Kirkby Design

Launched in September 2010 as part of The Romo Group, Kirkby Design emerged as a modern, high-performance fabric resource library with a sharp, contemporary feel and well-balanced, sophisticated palette. Far from being just another textile brand, Kirkby Design positions itself as an industry leader in cutting-edge fabrics, wallcoverings, and accessories—unafraid to push boundaries and experiment with unconventional design approaches.

Led by Jordan Mould, Creative Director and member of the fifth-generation family running The Romo Group, Kirkby Design's mission remains clear: create collections that excite customers so they can build interiors offering style, sophistication, and above all else, enjoyment. Years of design evolution have given the brand confidence to stay true to its distinctive aesthetic whilst remaining ahead of the curve in contemporary textile trends.

At Kessels Upholstery, we're thrilled to offer Kirkby Design's energetic collections to clients who appreciate bold graphics, innovative collaborations, and practical performance. If you're looking for fabrics that make statements rather than whisper, Kirkby Design delivers excitement without sacrificing durability.

Kirkby Design's defining characteristic is its unique colour palette—an extensive range of practical neutrals like Porcini, Bark, Jute, and Twine, interspersed with fashionable, exhilarating shades including Orange, Eden, Magenta, and Cobalt. This deliberate balance between usable basics and vibrant statements allows designers and homeowners to create everything from subtle sophistication to dramatic focal points.

The brand pays meticulous attention to specific fabric treatments, ensuring many collections meet Crib 5 contract standards whilst employing specialist finishing techniques that improve handle on severe domestic and contract fabrics. High durability never compromises the natural look and feel—Kirkby Design proves that performance and beauty aren't mutually exclusive.

Graphic Impact and 3D Innovation

Kirkby Design's collections embrace bold graphics and innovative construction techniques. The Ice collection presents luxurious cotton velvet with gentle lustrous finish—refined yet seductively dramatic for upholstery or curtains. The palette moves between jewel-like tones of ruby, cobalt, and teal alongside fresh neutrals and contemporary pastels.

Cloud introduces 3D quilted velvet with graphic hexagonal structure, softened by premium triple quilting for plush finish. Designed specifically for upholstery, this fabric excels in statement furniture pieces, headboards, and wall panelling; perfect for Ottawa clients seeking dimensional texture and visual interest.

The Terrazzo Outdoors collection demonstrates Kirkby Design's versatility with bold graphic outdoor prints in vibrant, playful palettes. Designs include Brick (large-scale geometric computerized brick wall), Basket (oversized simplified basket weave), Point (graphic chevron), Terrazzo (intricate mosaic inspired by stone flooring), and Deck (contemporary take on classic deck chair stripes). The Pergola collection presents graphic geometrics plus plain and semi-plain weaves suitable for both indoor and outdoor purposes.

Kirkby Design puts sustainability at the forefront of design and development. The brand's study into recycled products and sustainable materials directed creation of four original collections—Wave, Flow, Leaf, and Fleck Eco—that reduce environmental impact without sacrificing style or quality.

The Graphic Nature collection comprises innovative mixes of materials and styles, including cut and uncut velvets, super-soft chenille, and warming wool, all created using sustainable, responsibly-sourced, or recycled yarns including hemp, bamboo, and Ahimsa silk. This commitment to environmental responsibility reflects Kirkby Design's forward-thinking approach: progression through experimentation.

Contract-Grade Performance for Real Life

Whilst Kirkby Design serves residential markets, the brand's commitment to contract-grade specifications makes these fabrics exceptionally practical for busy family homes. Many collections meet stringent fire retardancy standards (Crib 5), feature enhanced durability ratings, and undergo special treatments ensuring they withstand heavy use whilst maintaining their vibrant appearance.

This focus on performance stems from Kirkby Design's original mandate: fulfil requirements for reliable, affordable, and practical fabric resources that interior designers, retailers, furniture manufacturers, and upholsterers can confidently use in both residential and contract specifications. Whether you're upholstering restaurant seating or your family's daily-use sofa, Kirkby Design delivers the durability you need.

Part of The Romo Group Legacy

As one of six brands within The Romo Group, Kirkby Design benefits from over a century of textile manufacturing expertise whilst maintaining complete creative freedom to experiment and innovate. The Romo Group, now in its fifth generation under Jonathan Mould and his children (Felicity, Emily, and Jordan), comprises Romo, Black Edition, Kirkby Design, Mark Alexander, Villa Nova, and Zinc Textile.

Each brand serves distinct markets with unique personalities, but all share commitment to quality materials, innovative design, and exceptional customer service. Kirkby Design's position as the playful, contemporary, experimental brand within this prestigious family ensures clients receive cutting-edge design backed by established manufacturing excellence and reliable distribution.

Why Choose Kirkby Design at Kessels Ottawa

Kirkby Design represents fearless contemporary British design, bold graphics that make statements, creative collaborations with renowned artists and institutions, and sustainable materials without performance compromise. The brand offers unique colour palettes balancing practical neutrals with vibrant accents, contract-grade durability suitable for demanding environments, and innovative 3D textures and finishing techniques.

From Eley Kishimoto fashion-forward patterns to Transport for London heritage moquettes, Kirkby Design provides access to extraordinary collaborations you won't find elsewhere. The playful, confident aesthetic appeals to design-savvy clients who want interiors reflecting personality and joy rather than playing it safe.

As an authorized Kirkby Design dealer in Ottawa, Kessels Upholstery offers access to complete current collections, expert guidance on incorporating bold contemporary designs, and professional upholstery services that honour the quality and creativity of these British textiles.

Visit Our Ottawa Showroom

Experience Kirkby Design's exciting collections in person at Kessels Upholstery Ottawa. Our showroom at 107 Colonnade Road South features current season fabrics showcasing Kirkby Design's bold graphics, innovative textures, and playful colour palettes. Our team can help you explore how these contemporary British textiles transform spaces, order samples to experience the quality and creativity firsthand, and create custom upholstery pieces that become conversation-starting focal points in your home.

Whether you're drawn to graphic geometrics, collaborative art pieces, 3D textures, or sustainable innovations, Kirkby Design offers the perfect combination of creative confidence, practical performance, and British manufacturing excellence for clients who refuse boring interiors.