those just dipping their toe into the trend, Wearstler suggests starting with “a collection of curvaceous vases, pairing these soft, rounded vessels with a group of angular stems and branches. These naturally straighter lines will jut out from the organic shape of the vases and create a striking juxtaposition.”
…or go large
“Alternatively, a large, curved-edge sofa can create a striking design moment when placed alongside a neat, straight-edged marble coffee table,” says Wearstler. “The unexpected pairing will create an engaging dialogue.”
Ensure it makes an impact
“I tend to favor the ‘go hard or go home’ approach,” says Donohoe Church. “I advocate selecting one or two significant pieces [that are] important to the space – not necessarily large – and limiting the curves to just those pieces in the room. Let the diva sing, I say.”