From Eindhoven to Milan: The Origins of Kranen/Gille

It all started with a spark at the Design Academy Eindhoven, where the creative paths of Kranen and Gille first crossed. Although they initially pursued separate careers after graduating in 2004, it didn’t take long before they reunited to unveil their first collaborative project at the 2007 Salone del Mobile in Milan: “The Von Trapp Dining Room.” Inspired by Tiroler volkskunst, this installation marked the genesis of the Kranen/Gille studio, an innovative duo renowned for their raw, poetic, and often ironic vision of design. Over time, their trajectory led them from collectible design to crafting accessible, high-impact products in collaboration with leading consumer brands like Seletti, Fatboy, and Moooi.

A brutalist poetry of materials

Their approach? Start from the scrapyard. Literally. Every project by Kranen/Gille begins with sketches born from cast-offs and fragments: what others might discard, they turn into dreams. This instinctive process allows the designers to keep their creative freedom intact before moving to 3D or CAD. Their practice balances unrefined materials with delicate, almost baroque gestures, forging pieces that challenge conventions and provoke emotional reactions. This duality is especially palpable in their work for Seletti, where functional design and artistic vision merge seamlessly into iconic objects and luxury outdoor floor lamps.

Illuminating collections and sculptural forms

Kranen/Gille’s signature lies in their ability to transform utilitarian pieces into evocative narratives. Within the world of lighting, their pieces are bold yet intimate, blending technical precision with sculptural form. Through collaborations with brands like Seletti, they have contributed to collections that stand out for their emotional resonance and tactile impact: true conversation pieces in any interior. Their work resonates particularly in the realm of designer floor lamps, where their industrial edge adds unexpected warmth to domestic spaces.

Collaborations that spark new language

From the rebellious aesthetics to the surreal glow of La Palma floor lamp, their creations reflect a deep synergy with Seletti’s vision. These iconic products transcend mere objects: they are reflections of a worldview where irony meets utility, and where every piece tells a story. By engaging with design-forward audiences, Kranen/Gille have carved a niche that is simultaneously avant-garde and commercial, loved by collectors and casual buyers alike. Their evolution is a testament to design’s ability to stay subversive and soulful, no matter the scale.