Being pregnant definitely inspired Olli Ella founder Chloe Brookman’s latest whimsical collection. She recently gave birth to little Nell, a baby girl as beautiful as her new wares!
“The concept is about embracing a simple, easy living feel, with lots of natural elements,” Chloe says. “We were really inspired by designs of the late 1960s and early 1970s coming out of the south of France. We liked the idea of slowing down, being mindful, calm and present. We designed this collection with a nod to the slower pace of the 60s and 70s; an era where things were crafted rather than made. We love our homes and as crazy and chaotic as they can be, they are still our sanctuaries.”
The stunning macramé bassinet, which been a long work in progress, is her favourite piece. “I have just loved using it with Nell. We’ve hung it in the living room, and she has spent nearly every afternoon nap there, doors open, sun streaming in, the sound of her brothers running around her. It’s beautiful and it’s made nap time an experience if that makes sense? I’m loving being a mama of three. It’s tiring and overwhelming at times for sure, but we are all so happy to have her. I had several late miscarriages before Nell, so there’s an overwhelming gratitude and perspective that I have had. I can’t take her for granted.”
Expecting a girl led Chloe, who started the business with sister Olivia when she was pregnant with her first child, towards a softer, more serene aesthetic. During the nesting period, she also had a real urge to make things, turning to macrame when she probably should have been napping! “I didn’t fuss with a nursery as Nell sleeps in with us so this was perhaps in lieu of that!”
Four new rugs are made from either 100% wool or jute. “The jute ones were inspired by 70s south of France. You might have found a rug similar to our Antibes rug in the courtyard of the home belonging to Bridgette Bardot! The jute rugs are intricate yet simple, and so soft! That’s not something one expects from jute generally but these are incredible. The Berber rug is a soft, delicate take on a traditional Beni Ourain rug and the Colombe and Paloma rugs are soft, luxurious and playful. We love them on walls and on floors.”
I personally love the mix of brights with neutral, textural staples like the lovely changing basket.
