12 Kitchens That Flaunt Their Curves
Curved and rounded elements can enhance the otherwise linear nature of a kitchen and take its design to the next level
Melanie Gardener
2 April 2016
Houzz Australia Contributor. Ex-magazine editor specialising in the kitchen and bathroom industry. I am passionate about interiors and the design of interior spaces. Kitchens and bathrooms are integral to every home and I love seeing how they evolve and play different roles in different families. I travel overseas to attend relevant industry fairs every year and bring back information for the Australian kitchen and bathroom industry on emerging trends.
Houzz Australia Contributor. Ex-magazine editor specialising in the kitchen and bathroom... More
The kitchen doesn’t have to be all straight lines and boxy elements. From curved benchtops, islands and cabinetry to waterfall edges in all sorts of materials and finishes, there are plenty of curvy features you can add to your next kitchen renovation. Here are 12 kitchens that use rounded elements to provide contrast and add visual impact.
1. Blue beauty
The simple addition of a curved, not angled, breakfast bar makes all the difference to accessing this warm but compact space. In choosing a curved edge for the table, the designer ensures that there are no sharp corners into which you could bump when entering the kitchen. The dark colour of the timber resonates against the luscious blue cabinetry and, supported by a single leg, creates an open entrance to the kitchen.
More creative kitchen islands
The simple addition of a curved, not angled, breakfast bar makes all the difference to accessing this warm but compact space. In choosing a curved edge for the table, the designer ensures that there are no sharp corners into which you could bump when entering the kitchen. The dark colour of the timber resonates against the luscious blue cabinetry and, supported by a single leg, creates an open entrance to the kitchen.
More creative kitchen islands
2. Timber teaser
The curved front section of this large kitchen island is enhanced by the linear effect of the wood grain. Laid vertically, the timber panels create an interesting visual contrast to the horizontal flow of the curve. To create a space for stools to slide underneath the benchtop, the plinth base curves under the benchtop, thereby allowing for a seating area.
The curved front section of this large kitchen island is enhanced by the linear effect of the wood grain. Laid vertically, the timber panels create an interesting visual contrast to the horizontal flow of the curve. To create a space for stools to slide underneath the benchtop, the plinth base curves under the benchtop, thereby allowing for a seating area.
3. Space saver
This small American kitchen is much improved with the addition of carefully created curves. Space was obviously an issue in this L-shaped kitchen, so the redesign moved the appliances to a bank at the entrance of the kitchen, giving over the rest of the space to storage. The layout now shows off sleek and seamless lines, which visually opens the space and maked the room feel larger.
See before and after images of this kitchen
This small American kitchen is much improved with the addition of carefully created curves. Space was obviously an issue in this L-shaped kitchen, so the redesign moved the appliances to a bank at the entrance of the kitchen, giving over the rest of the space to storage. The layout now shows off sleek and seamless lines, which visually opens the space and maked the room feel larger.
See before and after images of this kitchen
4. Colour punch
With its brilliant splash of sunny yellow, this benchtop most certainly calls attention to itself. The simplicity of the design is enhanced by the curved finish at one end and the deep shine of the glossy surface. In this example, the curves serve to make a feature of the bulky structure of the island, which is given a lift thanks to the 20-millimetre-thick engineered stone benchtop by Stone Italiana called ‘Brillante Giallo‘.
With its brilliant splash of sunny yellow, this benchtop most certainly calls attention to itself. The simplicity of the design is enhanced by the curved finish at one end and the deep shine of the glossy surface. In this example, the curves serve to make a feature of the bulky structure of the island, which is given a lift thanks to the 20-millimetre-thick engineered stone benchtop by Stone Italiana called ‘Brillante Giallo‘.
5. Lime freshen-up
Distinguished by its curvy shapes and lime and aqua colour pops, this kitchen features a round breakfast bar that matches the shape of the raised bar area adjacent to the sink. The careful choice of bright colours creates an accent to make whites really stand out, while the curves are kept to the front of the kitchen to soften the view of the room.
Distinguished by its curvy shapes and lime and aqua colour pops, this kitchen features a round breakfast bar that matches the shape of the raised bar area adjacent to the sink. The careful choice of bright colours creates an accent to make whites really stand out, while the curves are kept to the front of the kitchen to soften the view of the room.
6. Beyond the curve
Careful planning and attention to detail has allowed the designer to create this interestingly-shaped island bench, which cleverly incorporates both curved edges and straight lines as well as a variety of heights. Practicality has obviously been well considered, with different surfaces included to allow for the different work spaces required.
Ways to incorporate timber in the kitchen
Careful planning and attention to detail has allowed the designer to create this interestingly-shaped island bench, which cleverly incorporates both curved edges and straight lines as well as a variety of heights. Practicality has obviously been well considered, with different surfaces included to allow for the different work spaces required.
Ways to incorporate timber in the kitchen
7. Flow-on effect
The waterfall edge of this benchtop is given a soft curve at the point it moves from horizontal to vertical, both to enhance the feeling of a ‘flow’ and to cleverly off-set the other angled elements of the kitchen. Here, the stark white chosen for the benchtop matches the white cabinets behind and white structural support, balancing the timber elements.
The waterfall edge of this benchtop is given a soft curve at the point it moves from horizontal to vertical, both to enhance the feeling of a ‘flow’ and to cleverly off-set the other angled elements of the kitchen. Here, the stark white chosen for the benchtop matches the white cabinets behind and white structural support, balancing the timber elements.
