curve appeal: shopping designs inspired by jean royère

text by Liz Wallace

The sexy curves and rounded forms of French designer Jean Royère are having a moment.

In a contemporary world full of hard edges and mass-produced furniture, soft curves and thoughtful craftsmanship are a welcome comfort. From the rounded Elephanteau armchair to the Tour Eiffel Table with fluid metal detailing, the work of mid-century French designer Jean Royère feels au courant. New furnishings and accessories that nod to the self-taught craftsman’s playful aesthetic include rounded sofas and chairs, hourglass-shaped coffee tables, and whimsically curved mirrors. His influence could be felt on the runways this season, too, in the form of theatrically wavy hems and scallop-edged accessories at Maryam Nassir Zadeh, Apiece Apart, and Céline. Royère’s playful design ideas started at a young age. “I’d always had a thing about interior design,” he famously said. “As a child, I didn’t want toys. I asked to be allowed to decorate a room in the attic of our house.”

Red Lacquered Vague Coffee Table by Jean Royère 1stdibs.com

Jean Royère, Décorateur à Paris, a catalogue from the 1999 exhibition at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs

A Royère installation from the spring 2016 show at Galerie Patrick Seguin patrickseguin.com

Avalon Daybed by

Vera Sofa by Mitchell Gold+Bob Williams mgbwhome.com