Let’s TALK - Louisa Tratalos, the Colours of Arley
Louisa Tratalos, founder of the Colours of Arley, has created a stunning collection of 'Bespoke stripes for distinctive spaces'.A photographer with a love of storytelling and a passion for creating unique, meaningful objects.
Her company was born during lockdown when Louisa rehomed Patch, a scruffy terrier, and set out to find the perfect stripe to make him a throne worthy of his new Hackney life. The search provided more challenges than expected, sparking the idea for a brand dedicated to help others bring their personal stories to life through bespoke stripes.
Please briefly introduce yourself and what you create.
I’m the founder of Colours of Arley, where we craft bespoke fabric and wallpaper stripes for residential and commercial spaces worldwide. At the heart of my work is storytelling, capturing the essence of the people and places we send stripes to. Whether it’s a home in a converted butcher’s shop in the Catskill Mountains or a restaurant in the Sicilian hills, every stripe tells a unique story.
What new products/collections/business news do you have for 2025?
We’re launching another of our sell-out vintage drops next month, alongside our first-ever pop-up in New York this spring. And there’s an exciting collaboration we've been working on for a while, but I can’t spill the details just yet! Keep an eye on our socials to be the first to hear about it.
What has been your biggest or most enduring inspiration in your creative career?
Photography has always been my greatest influence. Before founding Colours of Arley, I worked as a photographer, and I remain endlessly inspired by seeing the world as a series of still images. My favourite project to date was photographing women who live alone. How each of their houses reflected their personal journey so far. Now I encourage people to take inspiration for their stripes from around them, whether it's a memory of a holiday, or their favourite dish. My partner runs a rare and out-of-print photography bookshop right next to our studio, so we’re constantly inspired by some of the best photography greats!
Can you tell us about a life-changing travel experience?
I took the Trans-Siberian Railway from Moscow to Beijing not long before lockdown, an amazing journey through shifting time zones, with Mongolia’s wild horses running alongside, watching landscapes, cultures, and cuisines evolve from Russia to China. When travel came to a halt, my partner and I rehomed Patch, our terrier (who inspired my very first stripe), converted a Transit van, and set off for six months around the UK and Europe. We taught him to swim in Lake Annecy and took him to a beach bar in Ibiza, and it turns out, he loved travelling as much as we do.
What travel recommendations can you share with our readers for 2025?
You don’t need to fly to have an unforgettable adventure. I once took the train through Scandinavia, and it's magical to watch a place unfold, and witness the nuances of everyday life, as you pass through different regions. The same goes for travelling in a van, the unexpected, unplanned stops are always the best part.
What’s your favourite cocktail bar, cocktail, or non-alcoholic drinks venue?
I’m more of a pub person than a cocktail bar girl. I don’t drink much these days, but when I fancy a good catch-up with a friend, it’s got to be The Royal Oak, The Spurstowe, The Marksman, or my local in Forest Gate, The Holly Tree, which has three non-alcoholic pints on tap, a rare and very welcome offering!
What would you love to see more of in the design world?
Pieces chosen for a lifetime. That’s why we encourage people to select their bespoke stripes based on something personal, something with meaning. When a piece holds sentimental value, it transcends trends and fleeting fashions.
What would you like to see less of in the design world?
Less waste, fewer trends. Thoughtful, intentional design over disposable aesthetics. Spaces should reflect the person who inhabits it, not what's hot right now.