Trend Watch: Soft Lines

We’re calling it now: Curves and soft lines are in. Builders are incorporating arches in doorways and entryways in home designs. Designers are using more curves and graceful lines in furniture creations. And homeowners are tastefully decorating for a softer, more inviting vibe in a shift from straight, hard-lined modern designs.

As the focal point of a home, fireplaces have kept pace. Passionate pros in the industrial design group of Heat & Glo stay on top of what’s on trend so you can create memories around a hearth that fits your lifestyle.

Here is what leader Tim Johnson and his team are noticing—and incorporating—for the future of fireplace designs.

“Arches have always been around as a statement piece in home design,” said Johnson. “We’re seeing them being used to bring a high-end look that adds beauty and helps interior spaces work together.

"We love how this builder used an arched window and doorway as well as curved seating and counters to deliver on that expectation,” he said.

In this room spotted on Renonation, a segmented archway within rooms brings spaces together yet provides enough separation to let each one keep its own character.

How can you apply this trend in your home? And is it even possible to change a square opening to an arched one? It’s easier than you think with a little DIY mojo, like The Inspired Room captures in this before-and-after.

"Something else we’re seeing a lot of is softer lines in furniture,” said Johnson. “Chairs, sofas and rugs can update a look without having to alter a doorway or entryway, like how the seating seen in Elle Décor softens a room that had strong linear lines.”

"These chairs from Cassina just beckon you into the space with comfort and style,” said Johnson. “Round-back or barrel-back chairs and sofas with sinuous shapes favor comfort without sacrificing style.”

As more manufacturers hop on the soft line trend, finding curved furniture or accents to integrate into your surroundings without disrupting a wall or opening in your home will be easy.

“Adding hearth elements such as arches or using other metal choices such as round bars can soften the style and make it feel more inviting, as well as tie it in with other curvier elements in the room such as chairs or tables,” notes Johnson. Here, a cast-iron arched front on a TRUE series gas fireplace subtly complements the pair of graceful slipper chairs.

Not only can you have an arched front, but also the industry’s only true arched gas fireplace with the Cerona gas fireplace. Skillfully molded with seamless cantilevered corners and textured detail, the Cerona’s FireBrick® interior also generates 25 percent more warmth than steel.

“You can go a lot of different ways,” said Johnson. “Want a more modern farmhouse look? The front on this Cosmo gas fireplace insert features our Iron Age front, which has subtle rounded bars and a fresh, updated look.”

So whether it’s arches, softer lines in furniture or curves on a fireplace, designers like Tim Johnson and his team at Heat & Glo are intent on bringing timeless style and comfort to your home. For more soft lines inspiration, head to our Trending Now Pinterest board to see and save all these ideas and more.