Designer: Ferruccio Laviani, 2004.
Details: Polycarbonate table lamp in Crystal, £252, Kartell.
One of the most instantly recognisable of interior accessories, the Bourgie table lamp has been illuminating our homes for more than a decade now, but its take on baroque style has proved to be remarkably adaptable, subtly changing its look over the years, yet still retaining its status as a standout piece of modern design.
Conceived by Kartell’s art director Ferruccio Laviani, his brief for the lamp was far from straightforward: to create something ‘important’.
Taking his cue from a vintage design on his desk and – it is said – from the lyrics ofa disco track about the upwardly mobile (Bourgie’, Bourgie’ being a subtle dig at the bourgeoisie), Laviani played with the concept of classical lines reconfigured in sleek polycarbonate.
With its scrolled feet, elegant silhouette and faux-fabric shade, the Bourgie has a timeless, but tongue-in-cheek feel, perfectly suited to the postmodern world. And, as if to prove the point that today’s icons shouldn’t be taken too seriously, the Bourgie was reimagined by some of interior design’s most influential names to celebrate its 10th anniversary, with Philippe Starck and Patricia Urquiola among the luminaries producing one-off versions in materials ranging from paper to metal.
Kartell has not been idle, either, colouring the plastic in ever-more innovative shades.
Still, we think the pristine Crystal is the most perfect version of all – the John Travolta, if you will, of this Bourgie wonderland…
-
My 10 Favorite Designs at Milan Design Week 2025 — Out of the Hundreds of Pieces I SawThere is a new elegance, color, and shape being shown in Milan this week, and these are the pieces that caught my eye
-
Iridescence Is Chrome’s More Playful, Hard-to-Define Cousin — And You're About to See It EverywhereThis kinetic finish signals a broader shift toward surfaces that move, shimmer, and surprise. Here's where to find it now
-
Bathroom tile ideas – 23 creative ways with color, pattern and installationsUse these bathroom tile ideas to add texture, pattern and even a touch of glamor to this very important room
-
16 living room wallpaper ideas that'll convince you patterned wallcoverings are the way to goThese brilliant living room wallpaper ideas offer up inspiration for how to apply print, pattern and texture to different areas of your scheme
-
Crittall-style doors – 20 ideas that prove this timeless trend is here to stayFall for the charm of crittall-style doors, windows and room dividers all over again with our gallery of the best ideas
-
Florist Angela Maynard on how to care for dried flowers and how to style them in a modern homeKnowing how to care for dried flowers means you can have stylish arrangements that last for years. Author and florist Angela Maynard shares her tips
-
Bathroom wall tile ideas – from bold and bright to subtle and sleekBathroom wall tile ideas are what give your bathroom personality, adding color, texture and depth – here are our favorite looks
-
Front door ideas – how to choose the perfect style for your homeOur front door ideas will guide you through picking out the most practical, and stylish design to create a beautiful first impression
-
30 bedroom color ideas – stylish schemes to inspire a quick and easy makeoverWhether you are neutrals lover or color-obsessed, these bedroom color ideas are sure to make you want to redecorate
-
Grey kitchen ideas - designers explain how to get the most from this wonderful colorGrey kitchen ideas are the height of liveable luxury - smart, chic and calming. Interiors experts explain how to get them right
