Philippe Starck

Philippe Starck (born 1949) is a French designer whose prolific output spans furniture, interiors, architecture, consumer products, and even yachts. He rose to international fame when French President Mitterrand commissioned him to redesign the Élysée Palace private apartments in 1982. His Ghost Chair for Kartell (2002), Juicy Salif lemon squeezer for Alessi, and numerous hotel interiors for Ian Schrager established him as the designer who brought contemporary design to mainstream consumer culture. Starck's influence on interior design is vast and democratic. His Ghost Chair—a transparent polycarbonate reinterpretation of a Louis XVI armchair—demonstrated that design icons could be affordable, durable, and mass-produced. His hotel designs for the Royalton, Paramount, and SLS introduced theatrical, design-forward interiors to the hospitality industry. Whether one admires or critiques his approach, Starck's impact on making design accessible and culturally relevant is undeniable.

Key Characteristics

✓Democratized contemporary design through mass production
✓Reinterpreted classical forms in modern materials
✓Pioneered design-driven boutique hotel interiors
✓Created products across virtually every design category
✓Used transparent and unconventional materials boldly
✓Made design a mainstream cultural conversation

Types & Variations

Louis Ghost Chair (2002)

Juicy Salif lemon squeezer (1990)

Royalton Hotel interiors (1988)

Masters Chair for Kartell

Mama Shelter hotel chain interiors

Common Materials

Transparent polycarbonateInjection-molded plasticAluminumRecycled materialsCast resinPolished chrome

Works Well With These Styles

Contemporary Modern Postmodern Minimalist Art Deco

Placement & Usage Tips

Ghost Chairs work in almost any setting—their transparency makes them ideal for small dining rooms where visual weight is a concern. Use them around traditional or rustic tables for an interesting style contrast. Starck's lighting designs add theatrical flair to bedrooms and bars.

💡 Pro Tip

Starck's Ghost Chair is one of the most versatile seats in modern design—it works indoors and outdoors, stacks for storage, and pairs with everything from farmhouse tables to glass dining sets. Buy them in unexpected colors like amber or smoke for added personality.