I saw the Dunelm’s colourful new collab with the ‘architect of joy’ IRL – these are the stand-out limited edition pieces that you'll want to snap up fast
Yinka Ilori has put his stamp on the gorgeous new range
Dunelm has been on fire when it comes to pumping out stylish new homeware, but its latest collaboration, partnering with British-Nigerian artist and designer Yinka Ilori MBE might just be the brand’s most colourful and vibrant yet. The limited-edition Dunelm x Yinka Ilori collection includes 40 pieces of furniture and homeware and I got a preview of the range IRL.
Living up to his nickname, the ‘architect of joy’, Yinka and his range is filled with bold patterns and joyful, summer-ready colours. He takes over the baton from the ‘queen of colour’, interior designer Sophie Robinson, who previously collaborated with Dunelm on three separate homeware collections.
With prices starting at just £9 for a hand towel, the Yinka Ilori collection has a distinct colour scheme of bold orange, pink and green with hints of blue, seen both on the soft furnishings like rugs, bed linen and cushions, as well as furniture like the Biscuit pine side tables which are among my favourite pieces – and it’s this cohesive colour palette that holds the new collection together.
But within that colour scheme, Yinka delivers a few different bold patterns, both geometric and floral ones. The vibrant colours are set against a neutral base, either in the form of a striking sculptural armchair or the boucle ottoman bed.
Both the choice of colours and patterns are very true to Yinka’s style and what he’s become known for. The references are inspired by the designer’s multicultural background and upbringing in north London, as well as the diverse communities of Leicester, Dunelm’s home city.
‘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.’
This is particularly evident in the background of the net floral pattern seen on this cotton duvet cover and pillowcase set. Inspired by a traditional curtain design, the print design incorporates the national flowers of some of the countries whose cultures have contributed to Leicester’s textile industry boom.
But it was actually the collection’s furniture that impressed me. Most of the pieces of furniture have a mid-century modern spin to them, with on-trend chrome furniture detailing seen throughout the range.
My top Dunelm x Yinka Ilori picks
There's also a swivel armchair version of this dining chair. But I think it's such a stylish statement piece for the dining area. It also comes in off-white boucle if you're not feeling the bold pattern.
The tabletop of this sweet little side table reminds me of a biscuit, as its name suggests. Made from solid pinewood, it comes in this orange, as well as pink and a natural wood finish.
As already mentioned above, this net curtain-like print design includes various national flowers, including lotus and jasmine. And I love the reference, as well as the resulting folk style.
If I could have just one piece from this collection, I'd likely go for this beautifully curved sideboard with chrome detailing. And there's a matching chest of drawers and a bedside table, too.
This coffee table is very small space-friendly thanks to the transparent glass tabletop and reflective finish on the glass and unique chrome legs. And it also comes as a side table or a dining table.
I own an ottoman bed which is a lifesaver when it comes to having enough storage space for all my things. But it's nowhere as stylish as this one finished in square-shaped boucle upholstery.
I love a good collaboration – and this one, along with the Next x Lia Gold range, has both caught my attention this summer. The range is limited edition and filled with amazing pieces at budget-friendly prices, so I don’t expect the pieces to hang around for long. So if you see something you like, I recommend snapping it up while you can.
