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.
Mid-Century Modern curved oak handmade Niemeyer II round sofa by InsidherLand
By InsidherLand, Joana Santos Barbosa
Located in Maia, Porto
The Niemeyer II round sofa is named after the Brazilian Architect Oscar Niemeyer whose Architecture was spread like sculptural poetry in the His...
Oak, Fabric, Wood
Mid-Century Modern white bouclé dark oak Niemeyer II round sofa by InsidherLand
By InsidherLand, Joana Santos Barbosa
Located in Maia, Porto
The Niemeyer II round sofa is named after the Brazilian Architect Oscar Niemeyer whose Architecture was spread like sculptural poetry in the History of hum...
Bouclé, Oak, Fabric, Wood
Contemporary geometric brushed brass handmade Fernandine sofa by InsidherLand
By Joana Santos Barbosa, InsidherLand
Located in Maia, Porto
The Fernandine walls are a part of History that embraces the city of Porto, located in the north of Portugal. These medieval fortifications topped off by battlements were completed d...
Brass
Foz 3 Seat Sofa, Bouclé & Bronzed Brass, Insidherland by Joana Santos Barbosa
By Joana Santos Barbosa, InsidherLand
Located in Maia, Porto
Foz is a grand sofa that gathers surprising details of a beach located in Porto, in the north of Portugal. Designed in layers, the contour of the sofa is an ode to the sea waves tha...
Brass, Metal
Figueroa Two-Seat Sofa, Bronzed Brass, InsidherLand by Joana Santos Barbosa
By InsidherLand, Joana Santos Barbosa
Located in Maia, Porto
Located in the sunny California, the charming Figueroa Mountain is a magical landscape that led to the creation of the Figueroa sofa. The long curves of the mountain were taken to t...
Brass, Metal
Mid-Century Modern curved cream bouclé dark oak Niemeyer II sofa by InsidherLand
By Joana Santos Barbosa, InsidherLand
Located in Maia, Porto
The Niemeyer II sofa is named after the Brazilian Architect Oscar Niemeyer whose Architecture was spread like sculptural poetry in the History of humankind. The rounded lines of the ...
Fabric, Oak
Contemporary geometric brown velvet brass Fernandine sofa by InsidherLand
By InsidherLand, Joana Santos Barbosa
Located in Maia, Porto
The Fernandine walls are a part of History that embraces the city of Porto, located in the north of Portugal. These medieval fortifications topped off by battlements were completed d...
Brass, Metal
Organic nature-inspired brass handmade Figueroa 2 seat sofa by InsidherLand
By InsidherLand, Joana Santos Barbosa
Located in Maia, Porto
Located in the sunny California, the charming Figueroa Mountain is a magical landscape that led to the creation of the Figueroa sofa. The long curves of the mountain were taken to th...
Brass, Metal
Foz 3 Seat Sofa, Bouclé & Brass, Insidherland by Joana Santos Barbosa
By InsidherLand, Joana Santos Barbosa
Located in Maia, Porto
Foz is a grand sofa that gathers surprising details of a beach located in Porto, in the north of Portugal. Designed in layers, the contour of the sofa is an ode to the sea waves t...
Brass, Metal
Eagle Three-Seat Sofa, Ebony & COM, InsidherLand by Joana Santos Barbosa
By InsidherLand, Joana Santos Barbosa
Located in Maia, Porto
Inspired by the story of the Kazakh Eagle Hunters, the profile of the Eagle sofa presents the shape of the golden eagle’s massive wings. Entirely handcrafte...
Fabric, Ebony, Wood
Mid-Century Modern round white bouclé oak handmade Niemeyer sofa by InsidherLand
By InsidherLand, Joana Santos Barbosa
Located in Maia, Porto
The Niemeyer sofa is named after the Brazilian Architect Oscar Niemeyer whose Architecture was spread like sculptural poetry in the History of humankind....
Bouclé, Oak
Mid-Century Modern organic curved oak handmade Niemeyer sofa by InsidherLand
By Joana Santos Barbosa, InsidherLand
Located in Maia, Porto
The Niemeyer sofa is named after the Brazilian Architect Oscar Niemeyer whose Architecture was spread like sculptural poetry in the History of humankind....
Oak, Fabric, Wood
Organic nature-inspired steel handmade Figueroa 3 seat sofa by InsidherLand
By InsidherLand, Joana Santos Barbosa
Located in Maia, Porto
Located in the sunny California, the charming Figueroa Mountain is a magical landscape that led to the creation of the Figueroa sofa. The long curves of the mountain were taken to th...
Stainless Steel, Metal
Eagle Three-Seat Sofa, Grid & Ebony, InsidherLand by Joana Santos Barbosa
By InsidherLand, Joana Santos Barbosa
Located in Maia, Porto
Inspired by the story of the Kazakh Eagle Hunters, the profile of the Eagle sofa presents the shape of the golden eagle’s massive wings. Entirely handcraft...
