London based, Irish Fashion designer Orla Kiely who is famous for her intensive use of colour and prints in her apparel line, recently launched her first home collection series in Autumn/ Winter 2006.
OK although I am not a big fan of her apparel line (too busy and “printy” as I prefer clean and simple), I think the home collection is fabulous.

Wallpaper

I love her wallpapers!!!!!!!!! Following her successful collaboration with the Habitat VIP collection, this collection comprises of 4 vivid designs made through Cole & Son, Manufacturer of fine printed wallpapers since 1875. These prints are unmistakably Orla Kiely! And it’s limited edition ok.

Mugs

These quirky, retro style mugs are gorgeous! They are sold in sets of four at £30. It’s almost S$23.00 per mug. Hmmmm.

Soft Furnishings

The stem print features prominently throughout Orla’s new soft furnishing range with cushions, throws and fabric by the meter on offer. The wool throws are available in four shades: brown, blue, orange and green and retail at £225.00, whilst the wool cushions, also available in the matching colours can be purchased for £155.00. Well, as much as I love her stem prints, I am NOT going to spend almost S$465.00 on a piece of cushion! I guess that’s the economical girl in me talking… Would much rather buy the fabric and sew it myself… Hahaha.

Rugs

I am not mad about her rugs. But the clincher is, they bear the Rugmark label. RUGMARK which is a global non-profit organisation working to stamp out illegal child labour in the hand-made carpet industry. By buying rugs and carpets bearing the RUGMARK label, you can be sure they were not made by under-age children working illegally.

Furniture

Hmmm… am really not enthusiastic about her furniture series, although I know that die hard Orla fans will beg to disagree. My taste is more of the sombre Balinese clean lines or solid colour blocks. None of the quirky or fanciful for my home furnishing..