Embracing the Curve: The Rise of Wave Interior Design

Wavy motifs and organic forms continue to dominate furniture, homewares, and architecture in 2025. 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 New Zealand, this design style resonates with the country’s strong connection to nature, reflecting the undulating landscapes, rolling coastlines, and organic forms found in the natural environment. 

Whether in a modern city apartment or a coastal retreat, wavy design elements bring warmth and fluidity to any space. This blog explores the wave interior design trend and provides practical ways to incorporate it into every space, from the living room and kitchen to the bedroom, bathroom, and outdoor areas.

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.

Curved sofas and armchairs create a soft, welcoming feel, making the living room a more inviting space. In New Zealand, where open-plan living is common, wave interior design can help delineate areas. 

Rounded coffee tables, wavy shelves, or rounded console tables introduce visual interest, making the space feel fluid yet 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 curved bar stools bring a sense of fluidity to kitchen and dining spaces, making mealtimes feel more intimate and inviting. In New Zealand homes, where natural materials like timber and stone are celebrated, curvy splashback tiles or modern kitchen cabinet hardware like our wavy Ziggy Adjustable Cabinetry Pull will add a contemporary touch while maintaining a connection to the surrounding environment. 

Soft, flowing pendant lighting or arched cabinetry will further enhance the aesthetic, effortlessly complementing the relaxed, nature-inspired interiors popular across the country. For a refined finishing touch, display curved glassware or champagne coupes with wavy stems, adding a subtle yet striking sculptural element to the space.

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, less is often more. In the bathroom, a freestanding curved bathtub can transform the space into a spa-like sanctuary, offering a sense of relaxation and indulgence. In New Zealand, bathrooms often feature organic shapes that complement the natural beauty of curved stone and timber vanities, blending seamlessly with the country’s rugged landscapes. 

Round mirrors, arched niches, and scalloped tiles enhance visual flow, making smaller bathrooms feel more open and inviting. Organic-shaped basins and gently curved tapware will contribute to a harmonious, tranquil atmosphere — perfect for unwinding after a long day.

Outdoor living is a key part of life in New Zealand, where homes are often designed to embrace the surrounding landscape. Curved outdoor furniture, such as rounded seating or sculptural loungers, enhances the organic feel of a deck, patio, or garden, creating a more inviting and harmonious space.

Meandering pathways or irregularly shaped stepping stones introduce a natural, flowing effect, guiding movement through lush native plantings. Meanwhile, arched entryways, wavy planters, curved retaining walls, or sculptural garden features will add depth and visual interest, strengthening the connection between the built environment and the natural world — an important aspect of New Zealand 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