If you're looking to add a unique detail to your new kitchen or long-awaited renovation, arched kitchen cabinets are the perfect choice. This elegant and innovative design is the perfect way to set your kitchen apart from the rest. What's more, this striking shape is truly timeless and won't look outdated even in five years.
We can't get enough of this trending style, so we sought out expert advice on achieving the arched kitchen cabinet style. Interior designers share their thoughts on this kitchen cabinet trend and how you can achieve this look in your own home.
(Image courtesy of Digs Design Co.)
Jocelyn Chiappone, owner and principal designer at Rhode Island-based Digs Design Co., has perfectly mastered the look of vaulted kitchen cabinets in this historic 1864 renovation, pictured above. With stunning woodwork and soaring ceilings, the space has all the hallmarks of a timeless kitchen, but the stylish cabinetry takes it to the next level. This design feature is lovely enough to incorporate into any kitchen design scheme, but here we took inspiration from other parts of the historic home.
“We replaced the 1980s-style galley kitchen with a countertop that fit the home's historic traditional style, and the arched cabinet doors were inspired by an antique arched window hanging over the client's staircase. We wanted to retain the period feel while incorporating modern functionality,” says Jocelyn.
She adds that the mirrored wooden cabinets on either side of the range are “reminiscent of old English kitchens.” Paired with contemporary lighting fixtures and a fresh, modern color scheme, this space exemplifies transitional style at its best. And while creating symmetry in the interior design was very effective in this kitchen, the real appeal of the arched cabinets is how their unexpected shape contrasts with the rest of the design scheme.
“Arched glass doors create a focal point and add a reflective element to the design. I like to break up the many square items in my kitchen with arched elements — the cabinets, island, and appliances are all square or rectangular,” she says. “The arched cabinets soften all those hard corners and elevate the beauty of the kitchen beyond a purely functional level.”
Another benefit of the spacious, arched cabinetry is that it puts the homeowner's precious porcelain collection in full view: there's plenty of room in the doorway for viewing, and a place for safe storage on the shelves.
“At night, the illuminated cabinets create a softer atmosphere and make the kitchen appear larger. The cabinet doors are walnut, which contrasts beautifully with the light tones of the cabinets, which we painted in Benjamin Moore's Coventry Gray. We also added walnut shelves for a more luxurious look,” says Jocelyn.
(Image courtesy of Digs Design Co.)
It's easy to get caught up in the allure of arched cabinets, but Jocelyn says that at Digs Design Co., the rule is “less is more.” “I try to limit cabinets to two to four per room. Too many arches can look cluttered and distracting – this isn't the Roman Colosseum!”
Once you've laid the foundation, it's easy to customize the look of arched cabinets to fit your space, regardless of your interior design style, she adds. According to Jocelyn, “arched cabinets with glass and mullions will have a more traditional feel,” while “adding curves to all-wood cabinet doors” will give you a more contemporary style.
“Make sure to install arched cabinets in a location where they will be in full view. Custom arched cabinet doors will cost extra over standard doors. Not only that, but arches are a beautiful feature and should be placed where they are visible, not wastefully installed on lower cabinets where they can't be seen,” she says.
Richard Davonport, managing director of luxury bespoke kitchen brand Davonport, agrees that arched kitchen cabinets are worth showing off proudly. Incorporating curves into your interior design helps to blend seamlessly with nature, creating a sense of calm in even the busiest of kitchens.
“The addition of curves creates a visual rhythm in the kitchen and removes harsh lines and hard corners, creating a more relaxed and softer feel. These soft curves are naturally found in nature and this has and will continue to influence our purchasing habits as we become more in tune with our surroundings,” says Richard.
(Images by Stacey Zarin Goldberg/Zoe Feldman)
“Arches add an element of fluidity and texture, making them highly customisable and suitable for use in a variety of kitchen styles. But if you're worried the trend will go out of style, rather than opting for curved cabinets, look for models that stand alone as a focal point for a sophisticated feel,” adds Richard.
These freestanding options are everywhere, making the arched cabinet look an easy, budget-friendly addition to your home. Perfect for a hidden corner or a full-length dining room, this style blends in and beyond the confines of a traditional kitchen. In fact, experts (including renowned interior designer Zoë Feldman) use this style in coffee stations and home bars for a sleek, upscale look.
In the project pictured above, Zoe (founder and principal designer at her eponymous design firm) created an inviting home bar surrounded by bold arched shelving units, with natural wood doors framing the view, making the home bar stand out rather than simply blending in.
“We were trying to emulate Spanish-Mediterranean shutters and wanted this nook to look just as beautiful closed as it does open. The other side of the room has a similar look, but with the TV hidden,” says Zoe. “Kitchens tend to be a bit linear, so the arches add a softness, even femininity.”
Zoe says that if you're getting your kitchen custom designed, you can ask a professional to help you make your arched cabinets blend into your home. “Freestanding pantries, display cabinets and even drinks cabinets” are all “popular in kitchen design right now” and will complement any design beautifully. But just as Jocelyn advises against having too many arches, Zoe says that just a few will be enough.
“Arch details are usually best used as accent pieces rather than overlying all of the millwork. Too many arches can feel oppressive, but when used sparingly they're perfect for highlighting a special space,” says Zoe.
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These stately additions to your kitchen cabinet scheme are timeless and will have you experimenting in your own home. A well-thought-out pair of arches could be the secret ingredient to a lasting, classic kitchen design.
