A for…
Alvar Aalto
(1898–1976)
Finnish master of architecture and design, Alvar Aalto revolutionized modernism by infusing it with a human and organic dimension. His holistic approach, from the Paimio Sanatorium to Savoy vases, embodies Scandinavian excellence.
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Ron Arad
(1951–)
British iconoclast of Israeli origin, Ron Arad disrupts industrial design codes with a bold sculptural approach. His creations, between brutal poetry and technical refinement, redefine the boundaries between art and functional design.
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Gae Aulenti
(1927–2012)
Major figure of Italian design, Gae Aulenti created as many iconic objects as monumental projects. She is recognized for the Pipistrello lamp and for transforming the Musée d’Orsay. A total architect and designer, she embodies Italian creative intelligence.
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B for…
Harry Bertoia
(1915–1978)
Italian-American sculptor and designer, Harry Bertoia revolutionized seating with his wire metal creations. Master of aerial structure, he developed sculptural furniture of poetic lightness. His Diamond chair remains a masterpiece of modern design.
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Max Bill
(1908–1994)
Swiss designer, director of the Ulm School and theorist of concrete art. Max Bill advocates mathematical beauty and pure function. Heir to the Bauhaus, he developed geometric aesthetics of exemplary rigor that influences contemporary systematic design.
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Andrea Branzi
(1938–2023)
Italian architect and theorist, figure of radical design and Archizoom. Andrea Branzi developed a conceptual approach that questions the codes of modern habitat. Thinker of critical design, he profoundly influenced contemporary reflection on object and space.
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Marcel Breuer
(1902–1981)
Pioneer of modern design and emblematic figure of the Bauhaus, Marcel Breuer revolutionized furniture with his tubular steel creations. The Wassily chair remains one of the purest manifestos of 20th-century industrial design.
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C for…
Madeleine Castaing
(1894–1992)
Legendary decorator of French art de vivre, Madeleine Castaing developed an eclectic style of absolute sophistication. Master of Parisian elegance, she mixed periods and styles with infallible taste.
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Joe Colombo
(1930–1971)
Designer industriel italien visionnaire, Joe Colombo a marqué le XXe siècle par son approche radicale et futuriste. Pionnier de la modularité et des nouveaux matériaux comme le plastique, il a créé des “machines à vivre” comme le chariot Boby ou le fauteuil Tube Chair, anticipant un mode de vie flexible et nomade.
Découvrir Joe Colombo →
Le Corbusier
(1887–1965)
Visionary genius of modern architecture, Le Corbusier also revolutionized furniture with his iconic creations. His pieces, true aesthetic manifestos, embody the spirit of the emerging 20th century.
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Matali Crasset
(1965–)
Major figure of contemporary French design, Matali Crasset developed a radically functional and modular universe. Her work questions daily life with a playful, deconstructivist and always committed aesthetic.
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Vincenzo De Cotiis
(1958–)
Italian architect and designer of multifaceted talent, Vincenzo De Cotiis developed a singular aesthetic universe where contemporary luxury and historical references sublimate each other. Master of patina and texture.
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D for…
Nanna Ditzel
(1923–2005)
Pioneer of Danish design, Nanna Ditzel developed a poetic and experimental approach that enriched the Scandinavian school. Master of organic form, she explored new materials with a rare feminine sensitivity in 20th-century design.
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E for…
Charles & Ray Eames
(1907-1978 & 1912-1988)
Legendary couple of American design. They revolutionized modern furniture through material experimentation: molded plywood, fiberglass, metal. Iconic chairs and experimental films embody 20th-century innovation.
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Eileen Gray
(1878–1976)
Irish pioneer of modern design, Eileen Gray developed an aesthetic language of visionary modernity. Master of lacquer and sculptural furniture, her E-1027 table remains one of the absolute masterpieces of 20th-century design.
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Ettore Sottsass
(1917–2007)
Italian master of radical design, Ettore Sottsass revolutionized contemporary aesthetics with the Memphis movement. Theorist of anti-design, he liberated form and color with visionary audacity.
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F for…
Finn Juhl
(1912–1989)
Danish designer pioneer of organic modernism, Finn Juhl developed sculptural furniture of sophisticated elegance. Master of free form and noble materials, he redefined seating with a revolutionary artistic approach.
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G for…
Georges Geffroy
(1905–1971)
Art cabinetmaker and creator of exceptional furniture, Georges Geffroy embodies the excellence of 20th-century French craftsmanship. Master of contemporary marquetry, he developed a refined Art Deco style that influences modern high-end cabinetmaking.
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Laura Gonzalez
(1972–)
French decorator of Spanish origin, Laura Gonzalez developed a sophisticated neo-baroque style that seduces the international elite. Master of bold colors and unexpected mixtures, she reinvents contemporary art de vivre.
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Konstantin Grcic
(1965–)
German designer of the new generation, Konstantin Grcic developed technical minimalism of exemplary rigor. Heir to German functionalism, he purifies forms to the essential with surgical precision.
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H for…
David Hicks
(1929–1998)
Legendary British decorator, David Hicks revolutionized contemporary art de vivre with his bold geometric style. Master of bright colors and graphic patterns, he developed sophisticated pop aesthetics.
