Right angles are out as more organic forms make a big comeback in home design – though history shows that curves never really go out of style.
From rounded edges to archways, curves are back in style. Image: realestate.com.au
Across the country, new homes are showing off the latest design trends and things have taken a decidedly curvy turn.
Newly built apartments, townhomes and houses are often a place where the latest architectural styles make themselves known. The current listings for new dwellings across the country reveal arched entryways, rounded façades and outdoor entertaining areas studded by large circular pillars.
These constructions make a definite statement. Some would-be homeowners might wonder if they should play it safe and stick with classic squares and rectangles in their new home.
But if the high prices commanded by Australia’s art deco buildings are anything to go by – even the ones in need of a big renovation – it's clear that rounded edges have enduring appeal.
Of course, given that curves are infinitely harder to construct than right angles (not to mention the issues with interior styling) it’s rare to see any buildings – new or old – that go full circle. Rather, the challenge for architects and designers wanting to soften the aesthetic of their projects is how to make these two forms work together.
Here are some of the new homes embracing curves as a complement to square forms in apartments, new houses and townhomes.
Playful and relaxed in Port Douglas
In this boutique coastal development of roughly 30 properties, rounded corners abound. From the exteriors curves of the entryways and garage facades – a notoriously boxy part of a house – the homes at BeCHé Port Douglas make use of all types of shapes and forms.
There are several home designs to choose from in BeCHé Port Douglas. Inside all of them, the exterior concepts continue with semi-arched doorways and organically shaped kitchen islands.
High ceilings and thoughtful, low-maintenance landscaping help these curvy features flourish indoors and out.
The development, which is in walking distance of the beach and the nearby Palmer Sea Reef Golf Course, takes its inspiration from Palm Springs, where mid-century modern elements meet desert colour schemes. Think sand and light coloured stone. It’s a perfect complement to the Port Douglas environs, with palm trees in abundance.
BeCHé Port Douglas takes a laid-back Palm Springs style for inspiration. Image: realestate.com.au
Modern meets traditional in Brisbane’s north
This family home that’s proposed in the new Grevillea estate in Brisbane’s Bridgeman Downs offers a mix of modern trends and classic features. A traditional peaked roof is softened by rounded exterior touches, like a large curve that delivers an element of privacy on the second floor.
An archway leading to the front door also provides a welcoming way to come home.
This house is from Ausbuild, which is developing Grevillea roughly 16km to the north of Brisbane’s CBD. It’s an extremely customisable design that can accommodate up to six bedrooms.
With a number of different layouts, upgrades and façades to choose from, this design, called the Blaxton, can ultimately be as curvy as the customer desires.
A home design from Ausbuild mixes modern with traditional. Image: realestate.com.au
Snaking forms in sought-after Sydney suburb
Renowned Sydney architect Luigi Rosselli has worked rounded forms into many of the elements in this 10-dwelling development.
Sitting at a high point in one of Sydney’s most desired suburbs, Giardino in Bellevue Hill is all about organic forms.
From the snaking balconies of the façade to curved stairwells and circular windows, this new development leans heavily into the trend.
Interiors from Handelsmann + Khaw and lushly landscaped gardens and terraces by Dangar Barin Smith continue the style that Rosselli put forth in the concept for this new building.
A short walk from Plumer Road shops and golf clubs, these residences show off some of the best aspects of Sydney living, including of-the-moment architecture.
Giardino in Belleview Hill leans into organic shapes. Image: realestate.com.au
Embracing archways in Perth
Alma Square is a new building from Celsius Developments that continues the firm’s love affair with arches, having completed its 34-dwelling Elysian complex in January, which stands out for its four-storey curves that frame many of the building’s pocket balconies.
At Alma Square, which was designed by Space Collective Architects, the developer takes this concept to the next level, using multi-storey arcs to frame many of the lower floors’ views. Up higher, curved balconies soften the exterior and meld well with the greenery that will be planted upon completion.
Ranging from one- to four-bedroom residences, the homes in Alma Square will benefit from the project’s commitment to sustainability, with an impressive 5 star Green Star rating and an average 7.2 star NatHERS rating.
Elysian, in Perth, makes no secret of the fact that curves are in. Image: realestate.com.au
Serene townhomes on the Bellarine Peninsula
In this boutique offering of townhomes from Glenvill in the new Point estate, squares and circles happily mix, with half- and full-arches welcoming residents into their properties and framing windows that look out over the nearby waterways.
Another design feature of yesteryear returns here as well, with breeze block feature walls providing privacy between dwellings, and recalling a mid-century modern trend heavily embraced in Australia in the 1960s. Here, set against the crisp and contemporary new construction, the statement wall shows that breezeblocks have life left in them yet.
Beyond this crisp facade lies tranquil waterways. Image: realestate.com.au
Located just steps from waterways and within walking distance of the entrance of Port Philip, The Point estate – which is in its final stages of development from Moremac Property Group – will ultimately be home to roughly 600 homes that have been designed with the preservation of natural environments in mind.
The seven townhomes built by Glenvill make the most of this location and commitment to ecologically responsible development, with its rounded shapes echoing the undulation of the nearby water.
Are you interested in exploring more in the latest design? Visit our dedicated New Homes section.
This article was originally published on 1 May 2025 at 3:10pm but has been regularly updated to keep the information current.
English (US) · 