Take the Edge Off 10/24/2010 1:52:00 PM 
Tired of taking a hard line on cabinetry? Incorporating organic shapes into your design can work wonders to create a more relaxed atmosphere in the kitchen or bath.
Whether it’s a rounded edge on a countertop, subtle curves in an entryway, or soft-edged lighting fixtures, even the most subdued organic shapes go a long way to eliminate the boxy feeling of most kitchen and bath cabinets. In fact, the NKBA has identified “Soft Geometry” as an emerging cabinetry trend that doesn’t seem to be ending any time soon. Curvilinear shapes can add a relaxed atmosphere to any design style, whether your project is traditional, contemporary or anywhere in-between.
If the cabinetry you’re working with is straight as an arrow, adding flowing circular forms and rounded edges helps open up a space, creating a lighter, airy room. For example, introducing a rounded island in the kitchen not only evokes a natural feel, but it also carves a smooth-flowing traffic pattern through the room. Also, an appropriately placed arch lends a more continuous, flowing overall appearance.
In addition to designing curved lines directly into cabinetry forms with corbels, brackets, turnings, rope twists, mouldings and more, adding accents like organic art (wood carvings, marble sculptures, seashells, etc.), fabric (cotton, hemp, linen, soy, etc.) and flooring (marble, granite, bamboo, cork, wool, river stones, etc.) also helps to attenuate the angular features of square cabinetry and create a softer space.
