6 Ways to Incorporate Curves Into Your Kitchen
Making your kitchen appear warm and inviting can be difficult due to the lack of soft furnishings and the need for easy-to-clean surfaces. A simple way to soften these harsh lines and create a more welcoming atmosphere is by embracing the elegance of curves and arches in your design.
Reminiscent of ‘70s style and geometric Art Deco interiors, curves effortlessly create flow, symmetry, and balance. They can help make your kitchen feel less angular and clinical while maintaining a minimalist, timeless aesthetic.
From cabinetry to breakfast bars and curved kitchen islands, we explore six ways to integrate curvature into your kitchen and dining area.
1. Curved Kitchen Island
A curved kitchen island enhances both functionality and aesthetics and suits schemes ranging from modern to rustic. This could mean the entire countertop is a symmetrical oval shape, or just one end of the island is a half-moon shape. For a more subtle version of the trend, curved edges can be added to an otherwise rectangular island.
Visually, curved islands add elegance and sophistication, serving as a unique focal point that breaks away from traditional straight-edged designs. They also make movement around the kitchen easier and help to maximise space, particularly in cramped layouts.
Curved kitchen islands are ideal for entertaining, providing a comfortable seating area for guests to dine and socialise. Add a touch of character to your island with an organic-shaped wooden chopping board or a rounded fruit bowl.
2. Arched Doorways and Windows
Arches have been used in building design for thousands of years to create a sense of elegance and grandeur. They help draw the eye upward, making spaces appear larger and more open.
Unlike traditional angular doorframes, arched openings offer an elegant and intriguing way to connect two spaces while still preserving their individual boundaries. From windows to alcoves and doorways, it’s as simple as cornering off rectangular frames and making them curved. This simple change transforms an unremarkable structure into a unique focal point.
3. Curved Kitchen Rangehood
When looking for ways to add style to the kitchen, it’s easy to overlook the range hood. While its primary function is practical—to keep cooking steam and smoke from filling your kitchen—that doesn’t mean it can’t be a design element on its own. If you’ve incorporated curves elsewhere in your space, echoing that silhouette in the form of a curved kitchen hood can enhance cohesion and visual appeal.
Whether you choose a subtle curve edge or an eye-catching cylindrical vent for a minimalist look, the customisation is endless. You could choose a metal range hood that matches your tapware finish, one with a stone covering to coordinate with your splashback and countertop, or you might opt for a contrasting colour or material to make a bold statement in the kitchen.
4. Curved Kitchen Cabinets
Cabinets or shelving units with curved edges or fronts not only break away from the traditional boxy look but also add a sense of movement and sophistication. Curved corner kitchen cabinets are ideal in small spaces where protruding corners can restrict movement. The soft lines of the curved units will open up the room and create the illusion of space.
Alternatively, you could look at building an arched recess with built-in shelving or cabinets, which works perfectly as a bar or coffee-making nook. This shelving unit could remain open for easy access or be fitted with glass cabinet doors for storing glassware and plateware.
For a simpler way to incorporate curves into your space without renovating, consider ergonomically designed, curved kitchen cabinet handles. With rounded edges or a contoured shape, they allow for smooth and effortless operation. Curved or rounded handles and knobs are commonly found in more traditional kitchens, while half-moon cabinetry pulls offer a modern aesthetic for contemporary designs.
5. Rounded Lighting Fixtures
A simple way to add curves to your kitchen without redesigning the whole space is through your lighting and accessories. Pendant lights with curved shades or chandeliers with curved arms can provide soft, task lighting that helps promote a cosy, relaxed atmosphere. Whether you hang them above the island or the dining table, circular pendant lights can add a touch of elegance and style to any space.
6. Curved Furniture and Seating
Curved furniture pieces like rounded dining tables, circular bar stools, and chairs with curved backs not only enhance comfort but also add a sense of continuity and flow to your kitchen. If you have a curved kitchen island, consider a built-in bench paired with a round or oval table for a cosy and stylish dining nook.
Unlike square or rectangular tables, round tables foster a sociable atmosphere and promote a sense of togetherness. With no sharp edges, they’re ideal for households with young children, and they fit more comfortably into smaller spaces.
By incorporating these curved elements into your kitchen design, you can achieve a more ergonomic, inviting, and aesthetically pleasing space that stands out from the typical linear designs.
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