Yinka Ilori’s Colourful Homeware

WORDS Robyn Alexander IMAGES Andy Stagg

Happiness is…the brilliantly bold and uplifting colours and patterns created by British-Nigerian artist Yinka Ilori, who’s launched a range of homeware that will bring a burst of Ilori-inspired joy into your space.

My first homeware collection is a continuation of design work inspired by my British-Nigerian heritage and childhood,” says artist Yinka Ilori. “It’s a colourful celebration of two cultures, expressed through abstract, technicolour pattern and contemporary craft.”

We’ve long admired Yinka’s work – since graduating from London Metropolitan University, where he studied product and furniture design, he has created public artworks and installations around the world, and crafted many set and exhibition designs. Now, his exuberant patterns and colours can be brought right into your home with the launch of a homeware range that’s pretty much guaranteed to make you smile.

This first range is “focused on tabletop and textiles”, he says, and features “a mixture of accent pieces to inject positive and vibrant colour into the home”.

Although it’s not easy to pick favourites, we love the cushions, which feature Yinka’s Ere pattern, originally designed “as part of an installation that was all about tapping into inner childhood”, he says; and the trays, which “act as mini canvases that can be left around the kitchen and become an artwork in their own right”.

Also on our wish list are the enamel mugs, with playful patterns inspired by African textiles. Suppliers for the range were carefully chosen for their expertise and attention to detail, so the stoneware comes from Portugal, along with the table linens and cushions; the enamelware is handmade in Poland; the hand-knotted wool rugs are crafted in Nepal, and the tableware is made in the UK.

Creating a homeware range has been an uplifting and fascinating project to work on, says Yinka – and there’s no arguing with the fact that we could all do with some optimism and positivity in our lives and homes right now.