How, and Why, to Use Geometric Shapes in Your Next Project

From hexagon tile to dynamic open shelving, geometric shapes are hot. Here's what's behind the trend, and four ways to incorporate them in your designs.

Though geometric patterns and shapes have been used in design since antiquity, geometric shapes are trending again in home renovation. The clean lines and bold colors may have something to do with it.

Geometric patterns are all over pop culture, and what’s popular cycles in history. From tile to architecture and fabric, geometric shapes are easy to work with for the interior and exterior of a client’s home.

Why Geometric Shapes are Making a Bold ComebackThe fashion and aesthetic of decades past have a way of recycling themselves into new eras and trends. Geometric shapes take you back to the seventies, before the technological boom. Swiss design, which focused heavily on geometric patterns and simple lines, was also popular among graphic designers and interior designers at the time.
The return to minimalism makes the use of geometric shapes appealing on a deeper level, with the desire to simplify. Besides, geometric shapes add sudden visual interest, without any frills or over-the-top embellishments. The potential applications of geometric shapes in a space are endless. No matter if a client prefers bright colors, complicated designs, or keeping it simple, geometric shapes work for all aesthetics.

How People are Reclaiming and Incorporating Geometric ShapesCurrent trends among clients are all about reclaiming geometric shapes from traditional aspects and incorporating them in new ways, too. Small triangles in a quilt hung on the way may echo the bold arch of an A-frame home, contributing to a rustic aesthetic. Hexagons can line the walls as shelving and make appearances in bathroom and kitchen tile.

Incorporating geometric shapes are great way for your clients to add interest to the home, without getting too outlandish—unless they prefer that. Here are some ways that people are incorporating geometric shapes in their interior and exterior renovations:

1. Geometric DecorThe easiest way for clients to add geometric interest to their home is to utilize the shapes in decor. Patterns in quilts, throws, and pillows add comfort. Hexagon mirrors hung on the wall make a room appear larger, without taking up too much space. Oriental rugs are classic and speak to ancient geometric shapes in art, which makes an octagon rug the perfect decor addition.
Geometric shapes may also be added into existing decor when it comes to the home’s architecture or adding to its appeal. Replacing the staircase and adding triangular shelving underneath for a reading nook or shoe storage area creates a unique and useful space, for example. Geometric staircases alsomay be simple and take up less space, with a linear rail for a clean and modern look.

2. Geometric Shelving Is your client tired of painting and repainting the walls? Do they need more storage? Are they bored with the same old shelving?

Constructing floating shelves is one way to add geometric interest to the wall, making use of right angles and curves. Geometric shelving becomes a statement piece when constructed with a dynamic use of line, such as resembling one’s pulse on an EKG machine or the branches of a tree. Geometric shelves may be placed anywhere, lining walls, as open cabinets in the kitchen, or under a coffee table.

3. Geometric Walls and FlooringWhen people think of geometric shapes in the home, one of the first thoughts goes to tile. While the client may be tempted just to add a few hexagons to their bathroom tile, another creative approach is to construct an interesting backsplash in the shower. This idea may also be done in the kitchen.

A mosaic is a more creative option for a backsplash. Consider using unique materials, such as old plates or wine corks. Make it unique to the family or couple who lives in the home.

Cut out geometric shapes of reclaimed wood and create an interesting wall or floor for the client, like a puzzle. There are many types of materials and different geometric shapes to work with when it comes to walls and flooring, rather than generic tiles.

4. Geometric Gardens and PatiosOne of the most beautiful and dynamic uses of geometric shape is in exterior spaces. Bring geometric interest to gardens and patios.

Is your client a gardener? Work with them to build a geometric labyrinth, different-shaped planters, or a beautiful new geometric walkway.

Take geometry to the patio, adding small geometric details to built-in benches or on the railing of the stairs. Construct a unique gazebo, or build the patio in the shape of a hexagon or triangle.

Geometric shapes are the perfect trend to suggest to picky clients, whether their tastes are clean and modern or eclectic and wacky. Geometric shapes may be used anywhere in renovation, inside or outside and in flooring, walls, and other areas.

With minimalism becoming a mainstay, the return to geometric shapes appears to also be making a bold comeback as a classic. Invite this trend into your clients’ homes.