Credit: Stylist
Stylist Loves
This diverse, female-owned design studio is a go-to for reimagining traditional textiles
Updated 3 years ago
All products on this page have been selected by the editorial team, however Stylist may make commission on some products purchased through affiliate links in this article
1 min read
As part of our Female-Founded Friday series, we take a look at London-based design studio Dar Leone.
As we begin to fully embrace the winter months, injecting some colour into our lives has become even more important. Whether you’re embracing bold hues in your clothing, make-up or homeware, choosing products that stand out amid the greys, browns and beiges can be the perfect touch to looking and feeling good about yourself and the spaces around you.
One brand which is all about embracing vibrant colours and prints is Dar Leone, a luxury homeware and jewellery brand founded by Sierra Leonean-American Isatu Funna.
Dar Leone creates and curates a range of jewellery, textiles, wallpaper, cushions and objects inspired by Isatu’s travels around the world and her childhood memories in Freetown.
Isatu’s travels have continued to serve as an inspiration and can be seen throughout Dar Leone’s products, from ancient Nomoli figures carved in soapstone and found in Sierra Leone to the geometry of a metal gate handworked by artisans in Freetown.
If you’re looking to brighten up your home, we’ve selected a few pieces which would be a great addition to your space.
Oblong palm tray
This decorative gold-rimmed oblong tray is made in the UK with Dar Leone’s own range of textiles. The trays are scratchproof, lightweight and able to withstand temperatures up to 100°C and are a perfect base for your jewellery collection or adding a splash of colour to your kitchen.
Romarong bone China pen pot
Inspired by Isatu’s Sierra Leoneon heritage, this ceramic canister is perfect for placing flowers, pens and cute little trinkets and features a print based on geometric patterns often seen in traditional West African design.
Tissue box cover
Maximalists are sure to love this tissue box, which features a striking geometric print that’s reminiscent of traditional West African design, with the beaded edging on the lozenge pattern being a common feature of filigree gold from a wide range of tribes from Guinea to the Ivory Coast.
Rosewood Lobi with three bantu knots
Guests are sure to comment on this stand-out sculpture. Inspired by cast bronze figures from Burkina Faso, these Lobi figures make a perfect bookend or paperweight.
Vessel Afrique vermillion ice
This bold lidded pot features geometric patterns based on a method of tribal identification and will be a fun addition to your home.
Images: The Drop / Dar Leone
Sign up for our edit of what to buy, see, read and do, and receive a free mini-mag of the top 5 fashion trends you’re sure to see in 2024.
By signing up you agree to occasionally receive offers and promotions from Stylist. Newsletters may contain online ads and content funded by carefully selected partners. Don’t worry, we’ll never share or sell your data. You can opt-out at any time. For more information read Stylist’s Privacy Policy
Thank you!
You’re now subscribed to all our newsletters. You can manage your subscriptions at any time from an email or from a MyStylist account.