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I for…
Isamu Noguchi
(1904–1988)
Japanese-American sculptor and designer, Isamu Noguchi developed a unique plastic language blending East and West. Master of organic form and sculpted light, his Akari lamps remain timeless masterpieces of lighting design.
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J for…
Arne Jacobsen
(1902–1971)
Emblematic Danish architect and designer, Arne Jacobsen embodies the excellence of modern Scandinavian design. Master of functional refinement, he revolutionizes furniture with his iconic creations combining formal simplicity and timeless technical perfection.
Découvrir Arne Jacobsen →
Hella Jongerius
(1963–)
Visionary Dutch designer, Hella Jongerius developed an experimental approach that questions industrial production codes. Master of materials and colors, she reinvents contemporary craftsmanship with sophisticated technical poetry.
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Jasper Morrison
(1959–)
British designer of the post-Memphis generation, Jasper Morrison developed poetic minimalism of great intelligence. Theorist of “Super Normal,” he purifies everyday objects to discreet perfection.
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K for…
Shiro Kuramata
(1934–1991)
Revolutionary Japanese designer, Shiro Kuramata developed a unique poetic language blending Zen minimalism and material innovation. Master of transparency and lightness, he created objects of ethereal beauty that redefined contemporary aesthetics.
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L for…
Le Corbusier
(1887–1965)
Revolutionary Franco-Swiss architect, Charles-Édouard Jeanneret known as Le Corbusier laid the foundations of modern architecture. Visionary theorist of purism and master of reinforced concrete, he reinvented the art of living in the 20th century with his “machines for living”.
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Christian Liaigre
(1943–2020)
French master of contemporary decoration, Christian Liaigre developed a refined style of absolute sophistication. Virtuoso of natural materials and sculpted volumes, he created interiors of luxurious serenity.
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Thierry Lemaire
(1960–)
French creator of multifaceted talent, Thierry Lemaire developed a singular decorative universe blending historical references and modernity. Master of refined eclecticism, he creates theatrical ambiances of rare sophistication.
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M for…
Ingo Maurer
(1932–2019)
Visionary German designer, Ingo Maurer revolutionized lighting with his poetic and experimental creations. Master of sculptural light, he transformed the bulb into an art object with limitless creativity.
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Bruno Moinard
(1956–)
Renowned French interior architect, Bruno Moinard developed a contemporary approach to decorative excellence. Master of luxurious refinement, he creates spaces of discreet sophistication for the international elite.
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N for…
George Nelson
(1908–1986)
Emblematic American designer of Mid-Century Modern, George Nelson developed functional furniture of relaxed elegance. Herman Miller’s artistic director, he revolutionized domestic furnishing with spirited iconic creations.
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O for…
Vico Magistretti
(1920–2006)
Italian architect and designer, Vico Magistretti developed a modern language of refined Milanese elegance. Master of sophisticated simplicity, he created timeless objects that combine functionality and poetry with Italian design excellence.
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P for…
Verner Panton
(1926–1998)
Revolutionary Danish designer, Verner Panton developed a colorful and futuristic universe that disrupted design codes. Pioneer of plastic materials, he created psychedelic environments of visionary audacity.
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Victor Papanek
(1927–1998)
Austrian-American theorist and designer, Victor Papanek developed an ethical and social approach to design. Pioneer of sustainable design, he questioned the creator’s responsibility and profoundly influenced contemporary ecological consciousness.
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Pierre Paulin
(1927–2009)
French master of organic design, Pierre Paulin revolutionized seating with his bold sculptural forms. Virtuoso of foam and textile, his iconic creations embody the excellence of French design from the 1960s-70s.
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Charlotte Perriand
(1903–1999)
French pioneer of modern design and female emancipation, Charlotte Perriand developed functional furniture of radical modernity. Her creations, between art and industry, embody the creative intelligence of the 20th century.
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Jean Prouvé
(1901–1984)
French master of architecture and industrial design, Jean Prouvé developed construction aesthetics of pure modernity. His creations embody the French constructive genius of the 20th century.
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Andrée Putman
(1925–2013)
Grande dame of French decoration, Andrée Putman developed a black and white style of absolute sophistication. Her chic minimalist approach durably influenced international luxury design.
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Q for…
Quasar Khanh
(1934–)
Visionary Franco-Vietnamese designer, Quasar Khanh developed revolutionary inflatable furniture in the 1960s. Pioneer of spatial design and plastic materials, he created futuristic objects that redefined contemporary habitat.
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R for…
Dieter Rams
(1932–)
German master of industrial design, Dieter Rams developed functionalist aesthetics of exemplary purity at Braun. Theorist of “Ten Principles of Good Design,” his radical minimalism still inspires the most demanding creators.
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Gerrit Rietveld
(1888–1964)
Dutch architect and designer, member of the De Stijl movement, Gerrit Rietveld developed revolutionary geometric language. His Red and Blue chair remains a manifesto of modern design and constructivist abstraction.
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S for…
Inga Sempé
(1968–)
French designer of the new generation, Inga Sempé developed a poetic and sensual language that renews the contemporary approach to objects. Master of color and organic form, her work embodies the excellence of contemporary French design.
