How To Embrace Colour … With Colours Of Arley Founder, Louisa Tratalos

From her iconic stripes to bold checks, cool collabs and covetable homewares,  interiors and portrait photographer and Colours of Arley founder Louisa Tratalos has become the go-to for fun, transformative decor. We caught up with her to chat inspo, favourite things and top tips.

Launched back in 2022, fabric company Colours of Arley, felt like an instant success. Call it luck, hard work, perfect timing, possibly all of the above, but Tratalos saw a gap in the market and ran with it. Her idea paid off, tapping into our infinite obsession with stripes. She opened its first brick-and-mortar store in east London and has since expanded to include 180 shades and three stripe widths, which can now be found in the changing rooms at the Rixo flagship store on King’s Road, as well as on a series of striped cushions for Glassette. Oh and on my lovely bedroom curtains! Like me, you’ll find her designs hard to resist.

You were previously a photographer. How has this helped or impacted the way Colours of Arley has developed?

The brand focuses on the spaces where the stripes end up, and telling those stories has always been my priority. I love meeting people who choose their stripes and understanding their reasons. Capturing a kitchen with a striped skirt surrounded by old pots and pans to reflect the garden outside, or a headboard next to their bedside with personal books and a posing pet in colours that remind them of a particular trip—these stories inspire me.

Colour is at the core of your business. What about bold shades inspire you?

Your space reflects who you are and should evoke certain feelings. I believe people should have fun when designing and embrace a sense of playfulness.

How do you feel about minimalist style compared to maximalist interiors?

I love interiors that are calm with good feng shui, but always include elements of humour. A serene minimal room with bold elements from maximalist spaces, such as a striking sofa and kitsch art, is my favourite.

I love interiors that are calm with good feng shui, but always include elements of humour.

Why stripes? What about florals and other patterns?

Stripes are timeless. I wanted to create fabrics that people will love for years, not just trend-based pieces that lose appeal quickly. Fast fashion and fast interiors are major issues for our time.

As we head into summer, which colour combinations are you particularly drawn to?

I enjoy combining neon bright colours with more subdued ones, like Swamp & Zest, Sherbet & Burnt Orange, or Shutters & Deep Rust. Surprisingly, the really bright colours have been some of the most popular.

Is there a particular era you feel connected to design-wise?

I appreciate spaces that tell stories rather than adhering to specific styles or trends but I’m obsessed with old niche interiors books which give you a real insight into different periods of design. My boyfriend runs @record28books which is a rare archive book store and I’m always checking out the titles he has coming through, from Tim Street Porter’s Interiors to Room for Love by Valentin Vallhonrat.

I appreciate spaces that tell stories rather than adhering to specific styles or trends

Which designers or creatives have previously inspired you and why?

I’m inspired by the weird and wonderful work of the women of the surrealists, like Meret Oppenheim and Dorethea Tanning. I admire the use of colour and play in Vincent Darré’s interiors, and the obvious heavy hitters of the photography world like Martin Parr and William Eggleston for their social commentary, colour, and style. I’m inspired by people who push boundaries and have a recognisable aesthetic.

You’ve had several successful collaborations. Which has brought you the most pride?

My collaboration with fashion designer Adam Jones, DFUN ‘Down From Up North,’ has brought me the most pride. We reimagined the classic working stripe worn by butchers, barbers and fishmongers, using colours inspired by Northern references such as Wrexham Football Club, Snooker, and ‘Gammon & Peas’ (though neither of us eats meat). The collaboration includes made-to-order striped suits and a limited edition run of striped ‘Studio Bags’. This is the first time we have ventured into accessories, DFUN studio bags are the first of a series of collaborations with cultural partners and the next drop will be launching later this summer on coloursofarley.com.

Who is on your wish list to collaborate with?

Pikes Hotel, Jemima Kirke, and Celine Dion. I love Celine Dion; I travelled to Las Vegas to see her perform at Caesars Palace, and it was a real-life highlight for me. I’d love to see what stripes she’d choose.

Who do you follow on social media for the best inspiration?

Our store florist and close collaborator, @christieleighfloral, the amazing @tat.london and a local to my home in Forest Gate, @deorling_

What are your top tips for introducing colour into your home?

Choose colours and combinations that mean something to you; you’ll never tire of them. Be brave and put colours side by side that you wouldn’t initially consider. Sometimes, you’ll discover something you really love.

Which has been your biggest seller?

Our best-selling stripes are undoubtedly our bench seats, both interior and exterior. I’m really proud of all the magical seating spaces we’ve helped create.

Be brave and put colours side by side that you wouldn’t initially consider. Sometimes, you’ll discover something you really love.

In an Insta-world obsessed with the ‘perfect’ home, what is your version of ‘perfect’?

A room full of anecdotes—a fridge magnet from Sicily, a framed menu from Ibiza, a museum poster from an inspirational show, and a seating area in the colours of your favourite dessert.

What is your favourite part about designing your own home?

I get to include a stripey moment in each room, which I have complete freedom over without any say from my boyfriend or my little sister who we live with. Another fun part is designing special places for Patch, my rescue terrier.

Which homeware labels are on the top of your list for decor?

Bettina Ceramica for bowls, lamps, and serving dishes, Pieces of the Day for tiled objects, and second-hand finds from Vinterior or eBay.

Name three pieces on your wish list.

Right now? I’d love a light from Cupla Studio, a painting from Studio Lenca and I’ve got to say it, a hot tap!

Finally, what can we expect from you and Colours of Arley in the next year? Any exciting projects coming up?

I’m heading to the Hamptons in a few weeks to launch a new garden collection which I’m really excited about. We’ve also partnered with stylist and pre-loved advocate Amy Bannerman on a range of vintage pieces launching soon. Keep your eyes peeled on our socials @coloursofarley.

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