Colors and playful patterns: Meet the designer behind our unique textiles
Kiki runs Plesner Patterns, where she creates designs for textiles, wallpapers, and interior objects. Passionate about Norwegian production, pure materials, and lasting design, she has also won the prestigious Red Dot Award for a wool blanket inspired by the ornaments of her
grandmother’s old wall clock. We sat down with her to talk about the print process, and of course her Oslo favourites!
How was it to collaborate with Hobo Oslo?
First of all, it was incredibly fun. I was asked to create a pattern that expressed the Hobo universe: playful, colorful, and different. The result was a series of characters that represent different personalities; the kind, the curious, the festive. These small, almost mythological
figures invite you to connect with them.
The textiles are now featured on four large sofas in the main restaurant, as well as in the library, in a different color palette. On the terrace, guests can wrap themselves in blankets I designed, inspired by traditional Norwegian patchwork, but reinterpreted in a modern way. They are woven at Grinaker Vev in Norway, combining local craftsmanship with a fresh design language.
Can you describe your creative practice?
I run Plesner Patterns, designing textiles and wallpapers, often produced locally in Norway. My work always starts in an analog way with brushes, ink, or objects I find, before I move the process digitally. This leaves traces of craftsmanship and an imperfect charm. I am inspired by nature and small everyday moments. For me, patterns are about shaping our surroundings and creating something people can drift into; a visual journey that offers a mental pause.
What do you want guests to experience when they see your work at the hotel?
I hope they notice the details. Maybe not immediately, but over time, as they sit and discover new figures and colors. I also want my patterns to spark joy and curiosity. That’s exactly what makes a design hotel or boutique hotel in Oslo and other cities special; it takes you into
a unique universe, offering an experience you won’t find anywhere else.
How do you think our surroundings affect us?
Much more than we realize. A pattern, a curtain, or even a blanket can bring calm, energy, or inspiration. Whether we are in a hotel in Oslo, Norway, or elsewhere, at a restaurant, or in
a conference room, the atmosphere defines how we feel. I admire that Hobo Oslo dares to be original – they create their own universe instead of trying to fit in.
What do you personally enjoy most when staying at hotels?
I love staying at boutique hotels with unique styles. Each place offers a complete experience
where the atmosphere, the details, and the food come together. For me, it’s important that interiors feel personal, not overly polished. That makes it cozy, inspiring, and truly memorable. And I think Hobo delivers exactly what travelers are looking for in search of the
best boutique hotel in Oslo.
Finally, can you share three Oslo favorites?
- Grotto: An intimate bistro with a warm atmosphere – one of the best places to eat in Oslo if you enjoy character and charm.
- Hakone Coffee: A Norwegian coffee bar with a Japanese touch, a must for anyone exploring the Oslo food scene.
- The many saunas along the Oslo waterfront – perfect all year round. At Hobo’s hotel shop, you’ll also find thin, checkered sauna towels I designed, woven in Norway at Grinaker Vev.