Dunelm has been on fire when it comes to churning out stylish new homeware, but its latest collaboration, a partnership with British-Nigerian artist and designer Yinka Ilori MBE, might be the brand’s most colorful and vibrant yet. Limited edition Dunelm x Yinka Ilori collection 40 pieces of furniture and homeware are included and I got a preview of the range IRL.
Living up to their nickname, the ‘Architect of Joy’, Yinka and its range are full of bold patterns and joyful, summer-ready colours. She takes the baton from the ‘queen of colour’, the interior designer Sophie Robinson, who previously collaborated with Dunelm On three different homeware collections.
(Image credit: Future/Sara Hesikova)
With prices starting at just £9 for a hand towel, the Yinka Ilori collection features a distinct color scheme of deep orange, pink and green with hints of blue, found on both rugs, bed linen and soft furnishings such as cushions. Furniture such as Biscuit pine side table Which is one of my favorite pieces – and it’s this consistent color palette that holds the new collection together.
But within that color scheme, Yinka offers slightly different bold patterns, both geometric and floral. Vibrant colors are set against a neutral base, either in the form of an attractive sculptural chair or Bokal Ottoman Bed.
(Image credit: Dunelm)
Both the choice of colors and patterns are very true to Yanka’s style and what she has become known for. References are inspired by the designer’s multicultural background and upbringing in North London as well as the diverse communities of Leicester. Dunelmhometown of
‘Growing up in a working-class environment, community was everything to my family,’ says Yinka. ‘It was how we shared stories and how we, as a collective, built things off the ground. There were parallels between this and Dunelm’s start as a market stall – how they found community.’
(Image credit: Future/Sara Hesikova)
This is especially evident in the background of the net floral pattern seen on This cotton duvet cover and pillowcase set. Inspired by traditional curtain designs, the print design incorporates the national flowers of several countries whose cultures have contributed to the boom in Leicester’s textile industry.
But it was actually the collection’s furniture that impressed me. Most of the furniture pieces have a mid-century modern spin, which is on-trend Chrome furniture Found throughout the series.
My top Dunelm x Yinka Ilori pick
Dunelm x Yinka Ilori
Swivel Dining Chair in Sweet Floss Fabric
There is also a swivel armchair version of this dining chair. But I think it’s such a stylish statement piece for a dining area. It also comes in an off-white buckle if you’re not feeling a bold pattern.
Dunelm x Yinka Ilori
Biscuit pine side table
The tabletop of this sweet little side table reminds me of biscuits, as the name suggests. Made from solid pinewood, it comes in this orange, as well as pink and natural wood finish.
Dunelm x Yinka Ilori
Net Floral 100% Cotton Duvet Cover and Pillowcase Set
As mentioned above, this net curtain like print design includes various national flowers including lotus and jasmine. And I love the context, as well as the resulting folk style.
Dunelm x Yinka Ilori
Half log sideboard
If I could only have one piece from this collection, I would probably go for this beautiful curved sideboard with chrome details. And there’s also a matching chest of drawers and bedside table.
Dunelm x Yinka Ilori
Trumpet steel coffee table
This coffee table is suitable for very small spaces, thanks to the transparent glass tabletop and the reflective finish on the glass and the unique chrome legs. And it also comes as a side table or dining table.
Dunelm x Yinka Ilori
Squares Boucle Ottoman Bed
I have an ottoman bed which is a lifesaver when it comes to having enough storage space for all my things. But it’s nowhere near as stylish as it ends in square-shaped boucle upholstery.
I love a good collaboration – and this one, too Next x Lia Gold seriesBoth have caught my attention this summer. The range is limited edition and full of attractive pieces at budget-friendly prices, so I don’t expect the pieces to stick around for long. So if you see something you like, I recommend snapping it up while you can.