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Eero Saarinen
(1910–1961)
Finnish-American sculptural genius, Eero Saarinen revolutionized 20th-century design through his futuristic organic forms that unified architecture and furniture. Heir to a creative dynasty, he forged a visionary language where the Tulip Chair and TWA Terminal embody his quest for total harmony between function and spatial poetry.
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Philippe Starck
(1949–)
French genius of contemporary design, Philippe Starck revolutionized the approach to everyday objects with his poetic and democratic language. His iconic creations embody the French spirit of innovation and accessible elegance.
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T for…
Tokujin Yoshioka
(1967–)
Visionary Japanese designer, Tokujin Yoshioka developed a poetic language exploring transparency and dematerialization. Master of material innovation, he created objects of ethereal beauty that question the boundaries between nature and artifice.
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U for…
Patricia Urquiola
(1961–)
Spanish designer established in Italy, Patricia Urquiola developed a contemporary language of refined Mediterranean sensuality. Master of sophisticated textures and colors, she reinvented modern living with assumed femininity.
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V for…
Paola Navone
(1950–)
Cosmopolitan Italian architect and designer, Paola Navone developed an eclectic style mixing international influences and Mediterranean know-how. Master of natural materials and warm colors, she created nomadic design of bohemian sophistication.
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W for…
Hans Wegner
(1914–2007)
Danish master of modern furniture, Hans Wegner developed a sculptural approach to wood that revolutionized seating. Virtuoso of Nordic craftsmanship, his iconic chairs embody Scandinavian design excellence and durably influenced contemporary creation.
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Kelly Wearstler
(1967–)
Iconic American decorator, Kelly Wearstler developed luxurious maximalism that redefined contemporary living. Her modern Hollywood Regency style influences the international elite with incomparable visual richness.
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Jean-Michel Wilmotte
(1948–)
Internationally renowned French architect and designer, Jean-Michel Wilmotte developed a contemporary approach to architectural excellence. His work embodies French elegance applied to major cultural and commercial projects.
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X for…
Iannis Xenakis
(1922–2001)
Greek-French architect and composer, Iannis Xenakis developed a revolutionary mathematical approach to architecture. Le Corbusier’s collaborator, he explored the links between music and space with a unique avant-garde vision.
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Y for…
Sori Yanagi
(1915–2011)
Japanese industrial designer, son of the mingei movement founder, Sori Yanagi developed functional aesthetics blending Japanese tradition and Western modernism. Master of elegant simplicity, he created timeless objects of pure beauty.
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Z for…
Marco Zanuso
(1916–2001)
Italian architect and designer, Marco Zanuso revolutionized the furniture industry with his technical and formal innovations. Pioneer of foam and modern materials, he created iconic pieces that define Italian design excellence.
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HART Glossary of Design Icons
Design Legends Dictionary of creators who shaped our era
Design is the art of transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary. Behind every object that moves us, every space that inspires us, lies the vision of an exceptional creator. These geniuses have revolutionized our relationship with the world, shaping not only forms but entire ways of life. To understand this fascinating evolution, dive into the grand history of design.
From Charles Eames who democratized design with his iconic chairs, to Dieter Rams whose ten principles of good design still guide Apple today, every name in this dictionary tells a story of revolution. Le Corbusier reinvented modern architecture, Philippe Starck transformed everyday objects into poetic sculptures, Zaha Hadid freed buildings from gravity.
Jonathan Ive re-enchanted technology, Ettore Sottsass exploded conventions with Memphis, Arne Jacobsen sublimated Scandinavian minimalism. Each carries within them this magnificent obsession: creating meaning through form.
These visionaries all share the same conviction: design is not cosmetic but fundamental. Karim Rashid transforms plastic into poetry, Patricia Urquiola reinvents comfort, Nendo distills Japanese simplicity, India Mahdavi colors the world with her unique palette.
From Bauhaus to today, from Marcel Breuer to Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec, this creative genealogy draws the contours of a more beautiful world. Their innovations still nourish the confidential decorative trends revolutionizing luxury in 2025. Each creation bears the imprint of an era, the hope of progress, the promise of emotion.
Exploring this dictionary means meeting these alchemists of everyday life who transform matter into dreams. To deepen your knowledge of technical and aesthetic terms, consult our Hart decoration glossary. Because design, ultimately, is this: the brilliant ability to give birth to beauty where it wasn’t expected, to create desire where there was only function. Welcome to the universe of those who design tomorrow.
Resources
Design Fundamentals
History of Design & Decorative Styles
From baroque salons to the radical lines of the 20th century, this chronological timeline highlights the aesthetic revolutions that have marked our daily environment.
Read the page “History of Design & Decorative Styles”Hart Design Glossary from A to Z
Sabre legs, patina, passementerie, caning… This lexicon gives meaning to the technical and stylistic terms often used in the design world.
Access the Hart Design GlossaryHart Glossary of Design Icons
This glossary lists all the great names in design and decoration in alphabetical order. Discover the creators who have shaped contemporary living art.
Access the Hart Glossary of Design Icons
