Orla Kiely's Colorful Abode

Guest post by: Anh-Minh, a fellow blogger who dabbles in freelancing. Her writing has appeared on the decor8 design blog and in the SF Chronicle's Home & Garden section.

Since it's Monday morning, I thought we could all use a little pop of color to get energized. So, for my first guest post on Victoria's lovely blog, I decided to share some images from Orla Kiely's London home — dating back to the July 2005 issue of Living, Etc. (See! Hanging on to old magazines is a good thing!) I love all the bold graphics she's incorporated, as well as the cheery citrusy colors.

The '60s ceiling lamp is from a vintage store; the painting is by Mark Foulds; the orange chair is Pierre Paulin's Model No 437; and the cushions, of course, are her own design.


If I had an open kitchen like this, I might install a hospital track and curtain. I know I wouldn't always be able to keep my surfaces nice and tidy, so I'd want the option to conceal my mess if company's coming.


Here's a close-up of the enamel pots and vintage canisters. (By the way, don't they look like something that you'd find in Victoria's own kitchen?)


Orla lampshade and votives. I like the simplicity of using a big bowl as a receptacle for travel souvenirs such as seashells, matchbooks, etc.


Another punch of color.


The Orla towel provides a nice modern contrast to the old clawfoot tub. The image on the right is her bedroom. That headboard is actually a freestanding wall that hides storage space on the other side. Genius!