How to Give Your Kitchen Curve Appeal
Functional, straight lines often dominate in kitchen design, but it doesn’t have to be that way
Jo Simmons
15 October 2021
Houzz UK Contributor. I have been an interiors journalist since 1995, writing several books on design and numerous features for glossy homes mags over the years. For Houzz, I cover decorating ideas and trends and interview designers and professionals for their insights. My favourite pieces to write, though, are Houzz Tours, as I love exploring and learning about real homes. Call me curious — or nosy!
Houzz UK Contributor. I have been an interiors journalist since 1995, writing several... More
Entire walls fitted with rectilinear cabinetry, blocky kitchen islands, floor-to-ceiling pantries – kitchen design is so often about straight lines, which is odd, really, since curves can work on both a practical and aesthetic level in this busy space. In these cleverly designed kitchens, curves have been incorporated in benchtops, breakfast bars and even range hoods, introducing movement and softness, and cutting down on the number of sharp edges.
Work in multiple curves
This kitchen in Kent, UK, designed by Nicky Percival, has incorporated curves in several places, and they lend a fluid feel to the room. Here, built-in banquette seating is curved to echo the shape of the circular table.
This kitchen in Kent, UK, designed by Nicky Percival, has incorporated curves in several places, and they lend a fluid feel to the room. Here, built-in banquette seating is curved to echo the shape of the circular table.
The kitchen island has a benchtop with rounded edges, while the range hood beyond picks up this curved theme and its shape softens a wall of traditional cabinetry.
Tip: It can often be more cost-effective for your stone mason to round the edges of your benchtop than have your joiner design curved cabinetry.
Tip: It can often be more cost-effective for your stone mason to round the edges of your benchtop than have your joiner design curved cabinetry.
Under the window, rather than stopping at the end of this row of units, the benchtop curves back towards the wall. This provides useful additional surface space alongside the sink, but without it looking blocky or sharp.
Ready to renovate? Find a kitchen designer near you, browse images of their work and read reviews from previous clients
Ready to renovate? Find a kitchen designer near you, browse images of their work and read reviews from previous clients
Make waves
While some islands have a curved benchtop but traditional rectilinear cabinetry below, this kitchen design in Adelaide, SA, goes one better to incorporate a sweeping, textured curve in the base. The shape is echoed in the wall unit behind.
While some islands have a curved benchtop but traditional rectilinear cabinetry below, this kitchen design in Adelaide, SA, goes one better to incorporate a sweeping, textured curve in the base. The shape is echoed in the wall unit behind.
The team at Space Craft Joinery suggested this soft shape to the homeowners, who loved the idea for their home in Adelaide, SA. The curved form is contrasted by the straight lines of the timber slats, made from Tasmanian oak.
Zone an island
You can use curved shapes in your space to create different zones. This kitchen island in Devon, UK, designed by Kettle Co Kitchens, has a circular timber benchtop adjoining it, clearly separating it from other areas.
The adjacent quartz benchtop is used for prepping food, while the rounded oak section offers a lovely spot for eating or relaxing. The oak feels warm and inviting, making it ideal for this sociable portion of the island. It also warms up the cool grey-and-white scheme.
You can use curved shapes in your space to create different zones. This kitchen island in Devon, UK, designed by Kettle Co Kitchens, has a circular timber benchtop adjoining it, clearly separating it from other areas.
The adjacent quartz benchtop is used for prepping food, while the rounded oak section offers a lovely spot for eating or relaxing. The oak feels warm and inviting, making it ideal for this sociable portion of the island. It also warms up the cool grey-and-white scheme.
Soften a small space
Curves are your friend in a compact kitchen – no sharp edges to knock into; no blocky shapes to clutter the space. This skinny UK breakfast bar has a curvy end (seen in the next photo, too). It’s a simple design detail that really helps it slot neatly into the petite kitchen.
Curves are your friend in a compact kitchen – no sharp edges to knock into; no blocky shapes to clutter the space. This skinny UK breakfast bar has a curvy end (seen in the next photo, too). It’s a simple design detail that really helps it slot neatly into the petite kitchen.
The curved end of the breakfast bar also makes it easy to manoeuvre around while working in this small kitchen.
Browse more images of small kitchens for inspiration
Browse more images of small kitchens for inspiration
Go round the bend
You can also use rounded shapes to add features without allowing them to protrude into the space. Here, a curved cupboard provides a pinch of extra storage to the short run of units, designed by Humphrey Munson in Kent, UK.
Importantly, the benchtop’s rounded shape mirrors the sweep of the pantry door as it opens outwards, and extends the useful surface space.
