About Kelly Rideout
Botanical Surface Pattern Designer and Illustrator
Based in her creative studio on the South Coast of England, Kelly Rideout creates unmistakable botanical surface patterns that blend floral maximalism with timeless elegance. Her distinctive style is a celebration of the "creatively human"—vibrant, textured, and intentionally imperfect. Surface & Story is the creative studio of Kelly Rideout. Shop the collections at The Curious Peony
Each illustration is a rich tapestry of techniques, merging traditional painting, mark-making, and photography with digital magic. Constantly inspired by the rhythmic turn of the seasons, Kelly’s work focuses on English wildflowers, cottage gardens, and traditional plant varieties drawn during forest walks. Her designs invite you to look closer and discover the intricate stories hidden beneath the surface.
A Lifelong Passion for Print & Texture
Kelly’s journey into the world of design began with a simple obsession: she saw patterns and textures everywhere. This curiosity led her to a BA in Printed Textiles and Decoration at Middlesex University, followed by an MA in Art, Design, and Media at Portsmouth University.
For over a decade, Kelly thrived within the UK’s creative industries. Kelly’s early career saw her greeting cards and art prints stocked in Selfridges London and galleries across the UK. Kelly also spent six inspiring years working at TATE, surrounded by world-class art and incredible people, before taking time away to raise my family.
About Kelly Rideout | Botanical Surface Pattern Designer and Illustrator
From Flower Wrap to Pattern Growth
For many years, Kelly ran a successful floral craft business, Flower Wrap and Grow. While she loved the blooms, Kelly eventually realised she was spending more time wrapping orders than doing the actual designing she craved. In 2022, Kelly decided to return to her roots and built her own creative studio business.
What began as a passion for petals has blossomed into a floral maximalist creative world. Today, Kelly’s patterns and illustrations adorn a diverse range of products, including tableware and kitchen textiles (tea towels, mugs, water bottles, cushions, tote bags, wall art ) fabric and gardening gifts. The Curious Peony Shop was launched in 2026 to celebrate Kelly’s designs with substainable, functional and quality products made to order in London, UK.
Exploring the World Through Design
From her creative studio in England, she constantly explores local beaches, forests and gardens, ensuring her designs remain fresh and elegant. Creating new floral illustrations daily and pattern collections seasonally, Kelly has a petal packed Pattern library to be explored, for art licensing or collaboration work.
Kelly is a surface pattern designer seeking global collaborations to transform everyday products into high-quality, functional items through bespoke botanical illustrations and artisan-led design.
Whether you are a fellow nature lover, a collector of curiosities, or a creative partner, Kelly is so grateful you’re here to be part of her blooming journey.
To fill the world with patterns, layered with botanical illustrations and wonderful colours, together!
Surface & Story Journal is the creative studio of Kelly Rideout
The Curious Peony Shop | Who We Are
At The Curious Peony, Kelly Rideout transforms her original, hand-drawn botanical illustrations into premium sustainable kitchenware and luxury home decor. Every piece is thoughtfully crafted in London as a bespoke, made-to-order treasure that brings the timeless charm of an English garden into your home.
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Welcome to The Curious Peony, where every pattern tells a story of the seasons.
I have always been captivated by the quiet magic of a garden waking up—the first green shoots after a long winter and the rhythmic dance of the seasons. That lifelong love for "blooming things" is the heartbeat of The Curious Peony.
What started as my simple hand-drawn illustrations in my garden on the South Coast of England has blossomed into a curated shop of botanical home decor designed to make your space feel "creatively human."
Design Philosophy: Everyday Living, Inspired
I believe your home should be a sanctuary that fosters a curious mind. My seasonal surface patterns are more than just designs; they are crafted to celebrate the simple, meaningful moments of everyday living. Whether it’s the morning sun hitting a floral cushion or the texture of a thoughtfully made tea towel, we create quality pieces that bring the beauty of the English garden indoors.
From My Garden to Your Heart
After years of experimenting with colour and line, I felt a steady pull to create a collection that supports a slower, more intentional lifestyle. Every item in our shop is a piece of my heart, designed to bring warmth, wonder, and a touch of nature’s poetry into your home.
I’m so glad you’re here to grow with us.
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From Curiosity to Collection. Every design begins with a spark of wonder—exploring a new floral trend or a hidden corner of the garden. Kelly transforms these hand-drawn botanical illustrations into cohesive surface pattern collections, infusing her signature style into every leaf and petal to bridge the gap between imagination and home decor.
Artisanal Beauty Meets Durability. We believe that the objects you use every day should spark curiosity and joy. Our products marry artisanal beauty with practical durability, ensuring that your favorite garden-inspired pieces are built to last while adding a "creatively human" touch to your home.
Sustainably Made in London. We are deeply committed to the environment. Every item is sustainably made to order specifically for you in London, UK. By crafting our goods locally and shipping worldwide, we reduce waste and ensure each piece reflects our high standards of quality and care.
