From handbags to homeware: Orla Kiely shares design secrets
![From handbags to homeware: Orla Kiely shares design secrets From handbags to homeware: Orla Kiely shares design secrets](/cms_media/module_img/7658/3829261_13_articlesmall_Orla_20Kiely_20at_20Casys_20Furniture_2c_20Cork-9.jpeg.jpg)
Designer Orla Kiely at the launch of her furniture range at Caseys, Oliver Plunkett Street, Cork.
I first discovered Orla Kiely thanks to two fashionista friends in the early Noughties.
![The Orla Kiely collection features retro yet timeless shapes and 60s sensibilities. The Orla Kiely collection features retro yet timeless shapes and 60s sensibilities.](https://www.irishexaminer.com/cms_media/module_img/7658/3829144_29_articleinline_Scene_2_Group_A_DOG_2015_1_.jpg)
![Orla Kiely in Cork. Picture: David Creedon Orla Kiely in Cork. Picture: David Creedon](https://www.irishexaminer.com/cms_media/module_img/7658/3829183_16_articleinline_Orla_20Kiely_20at_20Casys_20Furniture_2c_20Cork-2.jpeg.jpg_tn_SMALL)
“Mid-century modern has always been a reference in my design which can be seen in the shapes and styles. I love colour and pattern which I would say is the focus of this collection.”
Does she have particular favourite pieces? “I especially like the Dorsey sofa and the Callan armchair and although they are not a set they complement each other beautifully,” according to the designer.
![The Callan chair. The Callan chair.](https://www.irishexaminer.com/cms_media/module_img/7658/3829147_20_articleinline_Callan_Hero_1_.jpg)
“I design at home and at our studio. At home, we have a bright room with a big window facing north and the light is beautiful,” she says.
“I have an easel for painting and a desk for designing. At work, it’s more about working with the team and collaborating.
![The Mimosa sofa. The Mimosa sofa.](https://www.irishexaminer.com/cms_media/module_img/7658/3829150_20_articleinline_OK_mimosa_velvet_forest_1-1.jpg)
Munster connections mean a lot to the designer too: “My father was from Tipperary town and we used to go there as children to visit our grandmother and relatives, it was a very special place for him.”
![The Flynn footstool. The Flynn footstool.](https://www.irishexaminer.com/cms_media/module_img/7658/3829153_20_articleinline_OK_Flynn_Footstool_ClimbingDaisy_Tidepool_Bandon_Forest.jpg)
![Orla Kiely's footstools offer the perfect pop of mid-century style and colour for your living room. Orla Kiely's footstools offer the perfect pop of mid-century style and colour for your living room.](https://www.irishexaminer.com/cms_media/module_img/7658/3829171_20_articleinline_Leap_Stool_1_.jpg)
![Designer Orla Kiely during her visit to Cork. Picture: David Creedon Designer Orla Kiely during her visit to Cork. Picture: David Creedon](https://www.irishexaminer.com/cms_media/module_img/7658/3829156_20_articleinline_Orla_20Kiely_20at_20Casys_20Furniture_2c_20Cork-10.jpeg.jpg)
"In recent months, I have gone back to painting, drawing and pottery. There are some new skills to learn but it’s so enjoyable and good for the soul.”
![Orla Kiely during her visit to Caseys, Oliver Plunkett Street, Cork. Picture: David Creedon Orla Kiely during her visit to Caseys, Oliver Plunkett Street, Cork. Picture: David Creedon](https://www.irishexaminer.com/cms_media/module_img/7658/3829159_20_articleinline_Orla_20Kiely_20at_20Casys_20Furniture_2c_20Cork-14.jpeg.jpg)