How to Get Curves in All the Right Spaces

Use the softening effect of curves to enhance and define your indoor and outdoor areas

19 September 2014
Houzz contributor, freelance writer and home design enthusiast. I write on a diverse range of topics ranging from health and beauty to landscape architecture and interior design. I have a very inquisitive nature and love to share my findings with others.
Houzz contributor, freelance writer and home design enthusiast. I write on a diverse... More
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Curves can soften a living zone, draw the eye to a certain feature or focal point, and visually lengthen an area. When used well, they can also enhance the flow of a room and be used to define different spaces. They can also be useful for awkward or tricky spaces, not to mention they can be an extremely practical replacement for sharp corners if you have little ones running a muck around the home.

One thing that is so appealing about curves, is that they are in fact, well, appealing. Curved shapes can make for an inviting and comforting aesthetic that is both cosy and powerful. The bends and twists apparent in curves also means that they are adaptable, versatile and can work successfully inside the home as well as out.

“Curves create a sense of softness as well as strength,” explains landscape designer Steve Warner of OUTHOUSE Design. “A strong garden edge or wall line that has a strong curve can open up a garden with great affect, drawing you into the space. The correct radius or curve can create impact, connect spaces and allow for deeper layered garden beds, especially in tight courtyard areas. Gardens in my opinion should be tactile, engaging and fun – that’s why curves work so well.”

But you do need to know how to use your curves (so to speak). “If used inappropriately curves can take up a lot of wasteful space. However, when used well, curves actually conserve room,” says interior designer Bronwyn Poole of Touch Interiors. “The key is to know when to use a curve to maximum benefit.”

Read on for some expert design advice and discover different ways to make the most of curves in your abode.
Contemporary Family Room by Touch Interiors by Bronwyn Poole
Touch Interiors by Bronwyn Poole
Poole often introduces curves in a subtle way by adding round occasional tables, lamps or an area rug with an organic shape. “I believe curves soften a space and inspire effortless flow in an room that may otherwise feel constricted,” she explains.
Contemporary Bathroom by Camilla Molders Design
Camilla Molders Design
The blue curved bathroom tiles pictured here break up the strong lines and wooden tones of the cabinetry. Small and subtle curve shapes can work just as well as something bold and beautiful in the right setting.
Contemporary Patio by Cultivart Landscape Design
Cultivart Landscape Design
A long sweeping curve can draw the eye in to a garden area – particularly when paired with a splash of bright colour as pictured here. Nothing gets one’s attention like hot pink!

EXPERT TIP: “A curved line traversing a small space is naturally longer than a straight line and it can give the impression of a much larger garden. Curved geometry also allows for multilayered planting rather than lineal single rows of planting,” says landscape designer Janine Mendel of CultivArt Landscape Design
Modern Living Room by Marco Antunio
Marco Antunio
Did I mention that curves can provide an impact? The curved bookshelf here is used to great effect. The combination of curves and colours is spectacular and shows just what you can do with curves when thinking outside the proverbial box. Circular windows are a brilliant way to play up a window space and draw attention to an enticing view outside.
Eclectic Living Room by Janel Holiday Interior Design
Janel Holiday Interior Design
Curved furniture when paired with brights works brilliantly as a room feature or statement piece.
Contemporary Exterior by OUTHOUSE design
OUTHOUSE design
This floating garden bench seat gives an organic feel due to curved edges.

“Rounded edges make the timber tactile and visually feel that the seat would be comfortable, which it is. If the edges had been straight it would give you a very different feeling,” says Warner, who designed the piece.
Contemporary Kitchen by Platinum Building Group
Platinum Building Group
The parabolic stand of the breakfast bar gives a point of difference to the whole kitchen area. Simple curved touches applied sparingly can have elegant and attention-grabbing results.
Contemporary Patio by Tim Davies Landscaping | Perth
Tim Davies Landscaping | Perth
The curved poolside day bed pictured here subtly breaks up the strong lines of this clean, sleek outdoor design. The soft, light brown colour of the woven day bed works with the timber flooring and hanging light feature to add a natural element to the overt modern scheme.
Contemporary Staircase by Touch Interiors by Bronwyn Poole
Touch Interiors by Bronwyn Poole
There is no reason staircases need to be straight up and down. This beach-style pad’s spiral staircase resembles the curves of a seashell – perfect for the homeowner’s Dee Why home on Sydney’s northern beaches.

