HART Glossary of Design Icons
A refined guide to the greatest names in design and luxury decoration.This glossary brings together the key figures who shaped the history of design, from modernist beginnings to contemporary expressions. Each entry offers a clear and elegant editorial summary of the designer’s career, signature works, and stylistic trademarks—a valuable resource for understanding the refined universe of high-end design.
Quick Access:
Alvar Aalto (1898–1976)
Finnish master of architecture and design, Alvar Aalto revolutionizes modernism by infusing it with a human and organic dimension. Visionary architect and refined designer, he develops a unique language where functionality meets the poetry of natural materials. His holistic approach, from the Paimio Sanatorium to Savoy vases, embodies Scandinavian excellence.
Key works: Savoy Vase, Paimio Sanatorium, Villa Mairea, Viipuri Library
Style: Organic modernism, Nordic humanism, natural materials
Collaborations: Iittala, Artek, Finmar
Ron Arad (1951–)
British iconoclast of Israeli origin, Ron Arad disrupts industrial design codes with a bold sculptural approach. Pioneer of radical design, he transforms industrial materials into decorative art objects. His creations, between brutal poetry and technical refinement, redefine the boundaries between art and functional design.
Key works: Rover Chair, BookWorm, Big Easy, MT3
Style: Radical design, functional sculpture, repurposed industrial materials
Collaborations: Vitra, Kartell, Moroso, Magis
Gae Aulenti (1927–2012)
A grand figure of Italian design, Gae Aulenti created both iconic objects and monumental projects. Her poetic work bridges old and new with elegance. She is renowned for the Pipistrello lamp and for transforming the Musée d’Orsay. Total architect and designer, she embodies Italian creative intelligence.
Key works: Pipistrello Lamp, Musée d’Orsay, Palazzo Grassi, Jumbo Table
Style: Classic modernism, narrative design, timeless elegance
Collaborations: FontanaArte, Olivetti, Knoll International
Marcel Breuer (1902–1981)
Pioneer of modern design and emblematic figure of the Bauhaus, Marcel Breuer revolutionizes furniture art with his tubular steel creations. Master of functional refinement, he develops a formal vocabulary of radical modernity. The Wassily chair remains one of the purest manifestos of 20th-century industrial design.
Key works: Wassily Chair, Cesca Chair, Laccio Table, Club Chair
Style: Bauhaus, radical functionalism, pure geometry
Collaborations: Knoll, Thonet, Gavina
Madeleine Castaing (1894–1992)
Legendary decorator of French art de vivre, Madeleine Castaing develops an eclectic style of absolute sophistication. Mistress of Parisian elegance, she blends periods and styles with infallible taste. Her nonconformist approach durably influences contemporary luxury decoration.
Key works: Private mansion rue Jacob, neo-Empire furniture, Castaing wallpapers
Style: Refined eclecticism, modern neo-classicism, bold colors
Collaborations: Maison Castaing, major Parisian collectors
Vincenzo De Cotiis (1958–)
Italian architect and designer of protean talent, Vincenzo De Cotiis develops a singular aesthetic universe where contemporary luxury and historical references sublimate each other. Master of patina and texture, he creates spaces and objects of sophisticated sensuality that redefine Italian excellence.
Key works: DC Collection, luxury residential projects, sculptural furniture
Style: Contemporary luxury, noble patinas, Italian sophistication
Collaborations: Carpenters Workshop Gallery, private collectors
Le Corbusier (1887–1965)
Visionary genius of modern architecture, Le Corbusier also revolutionizes furniture art with his iconic creations. Functionalism theorist, he develops with Charlotte Perriand and Pierre Jeanneret furniture of radical modernity. His pieces, true aesthetic manifestos, embody the spirit of the emerging 20th century.