8. C-section
A modern kitchen benefits from a unique approach to design with a C-shaped island bench. If you have the space, a freestanding curved island becomes a generous central workspace in the kitchen, one that can combine preparation areas, washing up space, cooktop and a breakfast bar/servery. Cleverly, the island also creates a clear flow of traffic to keep visitors from entering the work zones while allowing clear passage to and fro.
A modern kitchen benefits from a unique approach to design with a C-shaped island bench. If you have the space, a freestanding curved island becomes a generous central workspace in the kitchen, one that can combine preparation areas, washing up space, cooktop and a breakfast bar/servery. Cleverly, the island also creates a clear flow of traffic to keep visitors from entering the work zones while allowing clear passage to and fro.
9. On track
Reminiscent of a racing car track, this stunning monolithic kitchen benchtop has been shaped to create maximum effect. The gradient of the slope is much shallower than a standard waterfall edge, but you’ll need plenty of space to allow for the unique shape to be created. Industrial overtones abound with the polished concrete floor matching the concrete finish of the benchtop.
See the rest of this project
Reminiscent of a racing car track, this stunning monolithic kitchen benchtop has been shaped to create maximum effect. The gradient of the slope is much shallower than a standard waterfall edge, but you’ll need plenty of space to allow for the unique shape to be created. Industrial overtones abound with the polished concrete floor matching the concrete finish of the benchtop.
See the rest of this project
10. In the round
A completely curved design defines the shape of this kitchen, which sits within a larger (rectangular) living area. The repetition of shape is also evident in the almost round island bench, further promoting the curvilinear theme. Light streams in from the double-height windows to highlight the kitchen’s quality finishes.
A completely curved design defines the shape of this kitchen, which sits within a larger (rectangular) living area. The repetition of shape is also evident in the almost round island bench, further promoting the curvilinear theme. Light streams in from the double-height windows to highlight the kitchen’s quality finishes.
11. Moody hues
This unusually-shaped kitchen would not have been possible without the use of curves to help the design suit the space. A large rear bank of floor-to-ceiling cabinets follows the only straight line in the kitchen, while the big island bench demarcates the kitchen from the rest of the living area. Timber tones are complemented with a splash of jewelled colour, in the form of turquoise upholstered bar stools – immediate attention-getters!
This unusually-shaped kitchen would not have been possible without the use of curves to help the design suit the space. A large rear bank of floor-to-ceiling cabinets follows the only straight line in the kitchen, while the big island bench demarcates the kitchen from the rest of the living area. Timber tones are complemented with a splash of jewelled colour, in the form of turquoise upholstered bar stools – immediate attention-getters!
12. Not-so-long island
We’re used to seeing long island benches – they provide lots of work space, of course! But here’s a clever way to make the most of a central space, while providing for both a prep space and a casual dining area. The curved island bench pictured here allows access from all sides, and also includes a wealth of storage under the benchtop.
TELL US
Which of these curvy kitchens most caught your eye? Let us know in the Comments section below.
MORE
How to Get Curves in All the Right Spaces
10 Standout Ideas for a Unique Kitchen
12 Stylish (and Smart) Cantilevered Kitchen Benches
We’re used to seeing long island benches – they provide lots of work space, of course! But here’s a clever way to make the most of a central space, while providing for both a prep space and a casual dining area. The curved island bench pictured here allows access from all sides, and also includes a wealth of storage under the benchtop.
TELL US
Which of these curvy kitchens most caught your eye? Let us know in the Comments section below.
MORE
How to Get Curves in All the Right Spaces
10 Standout Ideas for a Unique Kitchen
12 Stylish (and Smart) Cantilevered Kitchen Benches
Related Stories
Most Popular
Renovation Insight: How to Choose a Kitchen Designer
The right designer can bring your dream kitchen to life – three kitchen designers reveal where to look and what to ask
Full Story
Most Popular
Key Heights to Consider When Designing Your New Kitchen
By Anne Ellard
Create a user-friendly kitchen and avoid excessive stretching and bending with these design tips for recommended heights
Full Story
Storage
Renovation Insight: How to Choose & Work With a Cabinet Maker
Custom joinery allows you to tailor a space to suit your needs – here's how to choose the right firm for the job
Full Story
Most Popular
Reno Insights: Don't Rush It! Why Kitchen Planning Takes so Long
Preparing to renovate can take up to four times as long as building, but it's crucial for a good result – here's why
Full Story
Kitchen Expert Advice
10 Times You Should Hire a Kitchen Designer
These specialists can solve layout issues, save costs, update an older space and create custom design details
Full Story
Most Popular
From Planning to Pendants: Kitchen Lighting Essentials
By Joanna Tovia
This valuable guide will give you all you need to know about choosing kitchen lighting for fabulous form and function
Full Story
Most Popular
How to Control the Cost of Your Renovation, Room by Room
Where to save, where to spend (and all the tricks in between) for keeping the cost of your renovation on track
Full Story
Kitchens
A Kitchen That Uses Special Elements to Punch Above Its Weight
This couple wanted a well-designed kitchen that incorporated their pre-bought furniture; this designer delivered
Full Story
Most Popular
Key Measurements to Consider When Designing the Perfect Kitchen Island
By Anne Ellard
Discover the correctly proportioned kitchen island bench dimensions so your space works as well as it can
Full Story
Most Popular
Shoestring Budget: Getting the Best Kitchen Cabinets for Less
It can be daunting choosing the right kitchen cabinets with limited funds, but these UK design experts' tips will help
Full Story
Our latest kitchen with curved island unit also had a reinforced glass breakfast bar on top. The sink, tap and hob with downdraft extractor are set within the worktop too.
Its elegance is superb