Art + Design + Inspiring Interiors

Checking in on Orla Kiely at home.

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Photo by Chris Tubbs

Late last year, I read in a Times magazine article (subscription only, sorry) that Irish designer Orla Kiely and her family had moved to a new home in southwestern London. Having been an admirer of her patterns, textiles and housewares forever as well as being more than bit obsessive about the inside of her former house — particularly once I realized it had roughly the same floorplan as mine — I’ve been very eager to see more of this new home! I’m really, really excited to see it featured in the September issue of Dwell.

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Photo by Chris Tubbs

Unsurprisingly, it’s gorgeous. I love spotting things that I recognize from Orla’s old house, like the light fixture, the print above the fireplace and the TV cabinet. I’ve always been impressed by the fact that she surrounds herself with her own work, too — she comments on that in Dwell: “Sometimes you have people who say, ‘I don’t want to live in my work,’ but, in the end, I love what I do and how it looks — so I’m happy to have it.”

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Photo by Chris Tubbs

THIS KITCHEN!! So cute. So bright! That center unit (designed by Orla and architect Maxim Laroussi) is so beautiful, with the colorful doors and the banded-edge cabinets. It reminds me of this Eichler kitchen, only fresher and happier. The green Marmoleum floor is particularly great.

You can see the full slideshow and read more about the house in Dwell. There’s also a great article and slideshow (with different photos showing more of the house, also by Chris Tubbs) online at The London Magazine.

And now, one last farewell to Orla Kiely’s old house, which I will always adore…especially those multi-colored tiles in the hearth. I hope the new homeowners love them as well!

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Photos: (1, 2, 6) Chris Tubbs; (3, 4, 5) House and Home; (7) Roland Bello

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25 Comments

  • Reply Victoria Smith July 31, 2013 at 1:39 pm

    oooh, awesome find. i love it!!

  • Reply Ilenia July 31, 2013 at 2:25 pm

    oh man, I love it.
    I checked out the slideshow on the london magazine and every other room it’s as beautiful! ahh!

    • Anna @ D16 July 31, 2013 at 2:34 pm

      The garden! Looooove.

  • Reply MJ @ One-Parade.com July 31, 2013 at 2:57 pm

    Beautiful! If I could just buy a home she’s already decorated, I’d be set…

  • Reply Heather Moore July 31, 2013 at 3:43 pm

    Great post. I had exactly the same thoughts as you did, as I compared the old (much-stalked) home to the new. I also love that she’s so damn huge in the world, and yet her home is kind of modest, and looks like somewhere people actually live. We like you, Orla Kiely!

  • Reply kelly w July 31, 2013 at 4:28 pm

    Possibly a dumb question, but do you have any idea what those colorful wooden things are, on the floor in front of the TV cabinet?

    • Anna @ D16 July 31, 2013 at 4:35 pm

      I have no idea, Kelly, sorry!

  • Reply Emma at The Marion House Book July 31, 2013 at 8:30 pm

    Ha, ha I love it! “Goodbye Old Orla’s house” I admit I was a total stalker as well. She had me at the fireplace tiles. In fact, I named my daughter Orla (not really after her but the fact that she is totally awesome designer certainly factored into the decision!)

  • Reply Kate (@shoegirlinDE) August 1, 2013 at 6:19 am

    It seems no matter where she goes, she will always make a stunning home. No wonder I love her designs so much! Thanks for sharing. Must pick up this issue of Dwell now…

  • Reply Jaimie August 1, 2013 at 11:11 am

    Photo 2 from the old house is the perfect shade of OD green. I’m having trouble finding it though, to see if they mention what brand/color it is. I want it for my office!

  • Reply Jodi August 1, 2013 at 3:21 pm

    oh, orla. <3 <3 <3

  • Reply Colette August 2, 2013 at 2:41 pm

    I’ve never heard of Orla before this post. I guess you learn something new each day 🙂 I love her retro patterns and the choices of colors and shapes in each room. It really makes for a cozy and not so intimidating home.

    I’m also loving your new layout, Anna!

    xo

    • Anna @ D16 August 2, 2013 at 2:54 pm

      Thanks, Colette!

      Orla is verrrry addictive, and her patterns are really distinctive. I bet you’ll start noticing her prints around now that you’re familiar with her stuff. 🙂

  • Reply Charlotte August 2, 2013 at 4:09 pm

    Wow! Thanks so much for this post. I’ve never heard of Orla until today and I am currently fantasizing about moving into her house. So beautiful. Hope you are well. By the way, also wanted to let you know that I discovered Nuxe via your website and am now using their rose scented foaming face wash (and I am a person who usually doesn’t like anything scented, especially rose.) So thanks!

  • Reply petal and plume August 3, 2013 at 3:29 pm

    how incredibly fascinating to see inside her spaces! she’s a wonderfully creative genius.
    xx

  • Reply Jo August 3, 2013 at 5:47 pm

    I really love everything she produces. Just ordered a mint purse of hers on sale and I am very excited! I wish more of her furniture was available in the US! In general, I find that the UK has much more stylish furniture options (Heals, Habitat…swooonnn).

  • Reply Alex - Hydrangea Girl August 4, 2013 at 2:18 pm

    Mmmm, yes and yes. Kiely got skills. So much of her stuff can be found here in Dublin. Her patterns are so beautifully simple, fresh and fun.

    I thought those last few pictures looked familiar! I’m a H&H mag contributor 😉

    xx A

  • Reply Natalie.r August 4, 2013 at 3:38 pm

    Just WOWing…!!!

  • Reply Simone August 5, 2013 at 5:49 am

    The “things” in front of the TV are side tables. You can see and read more here: http://fashion.telegraph.co.uk/news-features/TMG8020570/The-world-of-Orla-Kiely-designer.html Did you get to visit her store while you were in Londen?
    Have a wonderful day! Simone

  • Reply Kelsey August 5, 2013 at 11:15 am

    I really love her work. Her home is absolutely gorgeous! Great lines and colors, I really love how she stays neutral throughout with bits of color to make the room cohesive. Just splendid. Great post!

  • Reply Hector August 5, 2013 at 2:21 pm

    It looks absolutely fabulous! I love the kitchen and those stairs are so unique!

  • Reply Dervla August 19, 2013 at 7:53 pm

    Great post. I’ve been a massive Orla fan for years. I love how her home isn’t too much “Orla” design. It can be a bit over whelming! Love all the mid-century furniture too.

  • Reply Lora Easley January 14, 2014 at 12:23 am

    Hi there! i found your blog googling to find more of this Orla Kiely wallpaper!!! My hanger hung it in the laundry room but miscalculated and I am short, and its up!! Any chance you have some left you’d like to sell?? I only need about 10 feet?? Thank you!!

    • Anna @ D16 January 14, 2014 at 6:25 am

      Sorry, I don’t!

  • Reply Sultan December 8, 2015 at 11:29 am

    Yours is so much better than Herman Millers. 🙂 I love it! And I`m gonna walk bihned my hubby until he agrees to make one just like this one. 😀

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