Curves are stealing the show in 21st Century architecture and design.  Their roots are found in ancient Rome with the circular and domed Pantheon built in 126 AD and the oval and arcaded Colosseum built in 80 AD.  In the mid-20th Century Frank Lloyd Wright designed the circular Guggenheim Museum in New York (@guggenheim). In the 1980s, technology allowed for more curved furniture.  And in 2020, the curve has become the new right angle.  No longer do skyscrapers need to be rectilinear nor does furniture need to be parallel to the walls of a room.  Curves have stolen our heart in this issue of What Matters.

Don’t Flatten These Curves

The use of curvy upholstered sofas and lounges are great ways to soften a room and to make a statement.  The sensual lines act as sculpture in a space.  They’re a little more difficult to place in a floor plan so be sure to get some interior design expertise to help.  Look at these gorgeous pieces and dream up how your angular living or family room will look with a little curve appeal. 

Totally Tubular

This chair was designed by Japanese designer Shiro Kuramata after he was exposed to Italian design in 1987.  While an 80s icon, this chair has transcended time and found a place in 2020 interior design.  Mix with a traditional wood dining table or a simple Parsons table.

A Zaha Moment

Pritzker award winning architect Zaha Hadid who passed away prematurely at 65 in 2016 still has an active architectural firm. Zaha was known as the “queen of the curve” and never used right angles.  Her organic, curvilinear buildings defy the logic and weight we expect from previous architectural styles.  The Leeza Soho skyscraper in Beijing is a recently example of her firm’s work.  We won’t tempt you with places to visit in Beijing until it is safe to travel internationally.

Ahead of the Curve

On a recent socially distant stroll through Bridgehampton, NY donning my mask, I came across a fabulous furniture and accessories store called Comerford Collection.  Their bespoke line of handcrafted furniture and artisan accessories have embraced the curve!  Their curve game is on-point 🙂  Here are some pics from their collection.

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Before and After

Interior Matter was engaged to transform this Chevy Chase master bedroom pre-pandemic.  We worked with our client both in-person and then remotely to complete the design.  We ordered all of the custom furniture and furnishings and safely held them in our warehouse until our client took a 2-week vacation. Our general contractor, electrician, window treatment folks, and delivery team swooped in (with masks and booties) and installed this project within 2 weeks.  The day before our client’s return we had our photographer there to capture the results.  We even did a FaceTime reveal of the room with our client who is now back home basking in the luxury of her new room.

Before

After