Behind the Design:
An Heirloom for Everyday Use

by Owala Team

Updated: October 20, 2025

White Owala Heirloom FreeSip Tumbler with porcelain-inspired blue pattern sitting in a cupboard

Some bottles feel trendy. Others feel timeless. Heirloom is our love letter to antique porcelain patterns—with a design that could sit on your grandma’s china shelf and still feel right at home on your desk. But don’t be fooled by its delicate look, this bottle is sturdy as steel (because it is).

With its romantic, refined, and slightly bold look, Heirloom is proof that everyday objects can also be works of art. Here’s a look behind the design and how we made this unique bottle.

Love the look? Check out other bottles in the FreeSip® Sway lineup for the same sleek shape in fresh, everyday styles.

What Inspired the Heirloom Bottle?

“We drew from traditional blue-and-white china patterns — elegant, floral, and timeless — but wanted to kick it up a notch and make it feel sophisticated and high-end.”

— Owala Designer

The starting point? Classic porcelain. You know what we’re talking about—antique plates, delicate jewelry, and those intricate little scenes that have been painted on heirlooms for centuries. As this style started showing up in modern places (most recently on necklaces, earrings, even printed pants) our designers knew it was the perfect moment to bring it into the Owala universe.

But they didn’t just replicate old china. No, that’d be too easy… and boring. Instead of keeping it prim and proper, they cranked it up a notch. Heirloom combines tradition with fun surprises: intricate florals, tiny water droplets tucked into the scene, a hidden Owala “A,” and (because we couldn’t resist) a little koala tucked in like a porcelain Easter egg. Cue the awwwws.

Snapshot imagery of Heirloom bottle, cropped close-up shots of spout and straw set in a pastel blue backdrop

How Did the Design Process Unfold?

Like any great work of art, Heirloom didn’t just appear overnight.

The design team explored everything: floral standalones, geometric motifs, repeating tiles, even full-bottle illustrated scenes. Some were funky and fresh, but they weren’t quite “heirloom worthy.”

“We wanted something that looked like your grandmother might pass it down, but still felt modern and cool enough to carry every day.”

— Owala Designer

In order to get that perfect porcelain look, the bottle needed that iconic glossy sheen. Easier said than done. Early samples came back with squished patterns, dulled details, and gloss that felt flat instead of fancy. So we went back to the drawing board (over and over again) until the final effect sparkled—just like a real porcelain plate.

Close-up angle of Heirloom FreeSip Tumbler, open white spout with blue lid

Close-up angle of floral porcelain-inspired pattern, with motifs of blue flowers, droplets, stars, and koalas

What Makes the Details So Special?

Put it up to the light and you’ll see why. We’ve got:

A light blue palette that feels true to porcelain’s roots (after testing and rejecting both darker blue and dusty periwinkle—sorry, we still love you).
A glossy finish that elevates the design, making it look like china (while it’s strong as steel).
Hidden details: water droplets, a secret Owala “A,” and a playful koala cameo. See how long it takes you to spot them all.

With so many elements to consider, it’s no wonder our designers said,“This is one of the most intricate bottles we’ve ever done.” But it paid off. It’s a design that rewards a closer look, which is exactly what collectors and detail lovers are all about.

Center image of Heirloom bottle set in an open cupboard filled with delicate matching vases and dishware

How Did Heirloom Evolve From Sketch to Shelf?

The journey from first sketch to final product was full of twists: bold tiled versions, oversized florals, and even a periwinkle experiment that just didn’t land. What made the final cut is something that’s timeless and unexpected—and ultimately, an heirloom worth holding onto.

And the koala? What can we say—we just love koalas.

Who Was Heirloom Made For?

Heirloom was made with a very specific person in mind: the collector. The one who spends their free time hunting down antiques, who treasures hobbies, and romanticizes the little details in every object. It’s also for the cottagecore crowd, the art lovers, and anyone who believes a water bottle can also be a keepsake. (Because you’re absolutely right.)

This design isn’t just a stylish print—though we won’t argue with you there—it’s also one that’ll be cherished for years to come.