Key works: LC4 Chaise Longue, LC2 Grand Confort Armchair, LC6 Table
Style: Purism, functionalism, machine for living
Collaborations: Charlotte Perriand, Pierre Jeanneret, Cassina
Nanna Ditzel (1923–2005)
Pioneer of Danish design, Nanna Ditzel develops a poetic and experimental approach that enriches the Scandinavian school. Mistress of organic form, she explores new materials with a feminine sensitivity rare in 20th-century design. Her creations combine Nordic functionality with sculptural elegance.
Key works: Trinidad Chair, Oda Armchair, modernist jewelry
Style: Scandinavian organicism, material experimentation, functional poetry
Collaborations: Fredericia, Georg Jensen, Odense Steel Furniture
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 develops a refined Art Deco style that influences modern high-end cabinetmaking. His creations combine secular tradition with elegant modernity.
Key works: Art Deco furniture, contemporary marquetries, unique pieces
Style: French Art Deco, art marquetry, luxury cabinetmaking
Collaborations: Parisian art workshops, private collectors
Laura Gonzalez (1972–)
French decorator of Spanish origin, Laura Gonzalez develops a sophisticated neo-baroque style that seduces the international elite. Mistress of bold colors and unexpected combinations, she reinvents contemporary art de vivre with controlled theatricality. Her luxurious interiors redefine Parisian elegance.
Key works: Hôtel des Grands Boulevards, luxury apartments, furniture collection
Style: Neo-baroque, chic maximalism, sophisticated colors
Collaborations: Luxury hotels, private residences, furniture publishers
Eileen Gray (1878–1976)
Irish pioneer of modern design, Eileen Gray develops an aesthetic language of visionary modernity. Mistress of lacquer and sculptural furniture, she creates pieces of timeless elegance. Her E-1027 table remains one of the absolute masterpieces of 20th-century design.
Key works: E-1027 Table, Brick Screen, Bibendum Armchair, Villa E-1027
Style: Elegant modernism, sensual geometry, discreet luxury
Collaborations: Galerie Jean Désert, Aram Designs
Konstantin Grcic (1965–)
German designer of the new generation, Konstantin Grcic develops a technical minimalism of exemplary rigor. Heir to German functionalism, he refines forms to the essential with surgical precision. His creations embody the excellence of contemporary industrial design.
Key works: Chair_One Chair, Mayday Lamp, Miura Stool
Style: Technical minimalism, contemporary functionalism, industrial precision
Collaborations: Magis, Vitra, Flos, Muji
David Hicks (1929–1998)
Legendary British decorator, David Hicks revolutionizes contemporary art de vivre with his bold geometric style. Master of vivid colors and graphic patterns, he develops a sophisticated pop aesthetic that durably influences luxury decoration. His avant-garde approach redefines modern elegance.
Key works: Geometric interiors, Hicks carpets, residential projects
Style: Sophisticated pop, colorful geometry, British modernism
Collaborations: International elite, royal houses
Christian Liaigre (1943–2020)
French master of contemporary decoration, Christian Liaigre develops a refined style of absolute sophistication. Virtuoso of natural materials and sculpted volumes, he creates interiors of luxurious serenity. His chic minimalist approach profoundly influences the contemporary art de vivre of the international elite.
Key works: Ebony furniture, minimalist interiors, Liaigre collection
Style: Luxurious minimalism, noble materials, sophisticated refinement
Collaborations: International clientele, luxury hotels, private residences
Thierry Lemaire (1960–)
French creator of protean talent, Thierry Lemaire develops a singular decorative universe blending historical references and modernity. Master of refined eclecticism, he creates theatrical ambiances of rare sophistication. His cultural approach to design seduces lovers of exceptional art de vivre.
Key works: Eclectic interiors, exceptional furniture, cultural projects
Style: Cultivated eclecticism, controlled theatricality, French refinement
Collaborations: Cultural institutions, private collectors
Bruno Moinard (1956–)
Renowned French interior architect, Bruno Moinard develops a contemporary approach to decorative excellence. Master of luxurious refinement, he creates spaces of discreet sophistication for the international elite. His chic minimalist style redefines the codes of contemporary French luxury.
