Joana Santos Barbosa Footstools

Inspired by the natural world and the rich architecture of her native country, Joana Santos Barbosa’s modern furniture comprises a harmonious blend of organic forms and geometric accuracy. The award-winning architect and furniture designer is considered one of the top 10 contemporary designers from Portugal, with pieces created by her firm InsidherLand sought by interior designers, architects, hotel brands and modern furniture collectors worldwide.

Born in 1981 in Porto, Santos Barbosa studied architecture at the University of Porto. After graduating in 2006, she studied interior design at Central Saint Martins School of Arts and Design in London.

In 2012, Santos Barbosa formed the furniture design company InsidherLand which uses traditional Portuguese handcrafting techniques to create high-quality furniture, lighting, upholstery and home decor. 

Elements of nature feature predominantly in many of Santos Barbosa’s designs, such as the Three Rocks side table, Tree Branches wall lamp, Na Pali coffee table and the Arizona mirror, which was named Best Furniture Design at the iLuxury Awards in 2021.

In contrast, several of Santos Barbosa’s pieces are influenced by architecture and symmetry. The Arches dining room chair (winner of Best Chair Design at the 2011 International Design and Architecture Awards), Looshaus table lamp and rounded Niemeyer armchair and sofa (named for legendary Brazilian modernist designer and architect Oscar Niemeyer) are some examples.   

Barbosa’s designs, which she describes as “falling between sinuous elegance and harsh aggressiveness,” have gained worldwide attention among critics and industry experts. She was invited to exhibit at the XX Triennale International Exhibition, and her works have been shown regularly in exhibitions throughout London, Paris and Milan. Several international publications have also featured her designs, including Harper’s Bazaar (Vietnam), Architectural Digest (Spain) and Interior Designer (UK).

On 1stDibs, find a collection of Joana Santos Barbosa seating, tables and lighting.