Well, 2021 is off to quite the beginning. In my last article, I talked about a fresh start. Uhh, well, it’s not feeling so fresh after all. With soaring COVID-19 numbers in Ontario, a brand new state of emergency and lockdown restrictions, and horrifying political news coming from our neighbours to the south, 2021 is already feeling like quite the doozy.
How does this tie into interior design? Well, I believe that we could all use a bit of softness this year – and this idea is reflected in a recent interior design trend that you can expect to see a lot more of in 2021: curved, softer interior design. From curved sofas and rounded-back chairs to curved countertops, walls and millwork, this new trend is all about organic shapes that evoke more harmony and warmth. Goodbye rigidity, hello flow!
Read on for my take on this hot new trend and some tips for how you can apply it to your own home or project.
Today’s Trends: Curved, “Softer” Design
In its “Top 10 Design Trends of the Next Decade” article, the Wall Street Journal asked hundreds of interior designers and architects to predict the next big residential trends.
One of their top picks really stood out to me: “Design will soften.”
According to the article:
Rigid rectilinear design will further recede. “Think beyond curved sofas and rounded-back chairs to curved countertops, walls and millwork,” said Vancouver, British Columbia, designer Gillian Segal. “The psychology of shapes shows us that hard edges represent order and discipline, round and organic shapes evoke harmony and warmth.”
I love this prediction because as an interior design professional, I’m already seeing it happening and embracing it in my own practice.
Curved countertops, walls and millwork can be absolutely gorgeous, but today I’m going to give you some tips for applying this trend to your own home or interior design project quickly, easily and inexpensively. Here are my top tips:
✨ Embrace coziness when it comes to textiles
Think double layer curtains, oversized throw pillows, cozy cashmere and wool throws, woven seating, and soft textile artwork like wall tapestries, weavings and macrame. These are all wonderful ways to add more softness to a space.
✨ Look for rounded edges instead of hard corners
Simple but effective – just think “round” when you’re looking for new items to furnish your home or an interior design project. Round rugs instead of rectangular ones, round art, furniture with rounded edges and other curved, natural shapes will all bring that desired softness and warmth to your space.
✨ Choose natural materials
Natural materials complement this trend perfectly, as curved shapes are often found in nature and contribute to a relaxing, soothing, natural and organic vibe.
What do you think about the interior design trend of curved, “softer” design? Comment below and let me know – as always, I’d love to hear from you!
