Flair Holland Collector’s Guide – 1970s Space Age Design
December 8, 2025
If you’re on the hunt for a stylish and versatile storage solution for your home, Kartell cabinets should be at the top of your list. Kartell, an esteemed Italian design company, has been at the forefront of producing innovative and high-quality furniture and lighting since 1949.
Kartell cabinets stand out as some of their most iconic and sought-after products, celebrated for their unique design, functionality, and durability.
In this blog post, we’ll delve into the inspirations behind Kartell cabinets, the various models and features available, and how they can be utilized to craft a modern vintage look in your space. Whether you’re in need of a file cabinet, a bedside table, or a display unit, Kartell cabinets can satisfy your requirements and elevate your style.
Kartell is not just a furniture brand, it is a design revolution. Kartell’s unique design philosophy combines innovation, functionality, and aesthetics to create products that transcend the conventional and challenge the status quo. In this section, we will explore the origins and evolution of Kartell’s design heritage, and how it uses innovative materials and manufacturing techniques to produce furniture that is both beautiful and durable.
Kartell was founded in 1949 by Giulio Castelli, a chemical engineer who had a vision of transforming plastics into household furnishings. Kartell started by producing plastic accessories, such as lamps, trays, and car parts, but soon expanded into furniture production, becoming the first company in the world to use plastics for furniture design. Kartell’s design heritage is enriched by collaborations with renowned designers and architects, such as Philippe Starck, Patricia Urquiola, Alessandro Mendini, and Ron Arad.
These collaborations have resulted in iconic pieces that reflect Kartell’s ethos of innovation, functionality, and aesthetics. Some of the most famous Kartell products include the Ghost Chair, the Componibili, the Masters Chair, and the Crystal Palace Clock.
Kartell’s design philosophy is also driven by its mastery of plastics and its technological advancements in plastic molding techniques. Kartell uses a variety of plastics, such as polycarbonate, polypropylene, polyethylene, and ABS, to create furniture that is lightweight, resistant, and recyclable.
Kartell also experiments with different finishes, colors, and textures, to create furniture that is visually appealing and expressive. Kartell’s technological innovations include the use of injection molding, gas injection, rotational molding, and 3D printing, to create furniture that is seamless, sculptural, and ergonomic.
Kartell’s furniture is not only functional and aesthetic, but also sustainable, as the company is committed to reducing its environmental impact and promoting recyclability.
Kartell cabinets are not only practical and durable, but also stylish and diverse. Among the impressive range is the black & white cabinet, a true testament to their commitment to aesthetic versatility. Kartell offers a collection of cabinet models that can suit different tastes, needs, and spaces. In this section, we will highlight some of the key Kartell cabinet models that you can choose from, and what makes them unique and appealing.
The Componibili is one of the most iconic and popular Kartell products, and for good reason. The Componibili is a modular storage unit that consists of cylindrical elements that can be stacked and combined in various ways.
The Componibili was designed by Anna Castelli Ferrieri, the wife of Kartell’s founder, in 1969, and has since become a timeless furnishing classic. The Componibili is available in different sizes, colors, and finishes, and can be used as a bedside table, a bathroom cabinet, a kitchen trolley, or a display unit.
The Componibili is also eco-friendly, as it is made of recyclable ABS plastic. The Componibili is a versatile and elegant storage solution that can fit perfectly into any room in your home.
If you are looking for a more contemporary and chic cabinet, you might want to check out the Mobil line. The Mobil line is a series of storage units that feature drawers, shelves, and doors, supported by a chromed steel structure.
The Mobil line, designed by Antonio Citterio with Oliver Löw in 1994, includes the award-winning Mobil 4970—a squared based cabinet distinguished by its compact design and multipurpose utility. It has secured its status with a Compasso d’Oro award in 1994 and is especially characterized by its sleek and minimalist design, its bright and transparent colors, and its smooth and easy movement.
The Mobil line is ideal for office and home use, as it can store files, documents, books, and other items in an organized and stylish way.
Another option for storage and display is the Sound-Rack and the Optic Cube. The Sound-Rack is a modular system that can be used as a bookcase, a CD rack, a bottle holder, or a multi-purpose container.
The Sound-Rack is made of transparent or batch-dyed PMMA plastic, and has four shelves and four wheels. The Sound-Rack was designed by Ludovica and Roberto Palomba in 2012. The Optic Cube is a cube-shaped container that can be used as a side table, a nightstand, or a display unit.
