Yinka Ilori

Playful, bold and joyful are words that come to mind when admiring Yinka Ilori’s innovative designs.

Yinka Ilori is a London-based multidisciplinary artist of a British-Nigerian heritage, who specialises in storytelling by fusing his heritage to tell new stories in contemporary design.

His first collection debuted in 2013, which led to his breakthrough exhibition at the London Design Festival: ‘If Chairs Could Talk’. More recently, a pavilion in Dulwich and an underpass in Battersea –named ‘The Colour Palace’ and ‘Happy Street’ respectively– were enveloped in his characteristic bright colours. He also created the exhibition design for Somerset House show ‘Get Up, Stand Up, Now’. His name is now synonymous with colourful London streets and art instalments, but he also offers a wealth of home furnishings and design products.

The idea of bringing people together has been a strong ethos in Yinka’s life and has influenced his work and projects. Tablemats, trays, linens and crockery are all imagined in the signature paint box palette to brighten a dining table; jacquard cushions and rugs add vivacity to a living room. It’s hard not to smile when around his pieces.