Beyond the Curve: How Aubrey Plaza’s Sculptural Living Room Masterfully Balances the 30% Rule for Ultimate Comfort
Curves are a key feature of Aubrey's calming space, which combines functional furniture with sculptural accessories
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As the saying goes, 'if you've got it, flaunt it,' and that also applies to interior spaces. In the case of Aubrey Plaza's living room, we're talking curves. The design of the whole scheme draws on a key feature – a stunning, gently arched window – which sets the tone for a sculptural and cocooning space.
The secret to using curves in interior design lies in the balance, explains Catherine Shuman, interior designer and founder of The Intentional Design Studio in Georgia.
'The easiest way to embrace curves without overwhelming the room is through layering. Start with one statement piece, (such as the striking Hepburn Modular Sofa from Lulu & Georgia), and then support it with smaller curved accessories like round side tables, a sculptural coffee table, or table lamps,' she says.
'The key is balance – you want to create visual rhythm, not a theme park! I tell clients to aim for a mix where approximately 30% of the room’s silhouettes have curves, and the rest provide support through straight lines (such as the wooden accent chairs – find similar at Wayfair).'
Below, embrace Aubrey Plaza’s curve-driven style with our curated furniture and accessories that capture her organic aesthetic – and discover how to bring this sculptural detail into your own interiors.
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Shop Sculptural Buys Inspired by Aubrey Plaza's Living Room
This modular design allows for unlimited seating arrangements for social and more formal occasions, with a detachable rounded chaise, plus it comes in a wide range of tactile fabrics and shades.
The soft lines and tactile stone finish on this coffee table reflects the curvaceous forms in Aubrey Plaza's living room, while the off-white shade leans into the organic feel of the piece and the overall scheme.
Like Aubrey Plaza's boucle-textured ottomans, this piece contrasts with the deep brown sofa, while bringing another softly curved silhouette to the space, as well as providing useful hidden storage.
While the shape of this beautiful sconce mirrors the one in Aubrey Plaza's living room, we love the additional element of the veined alabaster stone, which adds an organic feel and means every piece is unique.
While you may not have room for a statement corner planter like Aubrey Plaza, this smaller version lends a nod to her style with its gently undulating form. Plus it comes in neutral or glossy finishes.
With its sleek neck and textural finish, this vase brings a complementary shape, but a contrasting tone to a sculptural living room like Aubrey Plaza's. It's created from hand-thrown terracotta by artist and designer Josh Young.
So, why do curves make for such a cozy living room idea? Catherine explains: We find curves calming because they mimic the natural organic shapes we find in nature. When we incorporate items like sculptural vases or curved furniture in our living rooms, we are softening the hard edges commonly found in modern architecture, and making the room feel more comfortable.'
For example, the position and shape of the curved leather sofa in Aubrey Plaza's living room softens the hard corners, gently framing the central space, while the natural stone of the table contrasts with its smooth edges, for an unexpectedly tactile finish.
Design expertise in your inbox – from inspiring decorating ideas and beautiful celebrity homes to practical gardening advice and shopping round-ups.
'The same principle applies when the curves are part of the existing architectural elements,' adds Catherine. 'Whether through arched doorways, rounded windows, or barrel-vaulted ceilings, our minds and bodies respond positively to those curves – they set the tone for the entire room and generate a sense of flow and movement, which you want to echo in your furnishings and accessories.'
Similarly, introducing natural materials into your scheme, as demonstrated in Aubrey Plaza's living room – from the way the indoor plants mirror the greenery outside the curved window to the stone table, leather sofa, and wooden chairs – connects the room to the outside world. Choosing neutral tones and natural, organic silhouettes blurs the boundaries of indoors and out.
Texture is also used in a really considered way in Audrey Plaza's living room, both to enhance comfort and emphasise contrast. For example, the buttery leather of the sofa juxtaposes the soft boucle ottomans, while the smooth stone table feels cool and tactile against the heavily textured weave of the rug. This creates a balance and harmony in the space that not only feels comforting but also brings a sense of calm.
If your home already features curves, this is your sign to embrace them, by mirroring the existing architecture with sculptural pieces in tactile, natural materials. Even in homes without curves, it's easy to bring in this design detail for a truly soothing living room aesthetic.
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Katrina is Head of Living at Homes & Gardens, covering hosting and entertaining, seasonal styling ideas, sleep and wellbeing, along with a highly experienced team of writers and reviewers. With more than 15 years' experience in lifestyle content, Katrina was previously an editor at luxury lifestyle platform, Muddy Stilettos, has been a features writer at Sainsbury's magazine and has also written for a wealth of other food and lifestyle titles including Ideal Home, Waitrose Food, John Lewis' Edition and The Home Page. Katrina is passionate about heritage style and lives in a 100-year old cottage in rural Hertfordshire, where she enjoys finding creative ways to live and host stylishly.