Designer Profile: Paolo Cattelan
Paolo Cattelan pieces engage with the evolution of Italian design itself. More than a reflection of trends, they're a dialogue between past, present & future.
Designer Profile
Picture the soft Mediterranean light spilling through the windows of a Vicenza workshop, illuminating the deliberate, methodical movements of a master craftsman. This is the world Paolo Cattelan grew up in, a realm where design and craftsmanship aren’t careers — they're legacies.
Born in 1973 in Thiene, Italy, Cattelan inherited more than just a family business. He absorbed a design philosophy deeply rooted in Italy’s storied tradition of furniture-making, emboldened by his contemporary, avant-garde sensibility.
Paolo’s designs blend the weight of tradition with the airiness of modern expression, evoking raw yet refined aesthetic sensibilities that have shaped Italy’s cultural identity for centuries. There’s a sense of gravitas in his work, balanced by an undercurrent of playful experimentation— often playing with gravity and balance in a way that feels architectural, yet paradoxically light.
The Scott Keramik table adds depth and playful elegance to any space with its base curved like a crisp shirt collar
Design Philosophy
Look closely at any Paolo Cattelan piece and you’ll find it springs from a deep appreciation of heritage mixed with a penchant for rebellion. His creations feel sculptural, like minimalist monuments. Yet beneath the surface, there’s a tension—an audacious blending of natural textures and modern forms that transcends pure functionality.
In Paolo’s design philosophy, materiality plays a leading role. The cool touch of ceramics, the supple grains of Italian leather, the heft of steel — all these elements are more than just components; they’re the language of contemporary opulence. Every piece reflecting a balance between practicality and beauty, a subtle harmony that mirrors the balance of life itself.
Cattelan's use of organic materials—stone, wood, and metal—paired with refined craftsmanship recalls the Italian Renaissance’s deep reverence for natural beauty. His pieces serve not just as furniture but as grounding elements, linking modern spaces to Italy’s centuries-old tradition of artisanal mastery.
The Penguin side table's sculpted base mimics the form of the much beloved animal, doubling as a storage compartment to elevate the Penguin beyond aesthetics into a smart solution for modern living
Cultural and Artistic Landscape
Paolo Cattelan’s work exists at the crossroads of Italian craftsmanship and modernist experimentation. His approach blends the timeless traditions of Italian design with the boldness of contemporary minimalism, situating his work within both the historical context of Italian artistry and the ever-evolving landscape of global design. Cattelan’s furniture captures the essence of Italian architectural beauty, echoing the symmetry, balance, and proportion that defined the country’s Renaissance masterpieces.
At the same time, his work engages with more modern design movements, challenging the boundaries between function and form. The clean lines and geometric precision of his creations call to mind the principles of modernist design, where form follows function and simplicity reigns.
Paolo’s pieces are never cold or purely utilitarian—they exude a warmth and approachability that speaks to Italy’s enduring love for handcrafted beauty. His work reminds us that true luxury lies in the meeting of form, material, and craftsmanship—an ethos that has deep roots in Italian culture but also points toward the future of sustainable, thoughtful design.
Characterised by its smooth, geometric seat and slender metal frame, the Pepe barstool ensures comfort while maintaining an effortlessly chic aesthetic
Notable Pieces
TYRON KERAMIK TABLE
The Tyron Keramik table is a masterclass in balance — blending sculptural aesthetics with raw functionality. Its base seems to defy the rules of weight and stability, grounded in the same principles of architectural grandeur that inspired the Roman Pantheon. Elevating this piece beyond furniture into a modern reinterpretation of ancient forms — inviting you to rethink the way you interact with everyday space.
The interplay of light and shadow dancing across the table's ceramic surface is mesmerising. Bold lines juxtaposed against polished textural landscapes rich with veins and gravitas. Ensuring the Tyron Keramik becomes the heartbeat of your dining space, fusing organic and manmade elements into a cohesive narrative of form and function.
The Tyron Keramik's cross-shaped metal base is artfully juxtaposed with an opulent ceramic top, offering a dramatic yet harmonious balance of materials
GRETA CHAIR
A striking testament to the balance of form and function, the Greta chair delivers understated elegance to any space. Its clean, supples lines invite both comfort and contemplation. The separation between the seat and backrest creating a subtle visual tension, offering a modern interpretation of traditional design elements.
With its cylindrical wrap-around backrest, the Greta chair provides enveloping support, ensuring comfort across the span of relaxed evenings spent around the dinner table. Its elliptical metal legs enhancing the chair’s minimalist aesthetic while anchoring the piece with sturdy durability. All grounded in the precision of Italian craftsmanship.
The Greta chair's sleek metal frame contrasts beautifully with its cozy but elegant upholstery, creating a harmonious balance between structure and comfort
STING SIDE TABLE
The Sting side table is a study in elegant minimalism. Whether positioned beside a plush armchair or clustered together in groups as a functional focal point, the Sting anchors any space with refined opulence.
In its simplicity, the Sting offers an adaptability that makes it feel timeless. Finished in your choice of ceramic top, each side table features its own distinct pattern — evoking earthy tones and swirling textures that captivate and inspire.
In this piece, Paolo distilled the essence of Italian design: a balance of old-world craftsmanship with modern-day ease. Its ability to complement rather than dominate speaks to Paolo's understanding of how furniture can both serve and elevate a space.
The Sting side table's artfully simple design allows the ceramic finish to be its centrepiece — offering a modern, functional accent that complements a variety of interiors
NASDAQ KERAMIK DESK
The Nasdaq Keramik desk's geometric, angular form defies traditional structures. Creating a striking silhouette that feels both grounded and futuristic.
The rich veining of the ceramic top, contrasting with its angular metal base, recalls the opulent interiors of Italian palazzi, while the bold design evokes the modernist movements of the 20th century.
Placing the Nasdaq Keramik in your home elevates the space from utilitarian to extraordinary. Its bold, angular design exudes confidence and power, transforming your office or boardroom into a command center of productivity and sophistication.
Whether you're a designer unleashing your creativity or an entrepreneur building your empire, the Nasdaq Keramik desk becomes your personal canvas
Transformation of Space
To invite a Paolo Cattelan piece into your home is to engage with the evolution of Italian design itself. His work is so much more than a reflection of trends—it’s part of a continuing dialogue between past, present, and future. His pieces aren’t static; they evolve with your space, enhancing your environment while adapting to your needs.
Paolo Cattelan’s work reminds you that furniture is not merely utilitarian—it’s an art form, one that tells a story of heritage, craftsmanship, and innovation. By inviting these pieces into your world, you are participating in that narrative. Allowing your home to become part of an ongoing tradition of Italian excellence.