Curves keep making waves in the world of interior design, from bean-shaped sofas to swivel chairs and windows, but softer edges are now making their way into the kitchen—and they may be here to stay. Instead of geometric shapes, some designers opt for rounded kitchen islands, beautiful drawers and even curved kitchen cabinets. Avoiding hard lines can create a more playful space for cooking, housekeeping and entertaining while also elevating the room, especially when it comes to cabinetry. That’s why we talked to design experts about the trend, where it’s going and how to get the look.
“I think standard kitchen cabinets and kitchen-in-a-box have gotten boring for some people,” says Amber Guyton, the interior designer behind Blessed Little Bungalow. “I’m a big fan of adding curves and non-traditional, unique elements to kitchens that will add visual interest without affecting their functionality.”
Etsy Trend Expert Dayna Isom Johnson has also noticed an increase in curves and rounded shapes when it comes to general kitchen decor such as twisted candles and rounded light fixtures. “We started seeing wavy, curved and loose edges in home decor gain popularity late last year, and it’s only grown since then,” explains Johnson. “It has become a popular trend because it combines elements of fluidity, texture and personality that can be applied throughout the kitchen space.”
Trends come and go, so if you’re skeptical about a more rounded kitchen renovation, especially if you don’t have an open floor plan, deviating from traditional clean lines can actually offer added practicality along with aesthetic appeal. Guyton uses a curved cabinet—shown above—for additional storage space for wine, barware, cookbooks, and seasonal dining decorations, keeping items closed off from the room but also visually open with glass doors.
“Their design facilitates efficient use of space, especially in corners, maximizing storage capacity in areas that can be challenging for standard, rectangular closets,” explains Ginger Curtis, designer and CEO of Urbanology Designs.
Especially with an open concept floor plan, curves create a smoother transition between spaces like your kitchen and your living room. However, while the space will look more integrated, the curved shape will undoubtedly become the centerpiece of the room.
“Curved cabinets can also soften the overall design, encouraging a welcoming atmosphere. Their high degree of customization allows integration into a variety of kitchen styles, making them a versatile choice,” says Curtis. “A curved cabinet can serve as a focal point, drawing attention and adding a touch of sophistication to the kitchen, showcasing innovative and unique design choices that add a sense of freshness and creativity.
Despite their sophisticated beauty, curved cabinets can be more expensive than their sleek and boxy counterparts, especially if you want to custom-build them for your space. If you haven’t, there are plenty of options on Amazon like this arched bookcase, and on Urban Outfitters like this stunning storage cabinet.
There are some alternative ideas if you want to add more curves to your kitchen without renovating the entire cabinetry.
“If this cost is too much to swallow, consider just building a kitchen island or a curved piece like a wine or china cabinet, sideboard or chairs to add to the space,” suggests Guyton.
Johnson also recommends keeping the look cohesive by incorporating curved items such as round cutting boards and circular decorative dishes. “This makes the rounded edges in the space look purposeful and pleasing to the eye — and the rounded designs add a touch of elegance,” explains Johnson. “We have a feeling that bows will be everywhere in 2024.” It’s time to ride the wave!
This post originally appeared on The Kitchen. See it there: Curved cabinets have made it to the kitchen—and we’re obsessed