Get A Cool Mid-Century Modern Vibe – Orla Kiely Crafts And DIYs

Inside: A collection of cool Orla Kiely style crafts and DIYs for those that love Mid-Century modern.

As soon as you walk into the front door of my friend’s home, you think someone trendy and chilled lives here. There is plenty of colours, but they are all slightly muted and soothing. The furniture is very stylish with smooth curves. But all the home accessories complete the look, the Orla Kiely cushions and lampshades and the gorgeous paintings on the wall.

When I ask her about her fantastic eye for interior design. She said the secret is buying classic pieces that don’t age with time, which include the best of Mid-Century modern.

Mid-Century Modern

The definition of mid-century modern is;

a style of design (as in architecture and furniture) of roughly the 1930s through the mid-1960s characterized especially by clean lines, organic and streamlined forms, and lack of embellishment

Mirriam Webster dictionary

One of the great ways to achieve the mid-century modern look in your home is to add a bit of Orla Kiely. Orla Kiely is a contemporary Irish designer, the most iconic of her designs is probably the multi-stem leaf print. This print has been on everything from bedding, home furnishings, kitchenware, furniture, bags, garden gloves and digital radios.

Here I have rounded up great ways to get a bit of Orla Kiely magic into your home. Whether it’s upcycling with her wallpapers or creating your own Orla Kiely-inspired designs, there’ll be an idea here for you. Get that mid-century modern look!

The Orla Kiely Crafts & DIYs

1. Orla Kiely Linear Stem Bin Makeover – Pillarboxblue

My most popular post has been featured in several places, such as Apartment Therapy. Who’d of thought that transforming a humble trash can with a bit of wallpaper would be so popular? You have got to admit, though, the bin looks excellent.

 2. Orla Kiely Fridge – Casapinka

Why stop at a bin? You could revamp your fridge with Orla Kiely wallpaper.

3. DIY Orla Kiely bag – A Beautiful Mess

Update a plain bag by hand stitching the classic stem pattern into a leather bag. A simple Orla Kiely craft for beginners.

4. Orla Kiely Lampshades

It is easy to make your own Orla Kiely lampshade or revamp an existing one. Again with wallpaper, this time the daisy print.

5. Orla Kiely Crochet Pattern -PSICrochet

A free crochet pattern to make this gorgeous “Orla Love Bag”. The colours are lovely, and I love the simple flower granny square design.

6. Multi Stem Garland – The Blue Kazoo

How about making an Orla Kiely multi-stem garland from paint chips for a fun decoration?

7. Line a Vintage Suitcase

Because Orla Kiely prints have that retro vibe, they are perfect when combined with vintage revamps. Like with this upcycled suitcase side table.

8. Orla Kiely Inspired Cardboard Wall Art

Paint toilet rolls cardboard tubes in muted colours and then squash them at one end to make a leaf shape. Then arrange these cardboard leaves into the classic stem pattern. Coloured paper could be used instead for the Orla Kiely artwork.

9. Dining Room Table Make Over

Revamp an old dining room table with some Orla Kiely wallpaper to give it a more mid-century modern feel. It’s so easy to do and durable if you varnish the table. The fabric stag on the wall also fits in with this classic look.

10. Orla Kiely Knitting Pattern Free – Just Crafty Enough

For those who like to knit, here’s an Orla Kiely-inspired pattern for some gorgeous mittens.

11. Orla Kiely Cupcakes – Hellocoton

I couldn’t find a tutorial for these cupcakes, but they are so adorable I had to include them in my round-up. It shouldn’t be too difficult to work out how to make them.

 12. Orla Kiely Tissue Box – Tadaam

Paint a plain wooden tissue box with this gorgeous pattern. If you aren’t confident with your painting skills, then this could also be made by paper napkin decoupage.

13. Orla Kiely Furniture and Stairs Upcycle

If you want to see some great use of Orla Kiely in a home, look at this excellent home tour. Orla Kiely has been used on stairs, drawers and chairs in this unique cottage, giving an awe-inspiring mid-century modern feel.

14. Mid-Century Spring Wreath

The colours of this DIY spring wreath are very mid-century, and the fabric used for the cute little bird house is Orla Kiely.

15. Sewing Box Upcycle

A traditional sewing box is given a mid-century makeover with paint and Orla Kiely gift wrap paper.

Orla Kiely wallpaper is used for a lot of these projects. Sometimes you only need a little wallpaper; I look on eBay to buy part rolls of wallpaper for smaller projects. Also, you can buy Orla Kiely wrapping paper which will work just as well for some of these projects.
 

16. Painted Dresser -Dreamgreendiy

A simple but very effective paint makeover on a chest of drawers.

17. Catherine Holm Candles

Catherine Holm was an iconic Norwegian mid-century cookware brand. These candles are made with their classic pattern.

Another design company with a mid-century modern feel to their prints is Marimekko; check out these Marimekko DIY and crafts.