Trend Alert - Curvy, Wavy, & Squiggly Décor

Because, well, geometry, geometric design has always been a staple in design. The penchant for triangular and rectilinear hard-edged forms in recent years has been seen in everything from planters to wall art to logos. However, there has been a noticeable shift in the design world towards curvier, waverlier, and even squiggly forms that are more organic and sculptural. 

In reality, trend reports from Chairish and Etsy back up these wavy assertions. According to Etsy, "These motifs are showing up everywhere, somewhere between a zig-zag and an arch, and shoppers are definitely taking note: there's been an astounding 28,236% increase in searches for wavy candles and 5,296% increase in searches for wavy mirrors."

It's not unexpected that we sought to fill our nests with curvaceous, organic, and cheery over hard-edged as we withdrew into our nests (what choice did we have? ), after a year that was unlike any other. So let's explore this enjoyable, natural trend together!

Memphis Design Roots

The Memphis Design movement of the early 1980s is responsible for this style's antecedent. In response to the then-existing status quo, the Italian design and architecture collective Memphis Design was active from 1981 until 1987. 

Mid-century modern design from the 1950s and 1960s and minimalism from the 1970s were both about structure and straight lines. Memphis' design, with its rectilinear lines and muted colors, essentially snubs what was deemed standard "good taste" at the time. This odd aesthetic was influenced by the Art Deco movement's curved geometric shapes, Pop Art's vibrant color scheme, and 1950s kitsch.

Memphis style has been adopted into the set design if you're old enough to remember 1980s television programs like PeeWee's Playhouse and Saved By The Bell or the interior design of Beetlejuice. For better or worse, I recall that the architecture of my first college residence was also "under the influence" of Memphis. (They came to the game a little late since it was already the 90s at that point.) 

Whether you like it or not, Memphis style was popular for a while. It has since come back but with a much softer and more natural effect. Goodness, gracious! To each their own, though - my 15-year-old son drove by my desktop with views of Memphis and exclaimed, "Love it!" without hesitation:)

The new geometric - organic, curvy, wavy, and even squiggly!

Although the present iteration of this interior trend has Memphis design influences, it is considerably more soft and organic in comparison, without the hard, plastic-like edges and Fischer Price colors of the past. From actual architectural detail to furniture to artwork, arches are a distinguishing style. And I don't know about you, but there isn't much in design that gets me happier than a lovely arch!

Experimenting with organic, curvy, and wavy décor

Are you prepared to take a small plunge yourself? This trend's appeal, in my opinion, lies in the fact that you don't have to go big or go home. You may update the interior of your house with a minor addition without going over budget. Here are some choices for you to look through:

Wall décor is a great exciting way to go if you want to attempt something a little more daring than a tabletop accessory. There are numerous alternatives and ways to go depending on the vibe you want to explore:

What do you think of all this organic décor that is wavy, curvy, and even squiggly? I like it more and more as I continue to look at it. While some of the wall textiles remind me of my parents' massive circular macramé wall hanging, which was always present when I was growing up, I'm all about the artwork, vases, and especially the wonderful arches. Please share your ideas in the comment section below.