A bold new collaboration from Pooky and Studio Killian-Dawson reimagines lampshade design with colour, craftsmanship and a playful sense of story. Inspired by their bestselling fabric – and underpinned by a shared philosophy – this transatlantic partnership brings whimsical, hand-crafted lighting into a whole new light. 

When Pooky met Studio Killian-Dawson, it was a meeting of kindred spirits. Both brands love colour, character and a certain fearless creativity. Both are proudly British, but with a strong transatlantic following. And both are known for taking traditional forms and giving them a distinctive, contemporary twist. So it’s no surprise that their new collaboration feels like such a natural fit.

We sat down with Renée and Hermione of Studio Killian-Dawson – a dynamic mother-daughter duo – to talk about the making of the new lampshade collection, and to explore the deep design philosophy that underpins everything they do.

Letting the past teach you (but not lead you)

Renée’s love of architecture – especially historical, characterful buildings teetering on the edge of decay – led her naturally to interiors.

Her daughter Hermione Killian-Dawson, Marketing Coordinator, brings a fresh perspective as she completes her degree in History of Art at UCL. With an early obsession for architectural magazines and a childhood spent between the UK and the US, she is especially attuned to the dialogue between cultures that defines great design.

Together they champion an ethos of ‘inward-looking’ design: taking time, trusting instinct, and seeking individual expression rather than simply following trends. As Hermione puts it: "We always say: go down the rabbit hole. Look inward first, then engage."

A transatlantic perspective

That blend of reflection and curiosity gives the studio a rare sensibility – deeply British, but enriched by a global perspective. Renée was born in the US and lived for many years on the East Coast, where the studio built a reputation for sensitive restorations of historic homes. Today, they continue to work across the UK and America, with current projects ranging from a 15th-century Italian villa to an 18th-century Charleston townhouse.

"American clients often have this wonderful appetite for collaboration," says Hermione. "They love the story behind a piece. There's real engagement."

The Pooky collaboration

That emphasis on story made Pooky a natural partner. "They're fearless," says Renée. "There's real care and thought in everything they do. And their playful spirit completely aligns with ours."

"Each one is different," says Hermione. "When the light shines through, you can see the nuance in every stamp."

"Block printing is essentially hand painting," explains Renée. "It brings the same level of artistry and nuance you get with traditional weaving. You can see the human touch in every shade."

The art of the lampshade

The lampshades themselves are a masterclass in design detail. Most are hexagonal in shape – a form chosen for its balance of geometry and grace. "It’s like a gem," says Renée. "You can’t see it all at once. It has multiple faces, just like a well-designed room."

That multifaceted structure doesn’t just look beautiful – it also enhances the way the pattern interacts with light. The checks shift subtly as the shade turns, and the interplay of angles creates a dynamic effect, especially when paired with the signature bold colourways. "We wanted something that would let the fabric shine, quite literally," says Hermione.

And although they appear effortless, these shades were anything but. "A lot of trial and error went into getting them right," Hermione adds. "The scale of the print, the precision of the folds, the way the shape interacts with the light – it all had to be just so."

The range includes a variety of shapes and sizes, from small four-sided shades to grand pendant styles, all rendered in a palette of joyful Killian-Dawson colours with names like Seafoam, Raspberry, and Perriwig. Each has its own character, but together they share a sense of understated drama.

Lighting with personality

A lovely coincidence captured the spirit of the collaboration even before it officially began. In a Hampshire project, Studio Killian-Dawson created a cosy alcove from a former entry porch – a space now part of a bedroom, softly lit by a Pooky wall light. The pairing of stained glass, tailored upholstery, and playful lighting perfectly encapsulates the studio's blend of history, whimsy, and attention to detail.

Asked where they’d love to see the lamps pop up, Renée dreams of placing one on a dock in Charleston Harbour, or on a staircase at MoMA. "But really," she says, "these pieces can go anywhere. They’re robust, practical, whimsical. If they’re placed well, they’ll shine anywhere."

The campaign imagery plays with that idea, leaning into a playful, storybook quality inspired by Lewis Carroll – not literally Alice in Wonderland, but a shared sense of eccentricity, surprise, and quiet magic. As Hermione puts it: "You go down the rabbit hole, and you pop up somewhere unexpected."

With that in mind, keep an eye out. You never know where a Pooky x Killian-Dawson light might pop up next…

Discover the full Pooky x Studio Killian-Dawson collection here.