We’ve been talking about cosy home décor updates and discovered beautiful crochet cushions by Love Lolla. Needless to say we feel in love with her designs! We had the opportunity to chat to the lovely Lolla Orchard, founder of Love Lolla.

In this interview Lolla shares her inspiration behind the South African handmade design label and defines her home décor style, treating us to a look inside into her ecliptic vintage-styled home. So without further ado, we’d love to introduce you to Lolla…

What is Love Lolla and what inspired you to start this business?

Love Lolla was born out of my passion for handmade items and my obsession with accessories. In the beginning I concentrated on fashion accessories like scarves, gloves and beaded jewellery, but I soon realised that there is a big gap in the market for handmade home accessories – specifically knitted and crochet items.

When did you start crocheting?

Whilst living in London, I bought knitting needles and yarn. I knitted so many scarves and pairs of gloves. I didn’t know this would be the inspiration for my own business. I learned to crochet after I started my business. I source the yarn, create the unique design and have a team of amazing ladies, or as I call them – Tannies, that crochet or knit the designs. They have been crocheting and knitting for more than 200 years combined!

How would you define your home décor style?

My home décor style is an ecliptic mix of vintage décor with touches of cool modern design. I love antiques, especially ball and claw furniture, and don’t mind painting them silver, gold or grey!

What is your favourite room in your home and why?

I love my living/dining room – it’s filled with everything I love! At the moment it’s all shades of grey with painted ball and claw furniture, lots of crochet items and a whole wall of Venetian mirrors. I have also accessorised the room with white ceramics and glass.

What are your top five decorating tips?

1. Find your own style
2. Work with the space you have
3. If decorating is not in you, find someone to help. Don’t copy someone else’s style, most of the time it won’t work because either won’t suit your space you or personality.
4. You don’t have to spend a fortune to make your home beautiful.
5. You have to be comfortable in your own house, whatever your style.

What’s on your current wish list?

I wish for world peace and happiness! He he, wish I was serene enough to say that was all that I wanted but unfortunately there are lots of material things I want. It’s a long list but here are just a few things I want…
• I have recently converted to Mac with an iPhone and iPad so now I’m dreaming of buying my own Macbook Pro.
• An around the world trip with endless spending money.
• VW old school bus camper van. I’ve wanted one ever since I can remember.

When you’re not crocheting, what do you love doing?

I love travelling, reading (although I haven’t had much time read much lately), working on a fun DIY project and socialising, which I recently discovered can be inspiring! I spend good amount of time daydreaming and online while listening to music. I find a lot of inspiration online.

I’m also the proud aunt of five nieces and nephews ranging from 18 months to 7 years. I try to spend as much time with them as possible. Unfortunately the youngest lives in England but thanks to Skype, I get to see him grow.

What’s one thing you wouldn’t leave home without?

My iPad! A bit superficial I know, but it’s changed my life! I no longer have to wait at the doctor’s office or when meetings running late, I reply to emails, read, flip through magazines, listen to music or even watch movies! When I have a stand for Love Lolla at markets, I take photos, download them straight to my iPad and post them on my blog.

If you would like to see more of Love Lolla, Visit her Etsy shop, Facebook page and blog or email lolla@lovelolla.co.za. And for the latest décor trends and ideas, be sure to follow us on Twitter or on Facebook. To find stylish AMERICAN shutters or blinds for your home, visit our online showroom.