If you‘re looking to add a touch of global sophistication to your living space, look no further than British luxury brand Oka. Known for their timelessly chic furniture and home accessories, Oka has become a go-to destination for discerning shoppers in search of unique, well-crafted pieces.
As an interior design aficionado, I‘ve long admired Oka‘s elevated take on rustic elegance. Curious to experience the brand for myself, I placed an order and tested out several of their most popular products in my own home. I‘m excited to share my honest review of Oka, from the quality and style of their offerings to the ins and outs of the ordering process and customer care.
But first, let‘s dive into the story behind this iconic British brand and what makes Oka stand out in the world of luxury interiors.
The Oka Story: From Humble Cottage to Global Style Destination
Oka was founded in 1999 by Annabel Astor, Sue Jones, and Lucinda Waterhouse – three dynamic women with a shared passion for interior design. The brand started humbly, with the trio scouring antique markets and artisan workshops around the world to curate a collection of furniture and decor to outfit Astor‘s holiday cottage in Florida.
Friends and family took notice of the gorgeous, globally-inspired pieces and wanted to purchase them for their own homes. Realizing there was a gap in the market for this eclectic, rustic-meets-modern aesthetic, the women joined forces to officially launch Oka, opening their first shop in London‘s trendy Chelsea neighborhood.
The brand quickly developed a devoted following across the UK, Europe, and eventually North America. Today, Oka boasts 16 stores and a thriving e-commerce site that ships their coveted designs worldwide. The company has become a favorite resource of celebrity tastemakers and landed features in prestigious publications like Elle Decor, The Wall Street Journal, and Architectural Digest.
"Our vision is to work with global craftsmen and women to create unique and timeless pieces that are designed to inspire practical living and effortless entertaining while respecting our planet, our people and the next generations," – Oka‘s official mission statement
Committed to sustainability and ethical production, Oka partners with artisans around the globe to craft their signature pieces. The brand also supports philanthropic organizations including the Trussell Trust, which provides aid to those in poverty across the UK.
The Oka Look: Classic Silhouettes Meet Eclectic Charm
So what exactly is the Oka aesthetic? In a word: timeless. The brand has perfected the art of mixing classic silhouettes with unexpected, globally-inspired details. Think: a sleek mid-century sofa upholstered in vintage Belgian linen, or a hand-carved mango wood dresser adorned with antique brass pulls.
There‘s an air of effortless elegance to Oka‘s designs, which blend seamlessly into a wide range of interiors from contemporary lofts to historic estates. The color palette skews neutral and earthy, with plenty of texture and patina. Standout pieces might feature a bold pattern or pop of color, but the overall effect is understated and refined.
While Oka‘s furniture commands center stage, their home decor selection is equally impressive. From hand-knotted Persian rugs to mouth-blown Murano glassware, each piece is designed to add a touch of artistry and soul to your space. Oka is a master of curation – their collection always feels fresh yet familiar, on-trend yet never trendy.
Some of my personal favorite pieces exemplify Oka‘s signature look:
Brantwood Trestle Dining Table:
A rustic farmhouse table crafted from reclaimed pine, with a planked top and chunky trestle base. The lightly distressed finish gives it an heirloom quality.
Bedford Velvet Armchair:
A refined take on a traditional club chair, upholstered in sumptuous cotton velvet with elegant rolled arms and turned wood legs. Available in a range of jewel tones and neutrals.
Burleigh Rattan Bed:
A charming rattan bed frame with a scalloped headboard and airy, open weave. Perfect for adding a touch of breezy, island style to the bedroom.
Asilah Embroidered Cushions:
Inspired by Moroccan textiles, these linen cushions feature intricate hand embroidery in a palette of soft blues, greys, and creams. They instantly elevate any sofa or chair.
The Oka Experience: Ordering, Delivery & Customer Care
Of course, a brand is only as good as the customer experience it provides. I‘m happy to report that shopping with Oka was a true pleasure from start to finish.
The Oka website is well-designed and easy to navigate, with plenty of high-quality photos and detailed product descriptions. I appreciated the ability to zoom in on items, view them in different colors, and read reviews from other customers. The site also offers helpful tips on measuring your space and choosing the right size furniture.
For my order, I selected the Brantwood dining table, Bedford armchairs in a lovely olive velvet, and a set of Asilah cushions. Checkout was quick and painless, and I received an email confirmation right away with the expected delivery date.
Oka offers a range of shipping options including standard, expedited, and white glove delivery. I chose the standard option and my order arrived promptly within the estimated time frame. Everything was securely packaged and arrived in perfect condition.
One of the armchairs arrived with a small tear in the fabric, but Oka‘s customer service team was quick to resolve the issue. They promptly sent a replacement chair at no additional cost and even arranged for the damaged one to be picked up. I was impressed by their responsiveness and commitment to making things right.
The Verdict: Is Oka Worth the Investment?
After living with my Oka pieces for a few months, I can confidently say that the brand lives up to the hype. The quality of the furniture is exceptional – each piece feels substantial and well-made, with a level of craftsmanship you‘d expect from a high-end heritage brand.
I love the timeless design of the Brantwood table and how it anchors the dining room. The rustic wood is full of character and the lightly distressed finish hides wear and tear, making it perfect for everyday use. The Bedford armchairs are surprisingly comfortable and the olive velvet feels luxurious yet practical. The Asilah cushions add the perfect pop of pattern and color to my neutral sofa.
Of course, all this quality comes at a price. Oka is undoubtedly a splurge, with furniture pieces ranging from around $500 for a side table to over $5,000 for a sofa. That said, I believe the prices are on par with other high-end furniture brands and reflect the level of craftsmanship and attention to detail.
For me, the value of Oka lies not just in the physical pieces themselves, but in the way they make me feel in my space. There‘s a sense of joy and sophistication that comes from surrounding yourself with beautifully designed, thoughtfully made objects. Oka‘s furniture and decor have an heirloom quality that will stand the test of time, both in terms of style and durability.
If you have the budget and appreciate finely crafted, globally-inspired design, I highly recommend investing in a few key pieces from Oka. The brand also offers a lovely selection of tabletop and decor items at more accessible price points, which can be a great way to dip your toe in and get a feel for the Oka aesthetic.
Ultimately, what sets Oka apart is their commitment to creating spaces that feel collected and layered over time. In a world of fast furniture and cookie-cutter interiors, Oka‘s designs stand out for their originality, authenticity, and ability to tell a story. By mixing pieces from different eras and origins, the brand achieves a look that feels at once timeless and fresh, elegant and effortless.
In conclusion, my experience with Oka was overwhelmingly positive and has made me a loyal customer for life. The brand‘s stunning designs, high quality craftsmanship, and stellar customer service make them a standout in the world of luxury interiors. While undoubtedly a splurge, I believe Oka is worth the investment for anyone looking to create a home that is truly unique, beautiful, and built to last.