You can also use rounded shapes to add features without allowing them to protrude into the space. Here, a curved cupboard provides a pinch of extra storage to the short run of units, designed by Humphrey Munson in Kent, UK.
Importantly, the benchtop’s rounded shape mirrors the sweep of the pantry door as it opens outwards, and extends the useful surface space.
Add a surprising semi-circle
Here’s another unobtrusive extra. A curving end unit adds a practical surface and also brings a twist of the unexpected to this traditional UK kitchen, designed by The Secret Drawer.
The rounded edge of the chopping area shows off the texture of the wood and injects some natural warmth into this grey-and-white scheme.
Here’s another unobtrusive extra. A curving end unit adds a practical surface and also brings a twist of the unexpected to this traditional UK kitchen, designed by The Secret Drawer.
The rounded edge of the chopping area shows off the texture of the wood and injects some natural warmth into this grey-and-white scheme.
Gather round
You don’t need to change classic, straight kitchen cabinets to inject some curvy style into your kitchen – simply work it in with furniture.
This compact circular table has four chairs that tuck in against it. Its neat design makes it the perfect dining solution for the small kitchen in London, UK, designed by Joy Flanagan Design, and its curves are a nice counterpoint to the straight cabinetry units.
Your turn
Could any of these ideas work in your kitchen? Share your thoughts in the Comments below. And while you’re at it, like this story, save your favourite images and join the renovation conversation.
More
Need more on kitchens? Think outside the square (and outside your interior) with this story: How to Choose the Right Size and Layout for Your Outdoor Kitchen
You don’t need to change classic, straight kitchen cabinets to inject some curvy style into your kitchen – simply work it in with furniture.
This compact circular table has four chairs that tuck in against it. Its neat design makes it the perfect dining solution for the small kitchen in London, UK, designed by Joy Flanagan Design, and its curves are a nice counterpoint to the straight cabinetry units.
Your turn
Could any of these ideas work in your kitchen? Share your thoughts in the Comments below. And while you’re at it, like this story, save your favourite images and join the renovation conversation.
More
Need more on kitchens? Think outside the square (and outside your interior) with this story: How to Choose the Right Size and Layout for Your Outdoor Kitchen
What are you working on?
Related Stories
Most Popular
Renovation Insight: How to Choose a Kitchen Designer
The right designer can bring your dream kitchen to life – three kitchen designers reveal where to look and what to ask
Full Story
Kitchen Expert Advice
7 Common Kitchen Design Challenges & How Experts Get Around Them
From bad layouts to poor storage, here are seven issues pros come up against (and overcome) in clients' kitchen renos
Full Story
Kitchens
A Good Fit: 10 Questions to Ask a Potential Kitchen Designer
By lwkkitchens
A good designer knows which questions to ask about your kitchen project. But what should you ask them before you sign?
Full Story
Most Popular
8 Dos and Don'ts for a Well-Functioning Butler's Pantry
Having a little help behind the scenes is key to a pristine kitchen – here's how to create a functional butler's pantry
Full Story
Most Popular
Key Measurements to Consider When Designing the Perfect Kitchen Island
By Anne Ellard
Discover the correctly proportioned kitchen island bench dimensions so your space works as well as it can
Full Story
Kitchen Renovations
10 Times You Should Hire a Kitchen Designer
These specialists can solve layout issues, save costs, update an older space and create custom design details
Full Story
Popular Houzz Series
How Practical Is... Handleless Joinery?
Handleless joinery is popular in modern homes. But how suitable are cupboards that can only be opened with a touch?
Full Story
Renovation Guides
Room by Room: Experts on Ways to Avoid Common Renovation Blunders
From the kitchen to the garden, and all areas in between, experts identify common mistakes and share priceless insights
Full Story
Most Popular
From Planning to Pendants: Kitchen Lighting Essentials
By Joanna Tovia
This valuable guide will give you all you need to know about choosing kitchen lighting for fabulous form and function
Full Story
Kitchen Renovations
A Kitchen That Uses Special Elements to Punch Above Its Weight
This couple wanted a well-designed kitchen that incorporated their pre-bought furniture; this designer delivered
Full Story
I went for a glass arc breakfast bar to break up the corners. 13 years on it has even brilliant
my recent kitchen reno - before and after. We have a curved external wall in the kitchen and the older layout had curved countertop along that wall. However there was lot of wasted space, so I flipped the layout and put an island bench with a curved edge to match the wall. Very happy with the new layout!!
Great ideas here. I did this in my bathroom with a curved shower cubicle, curved sink, toilet. The bath has one curved corner near the toilet for ease of movement. We knocked the old bathroom and toilet together in a small 1930s house to give double aspect windows. I felt the house was very square and needed softening in places where the space was limited. Ten years on and I still love the flow of the room :)