Studio Lloyd Ottomans

WORDS Amelia Brown PHOTOS J’Dee Allin

Cape Town-based lighting and homeware brand Studio Lloyd has developed a range of handmade ottomans suitable for the indoors and out. 

For her designs, owner and creative director Ashlee Lloyd – a self-confessed textile lover – takes inspiration from the rich culture of craft in southern Africa and forms found in nature. She applies traditional techniques like crochet to her contemporary designs – braided light fittings and sculptural chandeliers – to create functional art.

The ottomans are made from durable polyester braided rope, which is crocheted and assembled into the seating by hand in Cape Town. They’re available in four sizes, but can be customised to order, and eight striking colours named in reference to metals, minerals and stones: ruby red, onyx black, dune beige, olivine green, silver grey, malachite green, malta brown and charcoal grey. “Since my work is closely tied to the natural environment, I have always preferred earthy colours,” says Ashlee Lloyd, who spoke to her supplier about custom manufacturing deep reds, browns and olive greens.

“The inspiration for the ottomans came from circular motion,” Ashlee Lloyd explains. “I started crocheting in circles and adding stitches every third row to explore what shapes I could make. Once I got carried away, I noticed the beautiful ocean pattern the crochet was forming from the spiral motion. The end result are these crocheted ottomans that look like soft and tranquil pebbles.”

Studio Lloyd’s next range of ottomans will be oval. To find out more and to order, visit ashleelloyd.com and follow Studio Lloyd (@studio_lloyd) on Instagram.