French designer Patrick Norguet has created a stackable chair for Italian furniture company Kristalia that features a perforated seat based on a kitchen colander (+ slideshow).

The Colander chair borrows its holes from the utensil, which is used to drain water after cooking foods like vegetables or pasta.

Among the design references shared by Norguet on his Instagram account was a square colander designed by London studio Morph for Joseph Joseph in 2011.

"We needed to give meaning to its holes and link up with Kristalia and its Italian design," said Kristalia in a statement. "What kitchen utensil is used every day in Italy? The colander."

Other references for the chair ranged from products designed by Dieter Rams, Naoto Fukasawa and Jonathan Ive to artist Damien Hirst's Edge series of polka dot paintings.

"From the perspective of pure design, we like to think that what Patrick has developed in 2015 is the outcome of a series of objects and works of art that have become milestones in culture in general," said the brand.

The chair is designed for indoor or outdoor use, and features a curved polypropylene plastic seat and back. Its pattern of holes helps rain water drain off.

"We can definitely call it a versatile chair: it is excellent for the catering sector, ideal in homes, and can be used both indoors and outdoors," Kristalia said.

The frame is made from die-cast aluminium that forms a cross-shaped base for the seat, which is still visible through the perforated surface.

The rear legs extend up to create a support for the seat back. The design is available in white, black, beige, red and grey versions.

Norguet previously partnered with McDonalds to design interiors and furniture for its French restaurants, as well as a reusable cup that could make hot coffee easier to hold.

Photography is by Paolo Contratti.