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Curved surfaces bring movement, softness and visual interest to a room. Until recently, however, they were difficult to personalise beyond paint alone.Yes curved cabinets or cupboard doors could be painted, but you couldn’t really do very much with them - until now. In this blog, we’ll be giving you some top tips for personalising curved surfaces in a stylish, long-lasting way.
For many years, homes were dominated by the rigid straight lines found in many trends from Scandi to modern minimalism. In recent years, interiors have shifted towards softer, more sculptural shapes.
Softer, more organic shapes offer a sense of movement while promoting a feeling of comfort and wellness and making a space feel larger - these are ideal emotions for any comfortable home.
As the supremely talented Interior Design Masters semi-finalist Jack Kinsey put it, “I love to embrace curves in my interiors because it makes everything feel a little bit bigger because you're not on this one track system of trying to avoid a corner."
As we’ve said, while curves are becoming more popular, the question remains of how to best decorate them to best suit your unique style? One of the easiest ways to make maximum impact is by adding flexible wall panels to their surface. Flexible panels are specially designed to work with the shapes of your space.
Flexible wall panels aren’t just about decorating existing curves, they also give you the freedom to introduce softer shapes into spaces that may have previously felt rigid or boxy. From rounded kitchen islands and curved media units to statement headboards and bespoke furniture details, flexible panels make it easier to create flowing, architectural forms without major structural changes.
The Arborelle Flex collection brings a versatile approach to panelling, introducing a refined wood-effect finish to areas where standard panels won’t fit correctly. Designed with a bendable backing and an easy-clean surface, they’re ideal for walls, furniture, and a range of interior features.
Flexible and wipeable - making it ideal for kitchens and living spaces alike - these panels can make a true style statement with minimal effort.
We recently worked with Scott Baggalaey from @Scott_DIY at the Ideal Home Show who demonstrated Arborelle Flex for the very first time and shared his thoughts on collection:
“With a beautiful fluted design, the key thing is that it is flexible. One of the things you can do with one of these panels is apply it to a wall and transform it immediately - 2.4m high and 600mm wide, you just need to calculate the total areas you want to cover and stick to the wall with adhesive.”
“Because the panels come with a paper backing, it can be sliced off with a Stanley knife and put it (the individual slat/reed/flute) straight onto the top, which finishes off the edge of the panel as well.”
The Arborelle Flex Panels are available in both Deep walnut and Light oak, and in Fluted, Reeded and Slatted profiles to suit any interior design style and perfect for many DIY projects around the home.
So, where can flexible wall panels make the most impact? Luckily, there are multiple spaces in the home which can be enriched by the premium feel of these panels.
In a living room, a softly curved media wall becomes less of a focal point and more of a feature that draws you in. In a bedroom, it can create a cocooning backdrop that reinforces the gentle, enveloping, calm of the space.
Hallways too benefit in a more subtle way. As Jack notes, when you remove harsh angles, “it’s not a corridor you’re trying to navigate… you can sweep through the space.”
Even smaller or transitional areas including alcoves and bay windows can enjoy a new take on life. Scott adds how easily these overlooked features can become design moments: “You can create a nice sweeping curve which just softens the room… it elevates a space into a really high-end interior look.”
And the beauty of it? That transformation is no longer reserved for high-end, bespoke interiors. It’s achievable, adaptable, and surprisingly simple to embrace.
Part of the appeal of Arborelle Flex is its versatility. It works with your space, rather than dictating how it must look.
Whether you’re going full height for a seamless, architectural feel, or opting for a half-height installation with a defined top trim, the finish can be tailored to suit your style.
For a clean, contemporary look, panels can run floor-to-ceiling with the skirting untouched and lines uninterrupted.
From a practical perspective, the key is starting with a solid, smooth surface. As Scott explains, Arborelle Flex can be installed onto plaster, brickwork or even existing wallpaper, as long as the surface underneath is stable, flat and not peeling away. Uneven walls may stop the panels from sitting flush, so preparation is important for the best finish.
For spaces where airflow or damp may be a concern, battens can also be added behind the panels to create a small gap between the wall and the installation. This can also help retain existing skirting boards while still achieving a full-height look.
Flexible wood-effect panels suit curved surfaces, with a wipeable finish ideal for higher-traffic areas including kitchens, hallways, cabinetry and bespoke joinery.
Curves have a way of changing not just how a room looks, but how it’s experienced. Whether you’re reworking a single feature or reimagining an entire space, with Arborelle Flex, that shift feels more accessible than ever. Explore the collection today, order some samples, and start celebrating curves in your home.
