A grand entrance is only as good as the threshold you walk through. For years, archways seemed to be the ultimate entryway: They felt like a happy medium between an open-concept floor plan and traditional doors. They created a sense of arrival and brought a cozy vibe to the most unassuming spaces. You can find arches nearly everywhere these days, so does that mean they’re officially overused?
Over time, arches became more of of a commodity than a craft, according to Lisa Simopoulos, an interior designer in Northern California. “Inserting one simply because it’s popular without actually creating a true, graceful curve can feel like a shortcut,” she says. “That’s often what dates the look.”
Not to mention that archways quickly look out of place in certain types of homes, says Gina Elkins of Studio Casa Vita. “Farmers didn't have arches in their homes,” she says. “They were primitive, simple, and free of decoration, so a modern farmhouse should never have arches.”
Translation: So, if not arches, then what? In its place, Shelby Van Daley predicts, there will be a rise in millwork, cased openings, and gentle curves. “We’re excited to incorporate interesting shapes and wood work into the interior of a home,” the Texas designer says.
It’s not just about incongruent architecture, but arches can also look odd in historically curve-friendly styles such as Spanish and Mediterranean homes, says Ephi Zlotnitsky, a real estate developer and founder of the Palisades Recovery Team at Utopia Development Inc. “Even clients who want Mediterranean influence are asking us to simplify it,” he says. “They may want one to two arches as architectural features, but they don’t want them everywhere.”
While some design insiders have noticed a decline in this ubiquitous entryway, others aren’t as convinced of its downfall. In fact, Heather French of French & French Interiors says a good arch can be as classic as a white T-shirt.
“They're one of the oldest architectural gestures in existence, and something with that much history doesn't disappear because of a design cycle,” according to the Santa Fe-based designer. “They'll always make sense in the right architectural context.”
That said, the scale and shape of archways may change over time, suggests French, who has incorporated beveled and angular lines in her projects for a less obvious take on the design.
Taking that stance one step further, Kristin Hildebrand says arches will never go out of style. “Just look at the countless arches throughout Europe that have stood for centuries and still feel completely timeless today,” says the Costa Mesa-based designer. In fact, other factors will determine an arch’s longevity, she argues. “Those surrounding elements allow an arch to feel timeless rather than it being tied to a design trend,” she says. For example, a wood-clad ceiling, stone accents, or some tactical grasscloth can imbue an arch with an effortless attitude.
Perhaps the truth about arches lies somewhere in the middle: Keep them around, but use them sparingly. “There’s a big difference between having one beautiful arch at an entryway or an important opening as a feature, versus having 15 arches throughout the house overpowering the design,” says Zlotnitsky.
So, go ahead, and embrace the curves of a strategically-placed arch that brings your home’s design style to life.
Kelsey Mulvey is a freelance journalist who has over a decade of experience in print and digital media. She covers interior design and lifestyle content for a breadth of publications, including Good Housekeeping, Country Living, House Beautiful, Veranda, and more. Her hobbies include themed spinning classes, Netflix, and nachos.
