A Chat with The Queen of Pattern – Orla Kiely
August 27, 2025
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6m
:quality(75)/https://www.barkerandstonehouse.co.uk/static/cms/media/Barker-and%20Stonehouse%20Orla%20Kiely%20July%202025-32.jpg)
Renowned for her bold use of colour and joyful prints, we sat down with Orla Kiely to talk pattern, nostalgia, and her latest furniture launches, Arklow and Ebben.
Q. Hi Orla, what first sparked your love of pattern, and how has that evolved?
A. My surroundings in Ireland first sparked my love of pattern. Growing up in the 60s and 70s, pattern was everywhere – from wallpaper and tiles to carpets, we were enveloped in it! Later, as an art student and designer, I started to take inspiration from flea markets and vintage shopping.
A. My surroundings in Ireland first sparked my love of pattern. Growing up in the 60s and 70s, pattern was everywhere – from wallpaper and tiles to carpets, we were enveloped in it! Later, as an art student and designer, I started to take inspiration from flea markets and vintage shopping.
Q. Your designs have remained beloved across decades. Why do you think they’ve endured?
A. Colour and pattern can lift your mood and bring joy.
Living with pattern is a joyful experience - it can act as a sort of therapy and impact your mood. It can be bold and uplifting or soft and soothing, so people will always seek out colour, regardless of trends.
A. Colour and pattern can lift your mood and bring joy.
Living with pattern is a joyful experience - it can act as a sort of therapy and impact your mood. It can be bold and uplifting or soft and soothing, so people will always seek out colour, regardless of trends.
Q. Your designs are often described as joyful and optimistic. What role does emotion play in your creative process?
A. Emotion plays a huge part for me, and I’ve always been drawn to shapes and colours that evoke a sense of nostalgia and warmth. Creating pieces that people connect with emotionally keeps me inspired.
A. Emotion plays a huge part for me, and I’ve always been drawn to shapes and colours that evoke a sense of nostalgia and warmth. Creating pieces that people connect with emotionally keeps me inspired.
:quality(75)/https://www.barkerandstonehouse.co.uk/static/cms/media/Barker-and%20Stonehouse%20Orla%20Kiely%20July%202025-38.jpg)
[Photography by Anna Taylor]
Q. Where do you find inspiration and has that evolved over time?
A. I’ve always found inspiration in nature. I love the Irish countryside and how verdant and dramatic it is. My mother still lives there, and whenever I’m home, I find myself drawn to the Wicklow mountains, always finding something new.
A. I’ve always found inspiration in nature. I love the Irish countryside and how verdant and dramatic it is. My mother still lives there, and whenever I’m home, I find myself drawn to the Wicklow mountains, always finding something new.
:quality(75)/https://www.barkerandstonehouse.co.uk/static/cms/media/Barker-and%20Stonehouse%20Orla%20Kiely%20July%202025-68.jpg)
:quality(75)/https://www.barkerandstonehouse.co.uk/static/cms/media/Barker-and%20Stonehouse%20Orla%20Kiely%20July%202025-39.jpg)
:quality(75)/https://www.barkerandstonehouse.co.uk/static/cms/media/Barker-and%20Stonehouse%20Orla%20Kiely%20July%202025-3.jpg)
[Photography by Anna Taylor]
Q. Are there particular eras or visual influences you find yourself continually drawn to?
A. The 60s with their amazing geometric patterns and bold scale, the 70s with their ‘kitsch’ tones, and recently, the 80s are inspiring me.
A. The 60s with their amazing geometric patterns and bold scale, the 70s with their ‘kitsch’ tones, and recently, the 80s are inspiring me.
Q. What are the best ways to make retro-inspired design relevant in today’s interiors?
A. Retro-inspired design remains prevalent - the concept of form and function never wavers. It’s rooted in modernism and is full of character. Embracing its bold, graphic visual language is the key. If that’s what you love, it’s always relevant.
A. Retro-inspired design remains prevalent - the concept of form and function never wavers. It’s rooted in modernism and is full of character. Embracing its bold, graphic visual language is the key. If that’s what you love, it’s always relevant.
Q. Why do you think nostalgia is having a resurgence in design?
A. Nostalgia has always been important in design because people seek reassurance and comfort, especially at home.
A. Nostalgia has always been important in design because people seek reassurance and comfort, especially at home.
Q. How do you keep retro-inspired patterns feeling fresh?
A. There are so many fun ways to play with pattern. I love how fresh they can feel with just a few tweaks - changing proportions, using unexpected colour combinations, or placing a familiar motif on interesting fabrics gives nostalgia new energy.
A. There are so many fun ways to play with pattern. I love how fresh they can feel with just a few tweaks - changing proportions, using unexpected colour combinations, or placing a familiar motif on interesting fabrics gives nostalgia new energy.
:quality(75)/https://www.barkerandstonehouse.co.uk/static/cms/media/Barker-and%20Stonehouse%20Orla%20Kiely%20July%202025-30.jpg)
[Photography by Anna Taylor]
Q. How do you see the role of pattern evolving in modern interiors, and what excites you most about that?
A. There’s been a recent resurgence of personality and a rise against the plain. I love how people are fearlessly embracing individuality when decorating. We’re also realising that décor can play a huge part in your mood, which means that joyful patterns are more loved than ever. Individuality and freedom to express excite me!
A. There’s been a recent resurgence of personality and a rise against the plain. I love how people are fearlessly embracing individuality when decorating. We’re also realising that décor can play a huge part in your mood, which means that joyful patterns are more loved than ever. Individuality and freedom to express excite me!
Q.
Finally, tell us about the new launches. What inspired Arklow and Ebben and what do you love most about them?
A. Ebben was inspired by contemporary living and the timeless appeal of Mid-Century design. The tufted back cushion and neat buttons create such a classic look. Arklow was inspired by clean lines and gentle living. I love the softly curved arms and tufted bench seat – it’s such a joyful shape, and the arm bolsters are the perfect perching spot.
A. Ebben was inspired by contemporary living and the timeless appeal of Mid-Century design. The tufted back cushion and neat buttons create such a classic look. Arklow was inspired by clean lines and gentle living. I love the softly curved arms and tufted bench seat – it’s such a joyful shape, and the arm bolsters are the perfect perching spot.
:quality(75)/https://www.barkerandstonehouse.co.uk/static/cms/media/Barker-and%20Stonehouse%20Orla%20Kiely%20July%202025-77.jpg)
:quality(75)/https://www.barkerandstonehouse.co.uk/static/cms/media/Barker-and%20Stonehouse%20Orla%20Kiely%20July%202025-10.jpg)
[Photography by Anna Taylor]