It is a delicious shape we have been seeing revived in modern interiors of late – in fact the past 3 or 4 years but now it seems to be in everything. That is the soft round forms of curves and arches.

Almost like a nod to the fun interiors of the 70’s and 80’s we are seeing more and more of this abundant curvy chunky soft shape in design.

The Sesann Armchair by Gianfranco Frattini - Launched in 1970

A revival of this more playful aesthetic which is so contrasting to the minimalist straight line we have been experiencing in modern interiors previously. It is super about comfort without compromising on style and personality.

I must admit the look is not for everyone but I am loving it.

Right now it is a visual style which seems to be everywhere and in many interior elements.

The Julep sofa by Jonas Wagell - launched in 2018, a designed influenced by the 1950’s

These curved lines and arches have not only been seen in architectural elements in the past few years, it has become a strong influence for interiors also. In kitchen and bathroom designs we see it in the shape of benchtops and cabinetry, doorways and corridors feature arches and curves, and mirrors and door ware details. Just in the past couple of years it has intensified in its influence and we are also seeing it in furniture and decorative pieces for the home.

Perhaps it is also a nod to some of the beautiful ancient destinations we see splashed all over Instagram of late such as Morocco and Spain.

This design element of arches has been around since the 2nd millennium BC where it was used in Mesopotamian brick architecture.

It was a prolific design element throughout the Art Deco period which still strongly influences designers today.

A wonderfully reimagined 70’s vibe interior by Chroma

Along with this beautiful curve shape another element I have started to see recently which I want to call out as a direct influence of an 80’s interior resurgence is tubular furniture. For a while we have seen metal rod elements used as a lovely contrast of material in furniture design and the look has been both contemporary and elegant. Now it is a return to the chunky tubes in both bright bold colours as well as earthy tones.

This definitely feels like a direct nod to the Memphis design vibe of the 80’s however bent metal tube in furniture design has been around since the 1920’s when Modernist Bauhaus designers such as Marcel Breuer and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe were influenced by this material which had previously been used for industrial applications. At the time it was a revolutionary material to use in furniture design.

This new return to tubular design we are seeing now in 2019 started to emerge back in 2017 and 2018 at shows such as the influential Sight Unseen Offsite in New York and New York X Design. A look that has been termed ‘Chub’ or ‘Chubby’ which is perfectly coined when you see chairs and sofas which look overstuffed and tube frames which are super thick !

The ‘Tubular Bookshelf’ by Another Human

It is a refreshing move away from the more minimalist modern lines of previous styles.

I think the main vibe for this revived playful aesthetic is to mix it up and don’t be afraid – it can be executed in many different ways, soft, subtle and organic as well as quirky, bold and fun !

Take a look at these pieces below if you are wanting to add this chunky curvalicious (is that even a word ?) vibe into your home !