Many dynamic spaces boast strong angles, hard edges and straight lines. While striking, they’re rarely soothing. And in today’s world, we all need a bit of soothing. Enter curves. Rounded forms, circular shapes and curled motifs are among savvy designers’ most valued tools when infusing comfort, flow and ease into boldly angular space, indoors or out. Case in point, a southern Utah home recently featured in our home tour A Place in the Sun. Interior designer Gregg Hodson infused the bold, modern dwelling with curved furniture and features that round out the linear architecture and décor with ease.
All photography by Mykal Bush
To soften the media room’s linear décor accentuated by panes of interior windows and a grid of framed prints, Hodson introduced a West Elm cozy swivel chair and placed a round Room & Board ottoman to serve as a cushy coffee table. Rounded-top end tables add to the room’s appeal.
By their very nature, most kitchens are defined by square edges and boxy forms. Hodson countered them in this kitchen with the shapely forms of Charles Eames walnut Shell stools from Henricksen Butler.
An Eames Shell chair paired with a Saarinen Tulip table offsets the office’s rectangular window, linear carpet tiles and custom built-in desk. “These rounded forms relax the space without looking sloppy,” Hodson explains.
Details make all the difference in the look and feel of a space. In this living room, for example, Hodson selected a sofa with seamless, rounded back corners to help counter the architecture’s strong angles and straight lines. The sofa’s soft corners also make movement around the seating piece feel more comfortable.
Light fixtures are a simple way to add eye-catching form to any room. In this laundry room anchored by a rectangular work island, Hodson suspended a trio of George Nelson Pear pendant lights to deliver a dose of whimsy and curves to the dressed-up utility space.
“Everything is so angular and square,” says Hodson, describing the home’s dining area as well as the views of the outdoor pavilion. To offset this, Hodson anchored a round Charles Eames table with a similarly round Naharan rug from Henriksen Butler. Shell chairs and a collection of George Nelson bubble lamps help to literally and figuratively take the edge off the décor.
The simple rounded corners of the powder room mirror makes all the difference in making the small, angle-laden space feel comfortable and stylish.
Planted with blue agave, a large round pot tempers the visual tension of the entry’s strong angles and horizontal lines without detracting from them. Softer plantings in the foreground also complement the entry’s line-driven design.
Interior Design: Gregg Hodson, Gregg Hodson Interior Design
Architectural and Landscape Design: Matt Marten, Gulch Design Group
Builder: Paul Zabriskie, Finish Line Construction
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