Romo

Kessels Upholstery brings Romo's distinctive British textiles to Ottawa. A family-run design house where generations of expertise meet modern innovation. From bold contemporary prints to sophisticated plains, Romo delivers elegantly crafted collections for every aesthetic.

The Romo Story

While many fabric houses trace their roots to single founders, Romo's journey began as a family tradition in 1902. Over a century later, this British textile house launched its own design studio in the 1980s; a pivotal moment that transformed Romo into the creative powerhouse it is today.

Led by design director Emily Mould, Romo's studio works from initial pencil sketches through hand-painted artwork to the final textile. Every collection draws inspiration from fashion runways, natural landscapes, fine art, and global travels. This meticulous process ensures each pattern balances contemporary flair with enduring appeal.

Today, Romo stands as the cornerstone of The Romo Group; a collective of six distinct British brands (Romo, Black Edition, Kirkby Design, Mark Alexander, Villa Nova, and Zinc Textile) that together represent the full spectrum of interior design possibilities.

What Defines Romo

Unlike houses focused purely on tradition or solely on trend, Romo bridges both worlds effortlessly. Their extensive library spans from daring designs in saturated hues to subtle prints in muted palettes. This versatility is Romo's signature; whether you're seeking statement-making drama or understated sophistication, their collections deliver.

Twice yearly, Romo releases fresh collections that respond to evolving design trends while maintaining their distinctive British sensibility. Distributed across 70+ countries, these textiles have become synonymous with quality craftsmanship and sophisticated colour development.

Romo Collections at Kessels

Temperley London x Romo
A mystical collaboration where maximalism knows no bounds. Fashion designer Alice Temperley's romantic vision meets Romo's textile expertise for truly extraordinary patterns.

Aubin
Joyful pattern-making celebrates the rich history of decorative textiles. Small-scale prints tell stories through curated, playful designs.

Elson  
Classic stripes reimagined with contemporary flair. This collection honors the enduring beauty of linear design while feeling thoroughly modern.

Okari
Ethereal sheers and semi-sheers in subtle colourways with metallic touches. Lightweight yet impactful.

Oxley
Bold takes on classic design. Modern stripes and checks create welcoming spaces, while coordinating weaves add sought-after sophistication.

Ottavia Plains
Unrivalled colour spectrum in cotton-linen blends. Exceptionally soft peach-skin finish makes these plains indispensable.

Ioka FR
Contract-grade performance without compromising aesthetic appeal. Fire-retardant textiles for commercial applications.

Outdoor Collections
Weather-resistant fabrics that maintain Romo's design standards for exterior spaces.

What We Offer from Romo

• Contemporary prints and weaves with artistic sensibility
  
• Versatile plains collection with sophisticated colour palette
  
• Designer collaborations (Temperley London and more)
  
• Performance contract fabrics for commercial spaces
  
• Outdoor textiles for patios and sunrooms
  
• Coordinating wallcoverings for cohesive interiors
  
• Trimmings and cushions for finishing touches
  
• Both bold colourways and muted neutrals

The Romo Approach to Design

What makes Romo textiles distinctive? It starts with their design process—nothing reaches production without extensive development. Initial concepts evolve through multiple iterations, with colours tested and retested until the palette achieves perfect balance.

This commitment to refinement means Romo collections work beautifully together. Mix a bold print with a complementary plain, add a coordinating stripe. The sophisticated colour development ensures harmonious results.

Their twice-yearly release schedule keeps collections fresh without overwhelming. You're not sorting through decades of archived patterns; instead, you'll find current designs that reflect contemporary tastes while remaining timeless enough for lasting appeal.

Ideal Applications

✓ Modern spaces needing pattern without traditional florals
✓ Projects requiring sophisticated colour coordination
✓ Contemporary homes embracing British design
✓ Accent pieces demanding visual impact
✓ Layered interiors mixing prints, weaves, and plains
✓ Commercial projects needing style with performance
✓ Eclectic spaces combining multiple design eras
✓ Window treatments with artistic sensibility

Why Designers Choose Romo

Romo occupies a unique position, more design-forward than traditional houses, yet more refined than purely trendy options. Their British heritage brings sophistication, while their contemporary approach keeps aesthetics current.

The Romo Group structure offers additional flexibility. Need something more dramatic? Black Edition delivers rich, contemporary elegance. Want modern geometry? Kirkby Design specializes in graphic patterns. This family of brands ensures you'll find the right aesthetic, all backed by consistent Romo quality.

With showrooms across Europe and North America (including Ottawa), Romo maintains strong connections to the design trade while remaining accessible through authorized dealers like Kessels.

Discover Romo in Ottawa

Our showroom carries Romo sample books showcasing their diverse aesthetic range. Whether you're drawn to their sophisticated plains, contemporary prints, or designer collaborations, our team can guide you through their collections.

Romo textiles work beautifully for reimagining mid-century furniture, updating traditional pieces with contemporary fabric, or creating entirely modern statements. The versatility of their designs means you're not locked into a single style—these are fabrics that adapt to your vision.

Experience where British heritage meets modern design; explore Romo at Kessels.