The art of the curve: Incorporating organic shapes into kitchen design

Summary: Curved kitchen designs are one of the most influential movements in modern interiors. They soften the hard edges of traditional layouts, improve flow, enhance functionality, and elevate your kitchen with sculptural sophistication. 

Curves can be introduced through curved islands and custom cabinetry to rounded stone benchtops and fluted detailing. Curves introduce warmth, luxury, and organic harmony into any space. And because curved joinery requires precision craftsmanship, partnering with an expert team like The Maker Designer Kitchens ensures a flawless, bespoke finish.

A gentle revolution in modern kitchen design

Curves are quietly revolutionising contemporary kitchen design. As Perth homeowners gravitate toward spaces that feel calm, welcoming, and architecturally nuanced, curved forms are becoming the hallmark of modern luxury.

At The Maker Designer Kitchens, we’ve seen a significant rise in clients wanting softer silhouettes throughout their kitchens — a shift inspired by organic architecture, wellness-driven spaces, and the desire for fluidity in open-plan living. It’s a trend that aligns perfectly with the evolving way we live, entertain, and connect with our homes.

Curves aren’t just beautiful, they’re purposeful. They bring harmony to hard materials, improve ergonomics, and create a luxurious, custom look that feels truly crafted.

Why curves are trending in contemporary kitchen design

Curved kitchen designs have gained traction thanks to four key shifts in modern interiors:

1. A move toward softness and warmth

Straight lines and sharp edges dominated for years, but homeowners are now seeking spaces that feel more inviting. Curves introduce gentle lines, creating a sense of calm and relaxation — a natural evolution of the Japandi, coastal, and New Age Minimalist design movements.

2. Better flow and architectural cohesion

In open-plan layouts, curves guide the eye and create fluid movement between living, dining, and kitchen zones. They help avoid abrupt visual breaks and feel more connected to the home’s architecture.

3. A sculptural, luxury aesthetic

Curves instantly elevate a kitchen with bespoke craftsmanship. They showcase the difference between mass-produced cabinetry and custom-built furniture, reinforcing a sense of luxury and design intention.

4. Balance for hard finishes

Curved forms soften stone, glass, metal, and polished surfaces. This blend of organic shape and premium materials creates a rich, layered aesthetic, one that feels timeless and high-end.

Where to incorporate curves in your kitchen

Curves can be bold or subtle, architectural or decorative. Here are the most popular ways to embrace them.

Curved kitchen islands

Curved kitchen islands are one of the most sought-after trends, and for good reason. A curved island becomes a sculptural focal point, expands circulation space, and encourages social connection.

To create a curved kitchen island, our team often incorporates materials such as:

• STECCAWOOD battens for soft, textural dimension
• Curved engineered stone fascias for a seamless, high-end finish
• Rounded breakfast bars, often paired with U-shaped seating, for family living and casual entertaining

Rounded benchtops and waterfall edges

Whether achieved through engineered stone fabrication or bespoke timber detailing, curved benchtops feel refined and deliberate. They also remove sharp edges, making them safer for busy families.

Curved cabinetry

From rounded corners to concave profiles, curved joinery adds elegant movement to the space. This may include:

• Rounded base cabinets
• Rounded overhead cabinetry (as seen in our Darch project)
• Fluted curved panels
• Radius doors on end units
• Curved appliance cupboards

Our manufacturing facility in Bassendean specialises in precision-built curved cabinetry, ensuring every curve is perfectly smooth, symmetrical, and tailored to your space.

Curved rangehoods

A curved rangehood softens the visual weight of this essential feature, adding a designer touch. Take a look at our Leeming project to see a curved rangehood in a real kitchen renovation.

Curved shelving and custom furniture

Curves aren’t limited to the kitchen core. We often extend these shapes into connected spaces: bar areas, built-in seating, display shelving, and feature joinery, ensuring a cohesive flow throughout the home. 

The functional advantages of curved spaces

Curves aren’t only about aesthetics. They significantly improve how a kitchen works day to day.

Improved movement and ergonomics

Rounded island ends and curved walkways help the kitchen feel more open and intuitive. This is particularly effective in smaller or narrow spaces where square edges can feel obstructive.

Safer edges

Without sharp corners, curved benchtops and cabinetry are safer for families with young children or for busy entertainers, where the kitchen sees plenty of foot traffic. 

Defined zoning

Curves naturally guide the eye, helping differentiate cooking, dining, and social areas within an open-plan layout.

Greater spatial harmony

A curved design reduces visual clutter, creating a gentler, more cohesive environment, which is especially important in high-end minimalist homes.

Materials and finishes that elevate curved kitchen designs

The right materials can enhance and accentuate curves beautifully. Some of our most popular choices for our clients include:

Textured timber (including STECCAWOOD)

Perfect for fluted island fronts, floating shelves, or feature cabinetry, timber adds warmth and tactility while visually emphasising the curvature.

Engineered stone

Stone is a powerful partner to curved designs. From soft, honed finishes to dramatic veining, it brings luxury and depth to curved benchtops and island fascias.

Matte laminates and thermoformed doors

Seamless, smooth to the touch, and ideal for radius shapes. Polytec’s extensive profile range, including Calcutta, works beautifully on curved forms.

Fluted surfaces

Fluted panelling and fluted glass enhance the sculptural effect of curves, catching light differently across every angle. It’s a signature detail in many of our recent designs across Perth kitchens.

Painted and two-tone finishes

Curves look stunning in layered colour palettes — from soft coastal whites and timbers to bold modern shades like greens or moody walnut tones.

Why craftsmanship matters with curved joinery

Curved cabinetry is one of the most technically demanding elements of kitchen design. Achieving smooth, consistent curves requires advanced machinery, experienced cabinet makers, and meticulous installation.

As one of Western Australia’s most awarded kitchen manufacturers, with over 150 in-house specialists across design, drafting, cabinetry, and stonework, The Maker Designer Kitchens has the capability to produce precision curved joinery at scale and with absolute consistency.

If you’re dreaming of a sculptural island or a subtly rounded pantry door, our team has the craftsmanship and capability to bring it to life with absolute precision. We craft every curve in-house at our Bassendean facility, ensuring exceptional quality control from design to installation.

Bringing your curved kitchen to life

Curves allow your kitchen to perform seamlessly while adding architectural elegance. They create warmth, encourage flow, and elevate your home with sculptural elegance. When crafted with care, curves become the defining feature of a luxury kitchen that feels both modern and timeless, and will certainly be the talking point of your kitchen renovation. 

If you’re ready to explore how curves could transform your home, we invite you to visit our Perth showroom at 12 Dyer Road, Bassendean or book a design consultation with our award-winning interior designers.

FAQs: Curved kitchen designs

Are curved kitchens only suited to large spaces?

Not at all. Curves can actually improve flow in smaller kitchens by reducing visual and physical bulk.

Do curved benchtops cost more?

Curved elements are more intricate to manufacture and fabricate, which can increase cost. However, the impact and longevity of the design make the investment worthwhile. At The Maker Designer Kitchens, every single one of our kitchen renovations is bespoke, so the total quote for your kitchen will vary.

Can curves work with modern, shaker, or coastal styles?

Absolutely. Curves enhance a wide range of styles — from Modern Shaker to Coastal to Mid Century Modern — adding softness and sophistication.

Are curved cabinets harder to maintain?

No. Their smooth, rounded surfaces are easy to clean and help minimise wear from everyday bumps and collisions.

Can I mix straight and curved elements?

Yes — in fact, this is often the most balanced and visually effective approach. Our kitchen designers work closely with you, blending their interior design expertise with your own preferences to bring your vision to life in your own kitchen.