More: Flights of Fancy: 15 Amazing Staircase Designs
Eclectic Patio by Scott Weston Architecture Design PL
Scott Weston Architecture Design PL
This fantastic circular raised red planter makes a bold statement in this courtyard. Filled with a crepe myrtle, the planter works as an eye-catching feature, but due to its central placement also divides the outdoor area into different zones

EXPERT TIP: “When using curves in a garden they need to be definite, not just wavy lines. Even a naturalistic landscape benefits from a well structured curve,” says Poole.
Contemporary by Sarina Denton design style coordinate
Sarina Denton design style coordinate
It’s amazing how a few different touches can transform a window into a standout feature. This irregular-shaped bay window is a knock out!
Contemporary Exterior by Matt Gibson Architecture + Design
Matt Gibson Architecture + Design
The architecture of this home’s exterior is a perfect example how curves combine both softness and strength. Although a very modern design, the curves make this home appear far from intimidating and unapproachable. The natural colour palette and strong curved lines make this home inviting and draws you into the space.
Contemporary Living Room by C+M Studio
C+M Studio
The curved timber wall in this living space came about because the body corporate requirements meant that timber floorboards weren’t an option. So the designers placed them on the wall instead! The curved look was created with pre-grooved Mafi boards, which adds texture and a sense of warmth to the space.

Take a tour of this seaside home
Contemporary Garden by Cultivart Landscape Design
Cultivart Landscape Design
Curved lines really are a small garden’s or courtyard’s best friend. When mixed with straight lines and assorted plantings, they can create an attractive and visually interesting outdoor hub.

EXPERT TIP: “In a small garden I find the combination of angles and curves a very useful design strategy,” says Mendel. “Curves are a very effective tool for successfully merging obtuse and acute angles which are changing direction. Curves can also give a more organic feel to a garden area.”
Eclectic Bedroom Eclectic Bedroom
The vaulted ceilings of this bedroom are guaranteed to have you looking up instead of down. A curved roof doesn’t have to be classic in style. A curved modern-style of roof can have breathtaking results.
Contemporary Deck by Auhaus Architecture
Auhaus Architecture
This hardwood timber deck is framed by a dramatic concrete retaining wall reminiscent of the shape of an unfinished question mark. The curved wall opens up the deck area and provides a point of difference to the straight lines of the homes exterior.

EXPERT TIP: “The correct curve or circle will make you feel safe and protected such as when seating is located within the inner radius of a strong curved wall that wraps around you,” says Warner.
Contemporary Kitchen Contemporary Kitchen
Draw attention to your curves with colour. This eye-catching curved yellow benchtop shows off the modern kitchen bench brilliantly.
Beach Style Living Room by Touch Interiors by Bronwyn Poole
Touch Interiors by Bronwyn Poole
Curves work with curves. The curved sofa in this living room was used in order to open up both the space and the range of design possibilities. The curved shape of the lounge is further echoed by curved doors, cabinetry and the overall shape of the room. “The sofa sits naturally within its environment, whereas if the room was a regular square room this curved sofa could be like a fish out of water!” says the designer, Poole.
Contemporary Garden by OUTHOUSE design
OUTHOUSE design
The low curved wall pictured here provides both form and function. It allows for a deeper-set garden bed for plantings as well as the ability to cradle a water feature with strong planting lines. The low wall also provides casual seating for the homeowners and guests. Subtle floor lights work to highlight the shape of the wall without detracting from it.
Eclectic Bedroom by WHAT_architecture
WHAT_architecture
This Lebanese-style doorway with a gothic twist separates the bedroom and dressing room areas. The ornate arches create a stunning feature and turns what might have been a humble room partition into something special.

MORE
Houzz Tour: A Melbourne Addition With Curve Appeal
Floating Shelves: 8 Brilliant Ideas for Walls of All Shapes and Sizes
Step Back: How to Use the Space Under Your Stairs
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detailaddict
None of these pics really do it for me. Don't know what it is; most of these curves just seem out-of-place and distressing. I like the elegant curves of a sleigh bed or a set of Queen Anne legs - but with the exception of the staircase and arched ceiling these all look dated (think '70's) or overly modern/minimalist. Maybe shots of more rustic/farmhouse scenes with curves would give me some better ideas.
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happyc
Can you give some information about the artwork in the first example about curves by Poole. It is really interesting and I'd like to know more, please.
   
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chubbychicky
My home has a concrete roof formed into a series of four gentle arcs and I love it! From the outside it looks peaceful (which could be courtesy of the green mosaic tiles edging the concrete) and hunkered down and dependable and from the inside the curved ceilings, although quite high, wrap around and enfold us and is almost a cocooning effect......very calming and soothing. Although it is a renovation in progress, it is always a lovely home to return to after a stressful day.
   

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