ROUND AND AROUND WE GO

With the new year, you might feel the time is right to give your home a fresh look and what could be better than going for the latest market trend: curves?

Trends are everywhere, from new gadgets to construction and when it comes to home interiors, it’s no different. But how long do interior trends usually last? Studies show that they typically span a decade or two, if they are strong and appealing enough.

Decorating a home is not like changing your wardrobe twice a year. Homes have the specific purpose of keeping us warm and safe. We like to go back to a place that is familiar – we tend to build a nest. This means we actually appreciate finding our personal space unchanged. We create memories and associate them with the rooms and elements that transform our houses into homes.

While in the ‘90s, minimalism was only a niche for the likes of architects and experts, in the 2000s, thanks to more affordable products (from places such as IKEA), minimalism spread into the majority of modern homes. For more than 20 years, product developers, architects and interior designers have been favouring simplicity, sleek lines and neutral palettes over ornamentation, busy patterns, pendants and swirls. Even in some cultures that embrace a more vivid style, minimalism has found its way into people’s personal spaces.

As per the dictionary definition, minimalism is a lifestyle involving a reduction or simplification of one’s material possessions that frees one to lead a more intentional, purposeful and spiritual existence. That’s what has been happening in our houses (and lives) for the past 20 years. It’s worth remembering that trends pass, so we opt for what is simpler and more established. However, it might be time for a big change with a new home interior choice that’s all the rage: curves!

Curves are one of the latest interior design elements that have been gaining popularity for a while and can be incorporated into different styles. We can finally embody playful round and arched elements into our homes, that are currently full of straight lines, sleek designs and squared shapes. Rounded lines bring joy and can add an exciting touch.

This trend emphasises softness, fluffy cushions, comfortable shapes and silhouettes that are at the same time bold and comfy.

STILL UNSURE?

If you’re not convinced that you like round shapes, you could introduce a few pieces to your décor and see if you enjoy the effect.

Start with small, simple accents like coffee tables, ottomans and chairs. You could also give wallpapers a try, wall stickers or circular mirrors.

Test The Water: Purchase small items that can easily mix and match with the elements you already have at home. Think about the colour pattern you follow or fill that empty space that has been calling for something and that will benefit from a round shape.

SOUNDS ATTRACTIVE?

Then re-think your living room – the centre of your home. A cosy curvy couch could definitely be the main protagonist of the space. Imagine sitting on a soft cloud, just like cuddling up in a warm hug. It’s also time to buy a big, rounded rug, a bold statement that brings the rest of the elements together.

Keep In Mind: The space will have a different flow compared to a room with a square or sectional sofa. A rounded sofa cannot be pushed against the wall. It’s better to account for some extra room to be able to walk round it. If you want to introduce this kind of curvilinear piece, you need to understand that they take up more space and are a bit more cumbersome.

ALREADY CONVINCED?

You’re ready to embrace it for life and are free to play harder: it’s time to introduce built-in statements like round showers, built-in bookcases or archways. We already have sharp-edged lives – it’s time to smooth out the corners and sweeten the setting (ambience).

Do Not: Houses still need to be practical and store as much as we need since we are inclined to accumulate. Don’t go too far: rounded walls are fine in a shower or a statement-decorative element. Do keep in mind: 90-degrees walls are the most functional and practical way to organise our stuff. Standard rectangle-shaped furniture doesn’t fit against a curved wall. Incorporate it, but always in moderation.

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