Ahead of the curve
Noticed how many curves are in home design at the moment? The modern arch is an ancient element reborn, writes
Arches in interior design are ‘‘a thing’’. In fact, they are not just ‘‘a thing’’, they are popping up in all sorts of areas of design – architectural details, windows, joinery, shelving units, home accessories, paint effects, shower effects, bedheads and outdoor spaces. They are everywhere.
The arch has history. It was first made popular by the ancient Romans in the second millennium BC – a Mesopotamian curved brick arch designed to cleverly support and strengthen buildings. It allowed Romans to make bigger structures, longer streets and more impressive aqueducts. It is the true ancestor of modern architecture.
These days, we can see arches on a smaller scale in our homes, buildings and interior decor.
Whether they are structural, or just for decoration, it seems that every page we turn or post we scroll, the arch is now a staple in the interior landscape. The modern arch is an ancient element reborn into daily items and interior design.
Arches have an organic quality that mimics nature and gives the perfect antidote for hard edges and straight lines. Adding arches into our homes speaks to a relaxed environment that perfectly juxtaposes conventional building elements of uprights and horizontals.
An arched doorway can define a space without cutting off the connection to the rest of the room.
The arch can also be added without structural changes – I’ve seen arches added to a space with wooden trims or simply added through painted wall murals.
Homewares are also picking up on the trend, with arched elements within the design or as decorative detail.
The arched chair
New Zealand designer Bec Snelling and her father Doug have created beautiful contemporary pieces for Douglas and Bec here in New Zealand and in Australia.
One of their ranges is called ‘‘Arch’’ and features furniture and lighting all inspired by the form.
The arched wall decor
Danish interior design brand Oyoy has a strong affinity for strong, simplistic design and many of their products feature the classic arch.
They have a wall hanging which is available here in New Zealand and is typical of their aesthetic and love of arches.
The arched bedhead
A newly-formed business from interior designer Lisa Sinke that customises bedheads in fabrics has a model that has doubled down on the arch and is a modern take on a traditional interior bedroom element.
An Olive bedhead uses two arches, that can be in the same fabric or two different fabrics for a simple and beautiful effect.
The arched shelf
The Inside, known for its wallpapers and murals, also sells a selection of furniture including a cane Demilune shelving unit.
Craftsmen have steam-bent natural products to form a beautiful and interesting design, creating a functional piece for any living space.
The arched candle
The Design Depot stocks a large selection of candles and candleholders.
Designers such as Ferm Living and Broste Copenhagen use arches throughout their design line, perfectly using the dimpled form to equate to classic design that will survive trends.
The arched mural
As a designer and interior storyteller, I have used the arch in some of my styling sets for my online store.
Using paint to add detail to a room’s space adds interest and detail to a wall and creates interesting backdrop for your interior design.
Alex Fulton is a designer and stylist.
Arches have an organic quality that mimics nature and gives the perfect antidote for hard edges and straight lines.