I love clean lines.
But I don’t want to be boxed in by thinking that sleek and modern only
equals square and rectangle. Put some
smooth curves in the mix to visually shake things up with some feminine style.
Instead of a straight-up-and-down lamp base, opt for one
that looks like a series of shapely candlesticks stacked together. The unique shapes, with layers of hourglass
and bulbous outlines, take a lamp from light to bright. Add a large drum shade on top, and you’re
really glowing.
Most wall art is typically found in versions of squares and
rectangles. You can layer in some more
variety by getting outside the box.
Choose a large mirror with a curvy border that alternates concave, convex,
and pointed sections. Instead of a row
of framed art, hang a row of 3 or 4 wall clocks all set to different time zones
with custom wall decal lettering below spelling out your worldwide cities of
choice. Use plate hanging hardware to
hang a grouping of plates or platters in a pattern on the dining room wall. Hang a round chalkboard message board in the
kitchen or home office for messages and notes.
To bring in a more shapely seating arrangement to your
family room, consider a round end table to nestle between the couch and
loveseat or between two occasional chairs.
Curvy backed side chairs can also offer that settle-in-and-snuggle-up
feel perhaps better than their more formal squared-off counterparts. For
smaller scale pieces, opt for round ottomans and decorative urns. For a kitchen bar, think about lining up a
row of round bar chairs or stools. Put
down a round rug as an anchor under the breakfast dining area.
Trays make great holders for mail and magazines, but you can
also use a large serving bowl on a foyer table or a wide mouth clear cylinder
vase in the living room. Chargers can
replace placemats on the dining table for a more compact place setting
base. To house multiple casual pairs
this season, use a round basket by the back door for pairs of shoes instead of
a boot tray. Pull together a collection
of round hurricane lanterns or cake stands to use in centerpieces, using pillar
and votive candles as added layers.
Round up those curvaceous pieces large and small for more
varied tiers to your own unique style for any room in the house. They just might make you want to ring in the
summer with your frosty lemonade glass raised high.
DesignInMind column; appeared in the Valley Morning Star June 8th.
