Why curved joinery and timber veneers are beloved in architectural design

Written by

17 September 2024

•

4 min read

Curved joinery and timber veneers have emerged as significant trends in the design industry; ArchiPro explores the sustainable and architectural benefits of these design elements for those seeking to create softer, more inviting interiors.

The benefits of curved joinery in interior design

Curved joinery is gaining popularity for its ability to soften spaces, moving away from the harsh, sharp lines that have dominated modern architecture in recent years. According to a recent interview with Amarni Story, Marketing Coordinator at New Age Veneers, the trend towards curves has rapidly increased over the past 12 months, particularly with the introduction of innovative products like the brand’s Navurban laminate.

"When we introduced our Navurban laminate product about three years ago, it was quite new to the market... But this last year, we've seen sales of this product significantly increase," says Story.

Story remarks that the Navurban laminate stands out for curved designs thanks to its bendable quality. This allows designers to achieve tighter curve radii, making it a favoured choice for creating stunning curved features on interior projects.

The aesthetic appeal of curved joinery lies in its ability to create subtle, soft features within a space, offering an alternative to the masculinity of straight lines and sharp angles of previous joinery finishes. This approach allows for unique design elements, such as curved kitchen bench tops and island benches in wardrobes, which enhance the visual appeal and open up spaces. "With the curves and arches coming through, designers and clients are finding you can create unusual features that are subtle and soft within the space," explains Story.

Freshwater, Northern Beaches NSW:
Interior designer Jacqui Koska enlisted Streamlined Kitchens joinery for this statement curved island in the dressing room using Navurban Diamond in white mountain oak.

Clovelly House, NSW:
Avenue One Design and Deluxe Joinery utilised Navurban timber alternative in Oak Beach to the curves of the kitchen design creating a coastal air to the space.

Are timber veneers sustainable?

It is said that a true measure of a space is how it makes us feel, and perhaps this explains the demand for Timber veneers in our designs. “From built-in seating and study nooks to kitchen cabinetry and wardrobes – timber veneers are significant in interior design for a reason,” says Story. “People seek to incorporate natural elements and smooth surfaces into their spaces to create a clean, calm and warm feel when welcomed home from our often-hectic lifestyles.”

Launched in March, New Age Veneer’s Shinnoki by NAV range is a pre-finished natural timber veneer sourced from Europe, offering designers a high-end, sustainable option. Story shares that the product is particularly noted for its ease of use (including creating those desirable curves) and manufacturing. "It's a natural timber veneer with the pre-finish, so specifiers don't have to worry about the coating on it, and it's ideal for curved surfaces," says Story.

Sustainability is another key driver behind the growing popularity of timber veneers. Certified as sustainable and sourced from responsibly managed forests, New Age Veneers’ timber veneers are a preferred choice for environmentally conscious projects. Story explains that despite common misconceptions about deforestation, timber remains one of the most sustainable materials available as it regrows and can be harvested in a renewable cycle. "Timber is one of the most sustainable products out there because it can be grown and then recycled at the end of its lifecycle,” says Story.

The application of these two trends – curved joinery and timber veneers – is particularly prevalent in high-end projects, according to Story, as the complexity of creating curved features requires skilled joiners or cabinet makers. “The trend is not just about aesthetics; it also involves creating functional spaces that feel more open, soft and welcoming,” says Story. "We're finding it is becoming increasingly popular in the higher-end projects because the curved application is quite difficult to achieve for the joiner or cabinet maker, but well worth it.”

Ammos, Adelaide: Floor-to-ceiling Navurban in The Oaks curves the surfaces of this master suite and ensuite thanks to this creative trio: Architect Hong Henwood, Interior Designer Karen Leech and IJF Living joinery.

Clontarf Residence, Queensland: This residential project features Navlam Italian Oak, a pre-finished reconstructed timber veneer that achieves a warm oak tone throughout, inviting everyone into the space.

As these trends evolve, Story predicts we can expect to see even more innovative applications of curved joinery and timber veneers in the design industry over the coming months. “The combination of aesthetic appeal, functionality, and sustainability makes these elements a compelling choice for architects and designers looking to create unique, forward-thinking spaces,” she says.

The rise of curved joinery and the flexibility of timber veneers reflect a broader shift in architectural design towards more organic, sustainable and supple spaces. With New Age Veneers products like its Navurban laminate and Shinnoki range leading the way, these trends are set to shape the future of interior design for years to come.

View the new Shinnoki range or be inspired by New Age Veneers projects on ArchiPro today.

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