ARCHES AND CURVES: 12 WAYS TO INCORPORATE THEM INTO THE HOME

Arches and curves are coveted interior design features that have received a welcome revival in recent years. And it seems to be getting more and more popular.

With the recent pandemic, the move towards more organic forms in our most occupied spaces has accelerated. People are opting for soft, gentle lines that evoke an essence of the natural world indoors and soothe the visual landscape of their homes.

If you have been curious about distinct or subtle ways to bring more arches and curves into your space, we have created a list of 12 ideas to help you do so. 

Arch mirrors are a decor piece that hasn’t seemed to die down. Mirrors, regardless of shape, create the illusion of spaciousness by reflecting light around a room. But when you have an arched mirror, its form is a striking graphic element on any wall while infusing an air of softness. 

Why is walking through an arched doorway significantly more enjoyable? Corner off those rectangular frames and make them curved. This shape can feel cocooning and soft, letting you flow freely between each space.

There are numerous arched doorway styles that can be adopted into the home, such as round arch, keyhole, three-centred, segmental and much more. It transforms a structure we don’t think twice about into a unique focal point.

If you’re looking for more subtle ways to incorporate curved and arched forms into the home, updating your fixtures and fittings is the simplest way to go about it. From robe hooks to tapware, there is ample opportunity for the trend to appear throughout the house. Here are our top picks for curved ABI Interiors fixtures and fittings:

KITCHEN: Elysian Kitchen Mixer

BATHROOM: Milani Basin Hob Mixer Set

LAUNDRY: Gooseneck Swivel Wall Mounted Bath Spout

CABINETRY: The Hegman Collection 

OTHER ACCESSORIES: Milani Robe Hook

Whether it’s an arched window or a circular one, they can give your home a delicate aesthetic both indoors and out. Large arched windows are reminiscent of Romanesque design, alluding to a classic feel in a space. On the other hand, circle windows can feel whimsical and modern. Both are beautiful details to allow more light in while offering a unique living experience.

Whether you want a new bedhead or to emphasise a specific part of the wall, painting an arch is an ingenious way to generate more arched forms in your space. And if you ever need to change it up, you can always paint over it. It’s a fantastic opportunity to get a little creative and look differently at the realm of possibility for dimension in your interiors.

Alternatively, if you are renting but still want to achieve the same look without tarnishing the walls, try removable wallpaper! Sketch out what shape you want, cut it, then place it where you like. For something even more straightforward, Australian brand Siesta Walls creates beautiful stick on headboards that are ready to go.

Curved benches and vanities are having some time in the spotlight at the moment. Especially in the kitchen, they’re a welcoming contrast to the mass of hard angles and edges. Aside from visual softness, they can provide physical softness by optimising traffic flow and minimising the chance to run into corners. They are stylish, practical and give your home a touch of 70s charm. 

Related article: 10 Island Bench Designs to Help Bring Character to Your Kitchen

Arched or vaulted ceilings were first seen in the Neolithic period, roughly 7000 years ago. Over the centuries, they were adopted into cathedrals to promote the feeling of height and spaciousness. Arched and vaulted ceilings have translated into homes, heightening a sense of expansiveness. You could try a rendered arched ceiling for a Mediterranean aesthetic, or perhaps a vaulted ceiling with wainscotting for something more neo-colonial. Regardless of what era or style you go with, it’s sure to yield interest in your space. 

When the weather cools down, having a fireplace is an enviable asset to warm you up. They bring people together to relax in front of its cosy atmosphere, which adds emotional and monetary value to a home. An arched fireplace is an elegant design choice to calm the space even further. If you have an arched fireplace that isn’t usable, you could decorate it with candles, plants, books or any of your favourite ornaments instead!

Want more storage that doesn’t protrude out from the wall? Time to dig deep. Recessed wall niches are a confluence of practicality and beauty, allowing walls to be a beautiful landing to display your items. The style we see currently is reminiscent of sunny European homes, with white rendered nooks providing texture and a lively focal point. When recessed wall niches are in a curved or arched shape, they bring a more gentle geometric quality and avoid dominating the story of a space.

Curved furniture, like the revival of curved sofas, give a space rhythm. It contrasts the typically rectangular form of a room to centralise a feeling of flow. Curved furniture is a refreshing welcome compared to our usual robust dimensions of furniture by dimming inclinations of austerity and creating an inviting ambience. Other ideas for curved furniture include coffee tables, bedside tables, lamps, and ottomans.

Accentuate your bathroom with a curved shower screen. It can look especially cohesive if you have a curved mirror in your space as well. Opt for reeded glass for privacy and texture, or keep it transparent to seem more spacious. If you want your curved shower screen to be more eye-catching, you can apply a metallic trim around the edges in a colour that coordinates with your overall scheme.

A curved void directs sunlight to fall more gently across forms. It diffuses the hard contrast of shadows and makes the area feel calm and contemplative. In general, voids are never a waste space but are an innovative feature to cultivate it. When mixed with curved forms, it adds extra warmth and appeal to a home.