OUR STORY
1999
OKA is a love affair with living well. Since the beginning, we've been focused on creating things that make time spent with loved ones more special, and that passion continues today.
We started as a mail-order interiors company with three women bringing truly unique designs from the East to interiors-lovers in the West. Lady Annabel Astor, a serial entrepreneur, invited two friends along on a sourcing trip: Sue Jones, whose decorating pedigree includes time at Jasper Conran and Colefax and Fowler, and Lucinda Waterhouse, a skilled horticulturist.
Together, they set out to curate an emporium of characterful and elegant home designs from around the globe that celebrate effortless and timeless British style.
2000
From printed catalogue to physical store, we opened our first shop in Parsons Green, London, at the turn of the millennium, followed by outposts in market towns such as Harrogate, Broadway and Froxfields.
2005
Inspired by Ming and Qing period pottery, our signature hand-painted Kraak Chinaware featuring traditional Chinese scenes was discovered by Sue on a sourcing trip to the East and brought to OKA in the form of lamps, serveware and prints. It's since become a firm favourite with our customers.
What’s in a name?
“OKA; a phonetic take on ‘ochre’, a colour that nods to the East, yet feels innately British”
Lady Annabel Astor, Co-Founder
“From the start, we've called on talented artisans from around the world to bring our ideas to life, whether in furniture or homeware. Our expert buyers travel extensively to find inspiration in every corner of the globe – often in the most unexpected places – while drawing on the experience and techniques of skilled craftspeople.”
Sue Jones, Co-Founder
2010
From curating furniture to specifying upholstery and choosing palettes, we launched our Interior Design Service to help you create an inspiring home that reflects you and your lifestyle, wherever you are in the world.
The service also includes expertise on paint colours, wall finishes, bespoke upholstery and tailored curtains while taking care of all orders and delivery to ensure a smooth and enjoyable process from start-to-finish.
2015
The Stafford Chair was created by Co-Founder Lady Annabel Astor and has become a stalwart of OKA design. The future heirloom is characterised by an elegant silhouette that tucks seamlessly beneath a table together with signature brass studs and a stylish back pull.
2020
We launched our customisable Tailored by OKA service to enable homeowners to specify furniture to their exacting taste and space, from armchairs to sofas and footstools.
2022
Inspired by a rug discovered in an antiques market, Tarma features handwoven and handprinted upholstery with signature removable fringing that appears on a range of seating. The iconic design launched in 2022 and has quickly become synonymous with OKA.
2023
We became a certified B Corporation in 2023. The milestone reflects our ongoing commitment to environmental and social responsibility, including our mission to reduce our impact on the planet and positively contribute to the communities we interact with.
2025
As of today, we have 12 stores across the UK – from Chelsea to Cheshire, Bath to Broadway – and counting. Redbrick in Yorkshire is the latest addition to the fold while we continue to expand our retail outlets across the country.
