Carsten in der Elst Interior design

German designer Carsten in der Elst (b. 1992, Düsseldorf) is based in Cologne, where he established his independent practice after graduating in 2020. His work explores the essence and narrative potential of industrial by-product materials through furniture and spatial objects. By preserving traces of production and emphasizing tactile qualities, he aims to communicate the inherent character of materials themselves. Shaped by physical labor, experimentation and close engagement with process, his practice reflects a deep appreciation for material presence, transformation and imperfection.