Embracing the Curve: The Rise of Wave Interior Design

Interior design is taking a softer, more fluid approach in 2025, with wavy motifs and organic shapes dominating furniture, homewares, and architecture. This trend moves away from harsh lines and sharp angles, creating a more relaxed and inviting aesthetic that brings a sense of playfulness and movement into the home.

In Australia, this whimsical style resonates with the country’s laid-back coastal lifestyle, reflecting the ebb and flow of the ocean and the organic shapes found in nature, making it a perfect fit for both beachside retreats and contemporary urban homes. In this blog, we explore the wave interior design trend and provide simple ways to incorporate it into each room in the home.

Curves and fluid forms are replacing sharp edges and straight lines in a shift away from rigidity. This trend marks a departure from the strict minimalism that has dominated our social feeds in recent years, proving that clean design and bold shapes can coexist harmoniously.

While minimalism often embraces neutral palettes and structured forms, wave interior design introduces a playful yet sophisticated contrast. It promotes a clean maximalist or colourful minimalist approach, layering soft curves while maintaining a refined aesthetic and balancing bold hues with gentle, undulating silhouettes.

Beyond aesthetics, wavy design elements evoke a sense of nostalgia and childlike wonder. Squiggles and blobs are shapes many of us instinctively drew as children, and incorporating them into our homes fosters a sense of comfort, creativity, and lightheartedness. In a world where people crave more joy and personal expression in their spaces, wavy design provides a sense of control and familiarity in a visually engaging way.

The rise of wavy and curve interiors can be linked to a few key influences:

• Biophilic Design: A deepening connection to nature in interior design has sparked a preference for organic, flowing shapes that echo the curves found in the natural world, fostering harmony and a sense of serenity in the home.
• Nostalgia & Retro Influences: The revival of iconic 1970s and 80s design has reintroduced bold, curvy furniture and playful decorative elements, seamlessly blending vintage charm with contemporary style.
• Wellness in Design: Curved furniture and wavy decor create a calming, cocoon-like environment, enhancing relaxation and comfort. As homes increasingly serve as sanctuaries from the outside world, these organic shapes help soften interiors, promoting a sense of tranquillity and wellbeing.
• Social Media Trends: The wavy decor trend is highly Instagrammable, thriving on visually striking statement pieces that become the focal point of aesthetically curated interiors.

The beauty of wave interior design is its versatility — you can go all-in with curved architecture and statement furniture or introduce subtle touches through decor and accessories. 

Whether it’s a sculptural wavy mirror or a playful accent piece, embracing organic shapes instantly makes your home feel more dynamic and inviting. With its blend of playfulness and elegance, this trend proves that curves aren’t just for aesthetics; they bring warmth, movement, and a touch of natural beauty to every space.

In Australia, where open-plan living is the norm, wave interior design offers a seamless way to define spaces without relying on rigid dividers. Curved sofas and armchairs lend a soft, welcoming feel, making your living room a more inviting space. 

Circular coffee tables, wavy shelves, or rounded console tables introduce visual interest, creating a space that feels both fluid and functional. Rugs with undulating patterns or scalloped edges will help break up rigid layouts, enhancing the sense of flow in the room while complementing both timber and tiled flooring.

Circular dining tables and sculptural bar stools with curved bases bring a sense of fluidity to kitchen and dining spaces, making mealtimes feel more intimate and inviting. In Australian kitchens, where natural materials like stone and timber reign supreme, curvy splashback tiles or modern kitchen cabinet hardware like our wavy Ziggy Adjustable Cabinetry Pull can offer a modern yet organic touch, seamlessly connecting the space to its surroundings. 

Soft, flowing pendant lighting or arched cabinetry will further enhance the aesthetic, effortlessly complementing the contemporary and coastal-inspired interiors so popular across the country. For an added layer of elegance, display curved glassware or champagne coupes with wavy stems to bring a subtle yet sculptural element to your dining experience.

A headboard with a curved or squiggly silhouette will infuse bedrooms with an atmosphere of playfulness and relaxation, instantly elevating the aesthetic. Wavy-patterned bedding or scalloped pillowcases will introduce a whimsical yet refined touch without overwhelming the space. 

Rounded bedside tables and softly curved lamps contribute to a cohesive, harmonious feel while casting a warm, diffused glow that enhances the room’s tranquillity. Floor-length wavy mirrors have surged in popularity, serving as both a functional and sculptural statement. Their flowing form reflects light beautifully, creating a sense of movement and adding an artistic dimension to the space.

When it comes to the wave interior design trend, the key is to embrace a ‘less is more’ approach. In the bathroom, a freestanding curved bathtub can transform the space into a spa-like sanctuary, creating a sense of relaxation and indulgence. Many Australian bathrooms already favour soft, organic shapes like curved stone and timber vanities, bringing the essence of the outdoors in.

Round mirrors, arched niches, and scalloped tiles can enhance visual flow, helping smaller bathrooms feel more open and inviting. Organic-shaped basins and gently curved tapware further promote a harmonious, tranquil atmosphere, perfect for unwinding after a long day.

Outdoor living is an integral part of the Australian lifestyle, and wavy design elements can help create a seamless flow between indoor and outdoor spaces. Curved outdoor furniture, such as rounded lounges or sculptural chairs, enhances the organic feel of a garden or patio, complementing the natural landscape.

Meandering pathways or irregularly shaped stepping stones introduce a sense of movement, guiding the eye and the flow of foot traffic through lush native gardens. Meanwhile, arched entryways, wavy planters, curved retaining walls, or sculptural garden features will add layers of visual interest, reinforcing the connection between architecture and nature — an essential principle of Australian home design.

Have you jumped on board the wave interior design trend? Let us know in the comments!

For the latest design inspiration, read our blogs:

What is Maximalism? A Guide to Maximalist Interior Design

The Savoy Combines Mid-Century Elegance With New York City Hotel Glamour

How to Achieve a Nancy Meyers Kitchen Aesthetic