Charlotte Biltgen, CEO of Charlotte Biltgen, founded her studio in 2015 and six years later launched her furniture collection. As a designer, Charlotte tries to constantly combine the heritage of the past with the contemporaneity of the present.
She endlessly explores shapes and materials and seeks to extract the essence of classicism. Over the past three years, Charlotte has built a family of partners, artisans and artists. This deep connection remains for her a source of constant inspiration, happiness and sharing.
As a kid, what did you answer when asked, “What do you want to be when you grow up?”
I always wanted to create. As a child, I imagined myself as an architect, sculptor or even a painter. The idea of shaping spaces and objects was something that fascinated me from an early age.
Which designer and/or piece of work inspires you? Why?
Mathieu Lehanneur inspires me deeply for his ability to merge design, technology and nature into pieces that feel alive. His work resonates with my own philosophy of contrast, timelessness, and creating meaningful experiences.
How would you describe your design philosophy?
I would like to see my design philosophy as a dialogue between contrasts—feminine and masculine, heritage and modernity, simplicity and complexity. I seek to create pieces that evoke emotion and tell a story, combining precise craftsmanship with a sense of timeless elegance.
Who are three designers you follow on Instagram?
Studio KO French Architects
Kelly Wearstler, American Interior Designer
Omer Gilony, Greek Floral & Stylism
Give us some context about where you live: How long you’ve been there and how does it influence your work?
I live and work in Paris, in the heart of the city, where I founded my studio and the Courcelles showroom three years ago. This intimate and lived-in space constantly inspires me, as it bridges my creations with the vibrant culture and history of Parisian design.
Was there a moment when you realized you wanted to be a designer? If so, what was it?
When I was 15, on vacation in Normandy with my parents, I started creating trend books by cutting out images from design and decor magazines. Looking back, it was my first step into the world of design—playful yet purposeful.
Which of your projects or products are you most proud? Why?
I am particularly proud of the work we present at the Courcelles gallery, a place that truly embodies my vision of design. It’s not just a showroom—it’s a lived-in space where each piece tells a story, and where art, design and craftsmanship converge in a warm, inviting atmosphere.
Among my collections, Ecume holds a special place, with its poetic interplay of textures and organic forms, capturing the fluidity of nature.
Similarly, the Ettore collection explores contrasts—masculine and feminine, strength and softness—through a combination of prestigious materials like bronze and leather.
Both collections will take center stage in New York this November during my solo show at the invisible collection showroom, marking an exciting milestone in sharing my work on an international scale.
What are your favorite materials with which to work? Why?
I have a deep affinity for plaster and wood. Plaster allows for an exploration of purity and texture, creating soft, organic shapes that feel both timeless and contemporary, as seen in the Monceau table and Osaka shelves.
Wood, on the other hand, brings warmth and character, with its natural grains and ability to be sculpted into expressive forms.
These materials embody the balance I seek between tradition and innovation, offering endless possibilities for storytelling through design.
What is the most pressing issue in the interior design field today?
Sustainability. As designers, we have a responsibility to create pieces that not only inspire but also stand the test of time—both aesthetically and ethically. This means rethinking processes, materials, and the impact of our creations on the environment.
What’s next?
2025 promises to be an exciting year filled with meaningful projects. In November, I’ll present a solo show in New York, featuring a new furniture collection inspired by the elegance and innovation of 1960s Italian design. This collection, created for Invisible Collection, explores contrasts between masculine materials like leather and bronze and the fluid, sensual lines of classic cars—a thrilling step toward sharing my work with a broader American audience.
And finally, what is your favorite movie and why?
My favorite movie is La Dolce Vita, a masterpiece that perfectly captures my passion for Italy and the 1960s. Marcello Mastroianni’s effortless elegance and charisma are timeless, much like the inspiration behind my Ettore collection.
To discover more, visit Charlotte Biltgen