Key works: Luxury boutiques, private residences, exceptional hotels
Style: Luxurious minimalism, contemporary refinement, discreet sophistication
Collaborations: Luxury houses, hotel architecture, private residences
Jasper Morrison (1959–)
British designer of the post-Memphis generation, Jasper Morrison develops a poetic minimalism of great intelligence. Theorist of “Super Normal,” he refines everyday objects to discreet perfection. His creations embody the excellence of contemporary European design.
Key works: Air-Chair, Glo-Ball Lamp, “Super Normal” collection
Style: Super Normal, poetic minimalism, refined functionalism
Collaborations: Vitra, Flos, Magis, Alessi
Isamu Noguchi (1904–1988)
American-Japanese sculptor and designer, Isamu Noguchi develops a unique plastic language blending East and West. Master of organic form and sculpted light, he creates objects of pure poetry. His Akari lamps remain timeless masterpieces of luminous design.
Key works: Akari Lamps, Noguchi Table, sculpture-furniture
Style: Zen organicism, luminous poetry, East-West synthesis
Collaborations: Herman Miller, Vitra, Ozeki & Company
Pierre Paulin (1927–2009)
French master of organic design, Pierre Paulin revolutionizes the art of seating with his bold sculptural forms. Virtuoso of foam and textile, he develops furniture of modern sensuality that seduces the Élysée. His iconic creations embody the excellence of French design from the 1960s-70s.
Key works: Mushroom Chair, Tongue Chair, Élysée furniture
Style: French organicism, modern sensuality, sculptural forms
Collaborations: Artifort, Mobilier National, French presidency
Charlotte Perriand (1903–1999)
French pioneer of modern design and female emancipation, Charlotte Perriand develops functional furniture of radical modernity. Le Corbusier’s collaborator, she humanizes purism with her unique sensitivity. Her creations, between art and industry, embody the creative intelligence of the 20th century.
Key works: LC4 Chaise Longue, Nuage Shelves, Les Arcs furniture
Style: Humanist functionalism, poetic modernity, art-industry synthesis
Collaborations: Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, Cassina
Jean Prouvé (1901–1984)
French master of architecture and industrial design, Jean Prouvé develops a construction aesthetic of pure modernity. Virtuoso of metal and assembly, he creates technical furniture of sculptural beauty. His creations embody the French constructive genius of the 20th century.
Key works: Standard Chair, Direction Chair, Tropical House
Style: French constructivism, industrial aesthetics, technical genius
Collaborations: Vitra, G-Star, prefabricated architecture
Andrée Putman (1925–2013)
Grand dame of French decoration, Andrée Putman develops a black and white style of absolute sophistication. Mistress of graphic refinement, she reinvents contemporary art de vivre with inimitable Parisian elegance. Her chic minimalist approach durably influences international luxury design.
Key works: Morgans Hotel, Écart International furniture, black and white interiors
Style: Graphic minimalism, Parisian elegance, black and white sophistication
Collaborations: Écart International, luxury hospitality, Air France
Dieter Rams (1932–)
German master of industrial design, Dieter Rams develops at Braun a functionalist aesthetic of exemplary purity. Theorist of the “Ten Principles of Good Design,” he profoundly influences the contemporary approach to objects. His radical minimalism still inspires the most demanding creators.
Key works: 606 Shelving, SK4 Radio, Braun razors, Vitsœ furniture
Style: Pure functionalism, German minimalism, “Weniger, aber besser”
Collaborations: Braun, Vitsœ, German industrial design
Inga Sempé (1968–)
French designer of the new generation, Inga Sempé develops a poetic and sensual language that renews the contemporary approach to objects. Mistress of color and organic form, she creates pieces of sophisticated delicacy. Her work embodies the excellence of contemporary French design.
