Behind the Designs: OKA x Lewis & Wood

Totem 

One of Lewis & Wood’s best-selling fabrics, Totem is inspired by the simple borders found on Samarkand suzanis from Uzbekistan, without the signature large circular motifs. For this collaboration, it has been developed in exclusive Light Spruce, Dark Seafoam and Apricot, designed to sit seamlessly within OKA’s broader palette. 

Sue describes the colours as “a calm selection of tones, designed to create a warm, lived-in feel.” The flowing nature of Totem allows pattern to feel expressive while remaining restful in the bedroom.  

Wild Rice 

Wild Rice is another signature Lewis & Wood fabric, chosen for its quiet, grounding presence. Inspired by Kantha stitch matelassé, the design is printed in deep tones with white stitching that complements the rest of the collection. 

Introduced as a quieter counterpoint, it allows the eye to rest and creates balance among the more intricate patterns. Its smaller scale adds subtle contrast, ensuring the designs work harmoniously together rather than competing for attention. 

This considered approach runs throughout the collection with pattern scales thoughtfully varied across cushions, lampshades and upholstery to create depth without overwhelming the space.  

Reimagining Sheki 

At the centre of the collaboration is a reimagined version of OKA’s iconic Sheki design. Originally a hand screen-printed pattern layered with hand-stitched embroidery, it has been reworked through a hand-painted process developed with a specialist artist. 

To make it possible, we worked with a wonderful painter who hand-painted our new reimagined Sheki carefully and meticulously to make it just as beautiful as the original but with a different feel. 

The result retains the spirit and detail of the original design while introducing a more fluid feel across upholstery. The new Dark Seafoam colourway, in particular, brings depth and sophistication to the collection, sitting naturally alongside the Lewis & Wood designs. 

When asked which print best reflects her style, Sue says: “It’s very difficult to choose because the entire collection feels incredibly true to my style, filled with the earthy tones and layered textures I’m naturally drawn to. Of course, Sheki is such a recognisable and much-loved OKA pattern, so it’s been wonderful to see it reimagined as a printed fabric.” 

A More Decorative Approach to the Bedroom 

The launch reflects a growing focus on sleep, wellness and slower living, with bedrooms increasingly seen as spaces for retreat, expression and restoration. For Sue, they should feel every bit as considered as the rest of the home.  

“For me, the perfect bedroom should feel like a true sanctuary, as beautiful and considered as the main living spaces in your home,” she says. “Lovely fabrics, layered textures and soft furnishings all help create warmth and comfort, but practicality is just as important. Generous bedside tables, thoughtful storage and soft, layered lighting all make a huge difference.”  

That balance between decoration and practicality shaped the collection from the outset. Fully upholstered storage beds combine functionality with pattern and texture, while cushions in varying sizes and pleated lampshades allow for flexible, layered styling throughout the room.  

Lewis & Wood brings a deep heritage of British craftsmanship and in-house production to the collaboration. At Woodchester Mill in Gloucestershire, every fabric and wallpaper is designed and printed under one roof by a highly skilled team. 

Together, the collection celebrates a sharedlove of beautifully madefabrics and furnishings enriched with pattern,colourand heritage. The result is a bedroom collection that feels warm,layeredand full of character, designed for homes that are truly lived in.