Dunelm has unveiled an exciting collaboration with artist and designer Yinka Ilori – and, as a surprise to no one, it gets colour and pattern just right.
Yinka Ilori is a multi-disciplinary artist whose exceptionally colourful, bold design language has taken shape across a wide range of mediums, from architecture to interior design and furniture.
Now, the British-Nigerian creative has brought his signature style to Dunelm in an affordable, mid-century modern-inspired collection of 40 pieces, with prices starting at just £9 for a 100 per cent cotton jacquard hand towel.
The range is centred on furnishings featuring Yinka's expressive, richly-coloured patterns, including upholstered accent chairs, wall hangings, bedding, cushions and lampshades. But there are also dining chairs, side tables and – in true mid-century style – sideboards.
The collaboration is partly inspired by the shared history and values of the two brands. Yinka says he was struck by Dunelm's humble beginnings as a Leicester market stall in 1979, which mirrored his own family's story. His parents ran a local supermarket in north London, where he grew up.
'Growing up in a working-class environment, community was everything for my family,' Yinka says. 'It was how we shared stories and how we built things off the ground together, as a collective. There were similarities with this and Dunelm’s beginnings as a market stall – how they sought community. That was interesting to me and was what I was excited to explore in further depth for this collaboration.'
The designs draw inspiration from the era in which Dunelm came up ('I looked at designs from the 70s and 80s, remixing them for today'), as well as the communities that helped drive Leicester’s textile industry boom during the 20th century.
Floral motifs throughout the collection are inspired by the national flowers of some of the Asian, African and Caribbean countries whose cultures have enriched the city, including the lotus, India's national flower, and jasmine, that of Pakistan.
This range achieves something that high-street collaborations rarely do: it places a genuine appreciation of history, culture and community at its heart.
'Good design can be for everyone,' Yinka adds.
'It can change what we see and dream. It changes the way people live, the way they think and the way they see the world. I think it’s important we design objects that are rich in storytelling, that speak to people in different ways and that celebrate unique ideas. I hope this collection sparks conversations and brings joy into people’s everyday lives.'
The Yinka Ilori x Dunelm collection is available now online and in stores.
Dunelm x Yinka Ilori
Yinka Ilori Yinka Ilori Net Floral 100% Cotton Duvet Cover & Pillowcase Set