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We transform original, hand-drawn botanical illustrations into beautiful sustainable kitchenware and home decor, pairing artisan quality with the charm of an English garden. Each product is thoughtfully created in London as a bespoke, made-to-order piece just for you, friends of The Curious Peony.
For The Creatives & Colour Lovers. You appreciate the "perfectly imperfect" and seek out vibrant botanical designs that tell a story. You believe a home should be a gallery of quality artisan pieces that reflect a soulful, creatively human touch.
For the Curious Souls & Nature Explorers. If you find yourself wandering coastal paths or searching for the first buds of spring, you’re in the right place. We design for those who embrace slow living, finding gratitude in the rhythm of the seasons and the quiet magic of a garden in bloom.
For the Treasured Collectors. Like me, you have shelves filled with seed pods, driftwood, and dried petals. We celebrate the "gatherers" who curate their homes with meaningful curiosities and nature-inspired decor that serves as a constant source of inspiration and memories.
For The Bloomers & Dreamers. Whether you are starting a new chapter or chasing a lifelong dream, we believe creativity has no expiry date. Launched as I approach fifty, The Curious Peony is a celebration of new beginnings and the courage to let your ideas bloom at any stage of life.
Featured Products
Elevate your daily errands with our elegant and practical Blue Rose Floral Print Tote Bag. This stylish everyday carry-all features Kelly’s exclusive classic blue rose floral stencil design, blending aesthetic appeal with practical functionality.
Designed to be your perfect companion, this versatile tote bag is ideal for spontaneous moments, from coffee dates and casual shopping trips to quick travel jaunts. It’s spacious enough for all your essentials and built for convenience.
Enjoy comfort with handles designed to wear easily over the shoulder. The lightweight tote construction makes it easy to fold and store as a reusable shopping bag when not in use. Discover our collection of beautiful and functional designer tote bags with thoughtful, seasonal designs that upscale your everyday living.
If you find joy in watching the seasons change, sourcing local produce and embracing a slower pace of life, this bag was made for you.
It's a gentle reminder to stay curious, breathe deep, and savour the small moments—whether you're at the farmer's market or packing for an impromptu picnic.
A Curious Design for the Thoughtful Explorer
Hand-Drawn Charm: Adorned with beautiful, hand-drawn vegetable illustrations by artist Kelly Rideout, set against a cheerful pink painted stripe background. It’s a design that celebrates nature’s bounty and encourages you to explore the world around you.
Generous & Ready for Adventure: Pack everything from fresh garden finds and picnic essentials to your journal and a good book. This large capacity fabric carryall features a wide gusset, offering plenty of room for all your discoveries.
Built to Last, Season after Season: Crafted from robust, 100% Cotton Denim. We’ve added reinforced fabric handles and strong stitching, ensuring this durable tote can handle a heavy load of tomato’s, onions, or whatever treasures you unearth.
Embrace Slower Living: Let this bag be your companion as nature flows. It’s a stylish, practical accessory for "seasonal explores," encouraging moments of walking, feeling the sunshine, and simply enjoying the present.
Stay curious. Explore the seasons. Carry your harvest in style.
Enjoy your morning moments in style with this elegant Rose Silhoeutte Mug. Kelly’s signature rose wrap around the mug, adding a joyful touch to every tea or coffee break. A lovely gift for gardeners and those who love roses.
A British Garden in Your Hands
Designed by surface pattern designer Kelly Rideout, this beautiful rose silhoette illustration is a tribute to the timeless beauty of British gardens and the universal favourite flower the rose. The gorgeous deep blue brings colour and nature to your break at home or in the office. Ideal as a thoughtful gift or a special treat for yourself.
Hand-designed illustration by Kelly Rideout
Ships Worldwide
Transform your kitchen into a botanical sanctuary with the Rose Silhouette Blue and Oat Milk Illustration Tea Towel.
Inspired by the timeless elegance of British roses, this designer kitchen accessory blends artistic flair with everyday utility, making it a must-have for the creatively curious home.
Exclusively created by UK surface pattern designer Kelly Rideout, this piece features a sophisticated hand-drawn illustration in a calming palette of deep blue and creamy oat milk. The intricate floral silhouettes celebrate the organic beauty of an English garden, bringing a touch of modern cottagecore to your contemporary kitchen decor
Premium Cotton-Linen Blend: Crafted from a high-quality cotton-linen mix, this tea towel offers superior absorbency and a soft, natural texture that only gets better with age.
We believe in design and function working in perfect harmony. Each tea towel is sustainably handmade to order in London, UK, reflecting our commitment to quality and the environment. The generous 70x50cm size provides ample functionality.
Thoughtful Details: Finished with a vintage-inspired rick-rac edging and a practical hanging loop, it’s as functional as it is beautiful. Making it a thoughtful gift or delightful treat for yourself. This listing is for one tea towel.
Hand-designed by Kelly Rideout
Ships Worldwide
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