Yinka Ilori’s new homeware brightens 2020 with joyful optimism
Distinctively colorful and sustainably made, the designer’s new range of homewares includes cups, plates, rugs and cushions in his signature playful patterns and palettes inspired by his childhood
‘My first homeware collection is a continuation of design work inspired by my own British Nigerian heritage and childhood,’ says designer Yinka Ilori. His work has traditionally been developed as a ‘colourful celebration of two cultures, expressed through abstract, technicolour pattern and contemporary craft,’ and this new venture seamlessly follows this path.
Ilori selected a small range of functional household items that evoke memories from his own upbringing and reworked them with bold patterns: think enamel cups, printed placemats, plates and pillows, as well as tv dinner-ready trays and carefully crafted rugs and tablecloths. Each item, he explains, has its own story, ‘meant to instil a sense of optimism and joy, to act in their own small way as a distraction to the dark times that we’re facing this year.’
Ilori is no stranger to positive initiatives inspired by the recent pandemic. Earlier in 2020, the designer’s colorful graphics were applied to public buildings across London featuring encouraging messages such as ‘Better days are coming I promise’ and ‘As long as we have each other we’ll be ok’. Commissioned by the NHS, the pieces bounced all over social media and helped create a sense of communal hopefulness. ‘Online, I’ve seen a growing audience interacting with my works that promote positivity and act as a form of creative hedonism on social media feeds,’ admits Ilori. ‘With a number of public installations put on hold, this year has given me time to work on a joy project that could translate this creative optimism offline.’
Each item is meant to instil a sense of optimism and joy, to act as a distraction to the dark times that we’re facing
To build the collection, the designer spent a long time researching suppliers, focusing on craftsmanship, quality and durability. He sourced stoneware, jacquard table linens and cushions from Portugal, hand-knotted wool rugs from Nepal and tableware from the UK. ‘This collection has been a truly uplifting and fascinating project to work on,’ concludes Ilori. ‘It allowed me to to bring my artworks, which are normally associated with large scale installations and public exhibitions, into a new setting within the home.’
INFORMATION
Wallpaper* Newsletter
Receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories from around the world direct to your inbox.
Rosa Bertoli was born in Udine, Italy, and now lives in London. Since 2014, she has been the Design Editor of Wallpaper*, where she oversees design content for the print and online editions, as well as special editorial projects. Through her role at Wallpaper*, she has written extensively about all areas of design. Rosa has been speaker and moderator for various design talks and conferences including London Craft Week, Maison & Objet, The Italian Cultural Institute (London), Clippings, Zaha Hadid Design, Kartell and Frieze Art Fair. Rosa has been on judging panels for the Chart Architecture Award, the Dutch Design Awards and the DesignGuild Marks. She has written for numerous English and Italian language publications, and worked as a content and communication consultant for fashion and design brands.
-
Wallpaper* checks in at the refreshed W Hollywood: ‘more polish and less party’
The W Hollywood introduces a top-to-bottom reimagining by the Rockwell Group, capturing the genuine warmth and spirit of Southern California
By Carole Dixon Published
-
Book a table at Row on 5 in London for the dinner party of dreams
Row on 5, the first restaurant ever to open on Savile Row, emerges as a perfectly tailored fit for fans of fan dining
By Ben McCormack Published
-
How a bijou jewellery salon in Monaco set the jewellery trends for 2025
Inside the inaugural edition of Joya, where jewellery is celebrated as miniature works of art
By Jean Grogan Published
-
Portable lights to illuminate your winter nights
The best portable lights and where to buy them: brighten up your summer nights with this edit of portable lamps for your desk and garden
By Rosa Bertoli Last updated
-
Door handles and knobs: latest designs for quick home updates
Door handles and beyond: open the door to a world of practical design details and ideas for door furniture with our selection of architectural ironmongery from some of the world's leading designers and makers
By Rosa Bertoli Last updated
-
These Pentagram-designed pans are hot stuff
French professional cookwear start-up Soufflé is on the rise thanks to colourful design from Pentagram
By Jonathan Bell Published
-
Monoware’s minimalist table settings are timeless and durable
Launched by creative consultant Daniel Baer and designed by ceramicist Ian McIntyre, Monoware features plates, bowls and mugs as well as serving platters for a minimalist table setting
By Rosa Bertoli Last updated
-
Colville's tactile homeware celebrates artisanal touch
We can't wait to snuggle ourselves into the brand's energetic debut homeware offering
By Laura Hawkins Last updated
-
Lebanon’s design scene is flourishing at the House of Today Biennale in Beirut
By Tracy Lynn Chemaly Last updated
-
Patricia Urquiola unveils interiors for first London residential project
By Harriet Lloyd-Smith Last updated
-
How Industrial Facility creates a visual narrative of its unique design dialogue
By Ali Morris Published