Key works: Matin Lamp, Ruben Vases, HAY furniture
Style: Contemporary poetry, feminine sensitivity, French refinement
Collaborations: HAY, Ligne Roset, David Design
Ettore Sottsass (1917–2007)
Italian master of radical design, Ettore Sottsass revolutionizes contemporary aesthetics with the Memphis movement. Theorist of anti-design, he liberates form and color with visionary audacity. His iconoclastic creations redefine design codes and durably influence contemporary creation.
Key works: Carlton Bookcase, Tahiti Lamp, Valentine typewriter
Style: Radical design, Memphis, creative anti-functionalism
Collaborations: Memphis Milano, Olivetti, Alessi
Philippe Starck (1949–)
French genius of contemporary design, Philippe Starck revolutionizes the approach to everyday objects with his poetic and democratic language. Master of narrative form and sophisticated humor, he democratizes luxury design without ever sacrificing excellence. His iconic creations embody the French spirit of innovation and accessible elegance.
Key works: Juicy Salif Lemon Squeezer, Louis Ghost Chair, Hôtel Costes
Style: Emotional design, industrial poetry, democratic luxury
Collaborations: Kartell, Alessi, Flos, Baccarat
Patricia Urquiola (1961–)
Spanish designer established in Italy, Patricia Urquiola develops a contemporary language of refined Mediterranean sensuality. Mistress of sophisticated textures and colors, she reinvents modern art de vivre with assumed femininity. Her creations combine artisanal tradition and technical innovation with natural elegance.
Key works: Antibodi Armchair, Tufty-Time Sofa, Caboche Lamp
Style: Contemporary sensuality, Mediterranean sophistication, creative femininity
Collaborations: Moroso, Foscarini, Kartell, B&B Italia
Hans Wegner (1914–2007)
Danish master of modern furniture, Hans Wegner develops a sculptural approach to wood that revolutionizes the art of seating. Virtuoso of Nordic craftsmanship, he creates pieces of absolute formal perfection. His iconic chairs embody the excellence of Scandinavian design and durably influence contemporary creation.
Key works: Wishbone Chair, The Chair, Shell Chair
Style: Scandinavian organicism, artisanal perfection, functional sculpture
Collaborations: Carl Hansen & Søn, PP Møbler, Johannes Hansen
Kelly Wearstler (1967–)
Iconic American decorator, Kelly Wearstler develops a luxurious maximalism that redefines contemporary art de vivre. Mistress of bold combinations and sophisticated cultural references, she creates theatrical interiors of incomparable visual richness. Her modern Hollywood Regency style influences the international elite.
Key works: Viceroy Hotels, celebrity residences, furniture collection
Style: Luxurious maximalism, modern Hollywood Regency, Californian sophistication
Collaborations: Luxury hospitality, celebrities, high-end furniture publishers
Jean-Michel Wilmotte (1948–)
French architect and designer of international renown, Jean-Michel Wilmotte develops a contemporary approach to architectural excellence. Master of sophisticated refinement and noble materials, he creates spaces of timeless modernity. His work embodies French elegance applied to major cultural and commercial projects.
Key works: Nancy Museum of Fine Arts, luxury boutiques, contemporary furniture
Style: French modernism, architectural refinement, contemporary sophistication
Collaborations: Cultural institutions, luxury houses, international projects
About This Glossary
This glossary represents a subjective selection of creators who have marked the history of design and decorative arts. Each entry reflects Hart Design Selection’s refined editorial approach, privileging creative excellence and lasting influence on contemporary art de vivre.
“Creative excellence knows no boundaries—it transcends eras to nourish contemporary art de vivre. This glossary celebrates the visionaries who, through their genius, continue to inspire our daily quest for beauty and authenticity.”
To Complete your Discovery
History of Design & Decorative Styles
A timeline of major aesthetic movements in furniture and the decorative arts
→ Read the article
Glossary of Design & Decoration
A clear glossary to help decode the technical language of interior design
→ View the glossary
Classical Style Guide
From Louis XV to Art Deco: essential keys to understanding the great decorative styles
→ Browse style sheets
