19 Mar 19

Trend report: ahead of the curve

Interior design is all about the curves right now, from curved corner sofas to lozenge shaped mirrors, designers are opting for curve appeal rather than the straight and narrow. This design aesthetic was everywhere at Salone in Milan in 2018 and continued to be a strong look at the recent Maison et Objet, so I felt it was time to have a look at how we can make it work in our interior design schemes.

One insta-worthy example is the BreadWay bakery in Odessa, Ukraine. Designed by architects Lera Brumina and Artem Trigubchak, the colour palette is right on the money with the blush pink, brass and navy making a winning colour scheme. But the striking and repetitive lozenge shapes throughout look both modern and retro at the same time. For me, I’m seeing references to art deco archways, seventies sci-fi and even eighties interiors. But it all mashes together to look really new and directional.

One British design duo who have grasped this trend and run with it making it very much their signature style is 2LG Studio. The stretched out elliptical shape finds itself in lots of their projects, both interior design and product design, from kitchens to headboards, which can be seen across their Instagram feed here.

The clever boys at 2LG Studio used cut coloured mirror top and bottom around a square window to create the favourite lozenge! Photo by Megan Taylor

“Curves are part of nature, but in the context of a home they can feel playful, disruptive even. There is a touch of rebellion in the curve and we love the impact that it can have in an interior. Not everything has to be purely functional all of the time. With so many straight lines in the architecture we live in, it is fun to break out of those lines once in a while. We have spent a lot of time visiting the trend shows in Paris and Milan over the years and that has had an influence on our signature design style.”

Jordan Cluroe of 2LG Studio

The ever colourful and creative designer  Jonathan Adler fully embraces the curve.

Curved sofas are, perhaps surprisingly, a style that is becoming more and more popular, although I’m not seeing many affordable options hit the high street yet. Never the less they are wonderful to use in large open plan spaces as they keep the sense of flow, whereas square edged modular furniture can feel more obstructive. But curved corner sofas also work really well in small spaces, tucked into a tight corner it creates a soft enveloping feel in the room.

Gallery ceramics by HK Living

We will also see plenty of curves and lozenge motifs coming through in accessories and ceramics. These pill like shapes are really pleasing and mix well in with traditional circular plates and platters. It’s also a popular shape for wall mirrors and artwork, again striking out against the obvious oval.

Tiered bar console by West Elm

The lozenge shape is also being used in furniture design, from occasional tables, headboards and cabinet doors. While it adds a touch of seventies cool but the clean lines and minimal aesthetic makes it feel really modern. A trend we can invest in as I think this one is here to stay.1. Firefly pendant light, £169, Mater at Viaduct | 2. Gala pink rug, from £139, Modern Rugs | 3. POV oval candleholder, £64.95, Skandium | 4. Stack coffee table, £799, Heal’s | 5. Group three seat sofa, from £4,740, SCP | 6. Angui oval mirror in Rose, £139, Amara | 7. Large coupled oval serving tray, £38.40, Ferm Living at Bear & Bear | 8. Portico Standing Planters, £39.20, West Elm.

Featured image at top of post, the new BreadWay bakery and café in central Odessa, Ukraine.

Credits: Words by Sophie Robinson. Shopping by Luisa Ferdenzi.