The Optic Cube is made of transparent or mirrored PMMA plastic, and has a faceted surface that creates a striking optical effect. The Optic Cube was designed by Patrick Jouin in 2006. The Sound-Rack and the Optic Cube are examples of how Kartell combines form and function to create furniture that is both useful and beautiful.
Kartell cabinets are not only functional and durable, but also stylish and diverse. They can complement any home decor style, from modern minimalist to vibrant eclectic, from vintage retro to classic chic. In this section, we will give you some tips and ideas on how to incorporate Kartell cabinets into your home decor, and create a look that reflects your personality and taste.
If you love the simplicity and elegance of modern minimalist interiors, you can use Kartell cabinets to add some storage and display space without compromising the clean and sleek aesthetic. Kartell cabinets are ideal for modern minimalist interiors because they have a simple and geometric design, a neutral and transparent color palette, and a smooth and glossy finish.
You can choose Kartell cabinets that match the color scheme of your room, or create some contrast with a pop of color. For example, you can use a white Componibili cabinet as a bedside table in your bedroom, a black Mobil file cabinet as a desk organizer in your home office, or a silver Optic cube as a side table in your living room. Kartell cabinets can help you keep your space clutter-free and organized, while adding some style and sophistication.
If you prefer a more vibrant and eclectic style, you can use Kartell cabinets to inject some fun and personality into your space. One such piece is the iconic cabinet with laundry bin, which merges the unexpected functionality of a laundry organizer with the aesthetic appeal of modern design. Kartell cabinets are perfect for vibrant and eclectic spaces because they have a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes, and they can be mixed and matched to create different combinations.
You can choose Kartell cabinets that contrast with the color scheme of your room, or create some harmony with a similar tone. For example, you can use a red Componibili smile cabinet as a bathroom storage unit, a blue Mobil ice file cabinet as a kitchen trolley, or a green Sound-Rack as a bookcase in your living room. Kartell cabinets can help you express your creativity and individuality, while adding some functionality and flair.
If you are inspired by the vintage and retro style, you can use Kartell cabinets to create a nostalgic and charming look in your space. Kartell cabinets are suitable for vintage and retro spaces because they have a timeless and classic design, a warm and metallic color palette, and a textured and faceted surface.
You can choose Kartell cabinets that evoke the era of your choice, or create some contrast with a modern twist. For example, you can use a gold Componibili cabinet as a display unit in your hallway, a copper Mobil file cabinet as a bar cart in your dining room, or a chrome Optic cube as a nightstand in your bedroom. Kartell cabinets can help you create a cozy and inviting atmosphere, while adding some glamour and elegance.
Kartell cabinets are not merely storage solutions; they embody design statements. These cabinets skillfully blend innovation, functionality, and aesthetics, crafting furniture that stands out for its versatility, durability, and style.
Regardless of your home decor style—be it modern minimalist, vibrant eclectic, vintage retro, or classic chic—Kartell cabinets seamlessly adapt, aiding in organizing your space, showcasing your items, and amplifying your personal style.
For those intrigued by Kartell cabinets, exploring their online catalog, visiting the nearest showroom, or reaching out to customer service are great starting points. With ready-to-ship availability, free shipping and delivery, and ease of assembly, maintenance, and recycling, Kartell cabinets offer unparalleled convenience.
Kartell cabinets represent the ideal choice for enhancing your home. Embrace the opportunity and order yours today!
In the realms of watches and furniture, Kartell enjoys a positive reputation, with customers frequently praising the design, customization options, and overall customer experience provided by the company.
Kartell furniture is predominantly manufactured in Italy, with the company’s main production facility located in Noviglio, Lombardy. However, it’s important to note that some Kartell furniture pieces are also produced overseas and under licence.
Kartell is renowned for its contemporary plastic furniture. The company utilizes a variety of plastic materials in its production processes, including polycarbonate, polypropylene, ABS, PMMA, and bio-based materials. These materials are selected for their renewability, resistance, and ease of recyclability, aligning with contemporary environmental considerations.
Yes, the Kartell Componibili series is designed to be stackable. This modular storage system features individual elements that can be easily stacked to create various configurations, offering flexible storage solutions to meet diverse needs.
