Started by a chemical engineer who specialized in manufacturing plastic products for cars and laboratories, Kartell launched its habitat division in 1963. By building up relationships with internationally renowned furniture designers including Philippe Stark, Patricia Urquiola, and Ron Arad to name a few, Kartell has earned a reputation as a pioneer in furniture design.
Where is Kartell headed? The Masters chair from Philippe Stark unveiled in 2010 is selling out faster than the original Ghost chair. The Masters chair is sure to become one of this decade's classic pieces from Kartell.
(From Left to Right)
The Louis Ghost Chair: The Ghost chair is celebrating its 10-year anniversary this year and it is the piece of furniture that launched Kartell's glamorous reputation worldwide.
Componibili: One of Kartell's oldest icons, the Componibili system is a modular storage system that is versatile for every room of the house. With square and round shapes and available with castors there are so many practical uses for this piece.
Bourgie Light: One of Kartell's most glamorous and over the top products is the Bourgie light. Using technology to give plastic a pleated effect, the shade on the Bourgie lamp reflects light in a myriad of interpretations.
Book Worm: The world's first flexible bookshelf designed by Ron Arad was one Kartell's amazing collaborations of artistic vision and scientific technology.
FL/Y Light: This light shows off the best in Kartell's combination of color and transparency. The shape of the pendant shade and colors create a luminous light in any room.
(Images: Kartell)
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I work in a no-kill animal shelter that recently got a state-of-the-art renovation. We furnished our "get-to-know-you" rooms with Kartell's Bubble Club sofas and chairs. They're stylish, durable and easy to clean! We love Kartell at The Humane Society Naples!
Does an animal shelter really need designer furniture?
I guess the bubble clubs aren't that unreasonable in the grand scheme of things.
BSARTIST, yes, it really helps the dogs' self-esteem.
I just want to say that I am really enjoying this 'Design Classics' series.
BSartist: what a shelter needs is furniture that doesn't smell from dog pee. And the Bubble Club series is plastic, so we haven't had to replace it as we used to have to replace the old furniture. That it's designed so well is a bonus, but the plastic is what sold us.
@PCONNELL, as someone who has dedicated a huge chunk of my life to rescuing animals, and who has done a bit of fundraising for shelters and plenty of donations...I would have a fit if I found my local shelter has squandered that kind of money on designer furniture. The ubiquitous white plastic stacking chair from Walmart (or any home center) is also fully washable. Shame on you folks. I'm shocked.
@ rural: no need to have a fit. It was donated by a generous patron. We've also begun to see this furniture pop up in shelters all over the country because shelters realize that it's part of their renovation. No one wants to cheapen a multi-million dollar renovation with 9.99 lawn chairs as furniture. Especially those generous donors whose names are on the building.
LOVE Ghost chairs and love that you have them in your shelter. Now just wait for someone to say that the patron should have donated dog food instead. Wait for it......wait for it..........