Karel de Boer (Haringhuizen 1978) works under the designer name of karel. Karel received his training at the Gerrit Rietveld Academy and the Hoger Instituut voor de Schone Kunsten (Higher Institute for Fine Arts).

Custom-made furniture is one of the areas in which Karel specializes. A furniture piece must fit seamlessly into its surroundings, down to the last centimeter as well as the choice of materials and colors. Custom-made furniture that fits in well lasts longer and is also more in line with sustainable living.