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.
Surface & Story Journal is the creative studio of Kelly Rideout
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!
About Kelly Rideout | Botanical Surface Pattern Designer and Illustrator
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.
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