Inside Kartell: Part II — Kartell & the Trends

Dec 16

Now that we have seen and understood Kartell better with its history and everything that transformed the brand to where it stands today, let's dive into today and how the trends and Kartell have been aligned by the trend cycle stars. The moment for it to be internationally at its tipping point may be arriving, thanks to the very trends that are already working in its favor.

From Pinterest aesthetics to streetwear crossovers, Kartell has proven that it doesn’t need to chase every trend, instead, it becomes a shape-shifter within them. The bold, sculptural, often playful DNA of Kartell finds its home across vastly different interior moods: Dopamine Decor, Japandi minimalism, nostalgic futurism, and even ironic maximalism. This moment, where interior design is becoming deeply personal and expressive, has created a sweet spot for Kartell’s icons to thrive again and with more cultural resonance than ever before.

Let’s explore how some of the most influential trends in 2024 and beyond, from WGSN reports to viral Pinterest aesthetics, are already creating fertile ground for Kartell. And how the brand is organically showing up across social media feeds, moodboards, and the homes of a new generation of consumers, particularly Gen Z and Millennial tastemakers.

As we continue through Part II of this Kartell deep dive, we’ll also begin to understand the subtle yet powerful shift that makes this brand more relevant today than it has been in decades. Not because it changed who it is, but because the world finally caught up to it.

Trend Forecasts and the Kartell Aesthetic

Right now, interiors are having a full-color moment and Kartell is made for it. The quiet minimalism of the past few years is giving way to interiors that are more expressive, sculptural, and emotionally charged. Trend forecasters and designers agree: personal style is back in a big way.

Dopamine Decor

Think bold color, playful shapes, and pieces that spark joy. Dopamine Decor is everywhere and Kartell’s vibrant palette, glossy finishes, and cheeky silhouettes were doing it before it was a trend. The Louis Ghost chair? The FL/Y lamp in fire red or citrus yellow? They live at the intersection of function and fun. WGSN notes the rise of 'joyful environments' and 'mood-lifting design' as core values for Gen Z interiors.. a space Kartell has always occupied.

Soft Brutalism & Sculptural Forms

We're seeing a love for weighty, architectural shapes but softened with curves, translucence, or color. Kartell’s use of molded plastic gives its furniture that exact energy: strong, but playful. Think the Masters Chair, the Pop Sofa, or the Componibili.

Retro-Futurism

From Y2K nostalgia to 70s space-age revival, Kartell hits the brief without trying. Its archive is full of pieces that feel both nostalgic and futuristic and that tension is trending hard right now. The brand's use of translucent materials, curved lines, and chrome accents are aligned with what WGSN refers to as "Neo Deco" and "Digital Pop."

The Gen Z Aesthetic Remix

On TikTok and Pinterest, you’ll find Kartell’s classics styled in wildly different ways: a Componibili next to a rice paper lamp, a Louis Ghost chair with Hello Kitty pillows. It’s heritage design made personal, ironic, and totally reinterpreted. Creators like @saragallaksen and @bobbyberk have incorporated Kartell pieces into high-traffic posts, blending function with statement aesthetics. On Pinterest, searches for “Kartell vanity setup” and “Componibili bedroom” have seen a measurable spike in early 2024.

Influencer & Platform Momentum

Kartell’s visibility is also getting a boost from unexpected cultural mashups. Their Barbie x Kartell miniatures (Mattel collab) became a viral moment in 2023, and their partnership with Fiat on the Grande Panda concept car injected the brand into lifestyle and mobility conversations. Kartell also teamed up with fashion label N°21, turning their signature pump into a collectible molded plastic object — merging couture and industrial design.

These collaborations blur the lines between design, fashion, and play — and open Kartell up to new audiences who don’t necessarily walk Milan’s design fair but do scroll TikTok at night. The Crossing Generations project and Kartell’s increased Instagram-native styling strategy suggest a brand that’s keenly aware of how design now travels.

“Gen Z plays an extremely keen and adept part in the world of Kartell” — Kartell.com

So, Where Does This Leave Kartell?

Right at the sweet spot. These trends, from colour to craft, minimalism to maximalism, all reflect something Kartell has always done. It’s not about reinventing; it’s about refining the lens.

Across moodboards, apartment tours, and design feeds, the enthusiasm for Kartell is already bubbling. From legacy recognition to new-gen remixing, the pieces are all there. With the right cultural placement and collaborators, Kartell has the chance not only to ride the wave but also to shape it.