Embracing the Curves: 28 Projects that Highlight One of 2022’s Dominating Interior Design Trends
Embracing the Curves: 28 Projects that Highlight One of 2022’s Dominating Interior Design Trends
Interior design has progressively become a subject of interest among architects and designers. Having spent more time indoors recently, practitioners have been experimenting with their spaces and exploring different approaches to scale, comfort, and aesthetics. Much like everything else, design is highly influenced by external factors; any change to people’s lifestyle influences how they respond to it, whether consciously or subconsciously. And while this dynamic is often seen in fashion or graphic design, it has been noticeable in interior design as well. Following years of linear, clean-cut, and refined spaces, curved silhouettes were revived, becoming one of the dominating interior design trends across the world.
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What may seem like a contemporary trend actually dates back centuries, when architects found inspiration in nature from the asymmetrical lines of flowers and animals. One of the most prominent examples is Art Nouveau, a movement characterized by the use of organic forms, asymmetric lines, aesthetics and decorative elements, and the use of stained glass windows and mosaics inspired by Rococó and Baroque. Given that Art Nouveau emerged during a period marked by an industrial development and the experimentation of new materials, architecture during that period favored originality and a return to craftsmanship. Architects explored the fluidity of spaces, patterns, and colors, resulting in “unusual” volumes that contrasted their structured surroundings.
Similarly, the use of curvy silhouettes in interior spaces and furniture today is a lot more than just a fleeting design trend. As architects and designers became more aware of the importance of prioritizing users’ physical, mental, and emotional well-being, they began opting for features that promote calmness, optimism, and playfulness, opposing the chaos found outside. This was mainly achieved through biophilic design elements, which offered a sense of escapism. By bringing the outdoors in, whether it being through greenery (hanging plants, green walls, large green installations, etc.), the use of natural fibers and local materials, or nature-inspired color palettes, the lines were blurred between man-made structures and the natural environment. Gradually, people began favoring organic-shaped elements over angular geometric forms, re-introducing free-flowing designs into interior spaces.
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Contrary to what has been trending during the past decade, humans actually prefer curved visual objects. In a recent experiment led by psychologist Oshin Vartanian of the University of Toronto, the majority of participants preferred curved objects when asked to choose between items that are linear and ones that are curved. The psychological explanation behind it is that looking at curves taps into a primal human emotional network, creating more activity in a brain area called the anterior cingulate cortex, compared to people who were looking at linear surfaces. And the anterior cingulate cortex’s many cognitive functions are involved in emotions. When it comes to the visual response of designs, curves are safer as they signal lack of threat; such as comparing emotions evoked by looking at a spoon and knife. Of course, this does not indicate that all sharp silhouettes trigger a negative bias, especially given that geometric and sleek styles have been dominant for a long time.
Given that culture, context, and global events can all influence the way design features are perceived, it is evident that curves are here to stay. Today, neotenic designs are taking the spotlight, featuring voluminous bubbly furniture and playful silhouettes. Aesthetics aside, curves have also proved time and time again that they promote safety, as seen in kids’ architecture.
In this interior focus, we will look at how architects embraced curves in their interior designs through 28 projects from our database.
Walls & Partitions
Ulupinar Textile Headquarters Showroom / Zemberek Design
Sadhu Vegetarian Restaurant / Adrei Studio
Interaction – BWM Office / feeling Design
Decorative Walls
KOPI Jewellery Boutique / NOKE Architects
CHEE-SE Restaurant / KSOUL Studio
Green Cloud House / Jiejie Studio
Ceilings
White Cave Gallery / 123 architects
ISSEI Restaurant / Studio Kota
Jardines Lookout Flat / AFFECT-T
Platforms & Staircases
B:Hive Offices / BVN + Jasmax
CapitaSpring / BIG + Carlo Ratti Associati
Je Beijing Restaurant / FUNUN LAB
Furniture & Fit-outs
SHOP NO. 851 / Studio Ardete
Haight Clothing Store / AIA Estúdio + Raphael Tepedino
Canning Street House / Foomann Architects
The Garden Pavilion / NCDA
“Practice in City” KnowYourself Store / Mur Mur Lab
Lighting
reMarkable Pop Up Store / Snøhetta
My Oh My Espresso Café / We Are Humble
CHEE-SE Restaurant / KSOUL Studio
Decorative Elements
Langham Beauty / Linehouse
Tienda Breathe / Masquespacio
September Cafe / Red5studio + Ben Decor
Kids Architecture
Big and Tiny Silverlake Playground / Zooco Estudio
NUBO Kindergarten / PAL Design
Animal Adventure Island / Fenhom·URO
Interior Architecture & Structure
Shuran Wellness Space+ Shuran Skincare / E Studio
V+ Lounge by the West Lake / LYCS Architecture + Studio Waffles
AD Classics: Bagsværd Church / Jørn Utzon
Find more interiors with curved elements in this My ArchDaily folder created by the author.
This article is part of an ArchDaily series that explores features of interior architecture, from our own data base of projects. Every month, we will highlight how architects and designers are utilizing new elements, new characteristics and new signatures in interior spaces around the world. As always, at ArchDaily, we highly appreciate the input of our readers. If you think we should mention specific ideas, please submit your suggestions.