Fabric, Ebony, Chenille
Na Pali Two-Seat Sofa, Walnut & COM, InsidherLand by Joana Santos Barbosa
By Joana Santos Barbosa, InsidherLand
Located in Maia, Porto
Na Pali means “the cliffs” and is a breathtaking landscape located on Kauai, a volcanic island resulting from the rain and the blasts of winter waves against t...
Velvet, Walnut, Wood
Mid-Century Modern organic round oak handmade Niemeyer II sofa by InsidherLand
By InsidherLand, Joana Santos Barbosa
Located in Maia, Porto
The Niemeyer II sofa is named after the Brazilian Architect Oscar Niemeyer whose Architecture was spread like sculptural poetry in the History of humankind. The rounded lines of the ...
Fabric, Oak, Wood
Foz 3 Seat Sofa, Brass & COM, Insidherland by Joana Santos Barbosa
By InsidherLand, Joana Santos Barbosa
Located in Maia, Porto
Foz is a grand sofa that gathers surprising details of a beach located in Porto, in the north of Portugal. Designed in layers, the contour of the sofa is an ode to the sea waves tha...
Brass, Metal
Organic nature-inspired cream bronzed brass Figueroa 3 seat sofa by InsidherLand
By InsidherLand, Joana Santos Barbosa
Located in Maia, Porto
Located in the sunny California, the charming Figueroa Mountain is a magical landscape that led to the creation of the Figueroa sofa. The long curves of the mountain were taken to th...
Brass, Metal
Organic nature-inspired onyx velvet brass Figueroa 2 seat sofa by InsidherLand
By InsidherLand, Joana Santos Barbosa
Located in Maia, Porto
Located in the sunny California, the charming Figueroa Mountain is a magical landscape that led to the creation of the Figueroa sofa. The long curves of the mountain were taken to th...
Brass, Metal
Foz 3 Seat Sofa, Bouclé & Brass, InsidherLand by Joana Santos Barbosa
By Joana Santos Barbosa, InsidherLand
Located in Maia, Porto
Foz is a grand sofa that gathers surprising details of a beach located in Porto, in the north of Portugal. Designed in layers, the contour of the sofa is an ode to the sea waves t...
Brass, Metal
Eagle Three-Seat Sofa, Velvet & Ebony, InsidherLand by Joana Santos Barbosa
By InsidherLand, Joana Santos Barbosa
Located in Maia, Porto
Inspired by the story of the Kazakh Eagle Hunters, the profile of the Eagle sofa presents the shape of the golden eagle’s massive wings. Entirely handcraft...
Velvet, Ebony, Fabric, Wood
Mid-Century Modern round Damasks & Lampas oak Niemeyer II sofa by InsidherLand
By Joana Santos Barbosa, InsidherLand
Located in Maia, Porto
The Niemeyer II sofa is named after the Brazilian Architect Oscar Niemeyer whose Architecture was spread like sculptural poetry in the History of humankind. The rounded lines of the ...
Fabric, Oak
Organic nature-inspired cream blend brass Figueroa 3 seat sofa by InsidherLand
By Joana Santos Barbosa, InsidherLand
Located in Maia, Porto
Located in the sunny California, the charming Figueroa Mountain is a magical landscape that led to the creation of the Figueroa sofa. The long curves of the mountain were taken to the sofa’s exterior and the mountainside ripples were placed on the inside. The top of the sofa features the great bow of the skyline and both fabric and stainless steel base reunite in the soft curves that go all around this compact creation. Just like the mountain meets the land. Handcrafted by a very talented team of Portuguese furniture...
Stainless Steel, Metal
Na Pali Three-Seat Sofa, Velvet & Walnut, InsidherLand by Joana Santos Barbosa
By Joana Santos Barbosa, InsidherLand
Located in Maia, Porto
Na Pali means “the cliffs” and is a breathtaking landscape located on Kauai, a volcanic island resulting from the rain and the blasts of winter waves against the cliffs. Inspired by Mother Nature, the Na Pali sofa portrays in detail the mystique of the dramatic backdrop with striated walls and sharp ridges. The image of the coast is captured by wooden sides extending as cliffs and the front feet get the form of the sculpted needles across the landscape. The curvy lines of the sensual sofa...
Velvet, Walnut, Fabric, Wood
Na Pali Two-Seat Sofa, Velvet & Walnut, InsidherLand by Joana Santos Barbosa
By InsidherLand, Joana Santos Barbosa
Located in Maia, Porto
Na Pali means “the cliffs” and is a breathtaking landscape located on Kauai, a volcanic island resulting from the rain and the blasts of winter waves against t...
Velvet, Walnut, Fabric, Wood
Modern Na Pali Three-Seat Sofa, Walnut, InsidherLand by Joana Santos Barbosa
By InsidherLand, Joana Santos Barbosa
Located in Maia, Porto
Na Pali means “the cliffs” and is a breathtaking landscape located on Kauai, a volcanic island resulting from the rain and the blasts of winter waves against t...
Walnut, Fabric, Wood
Western 2 Seat Sofa, Walnut & COM, InsidherLand by Joana Santos Barbosa
By Joana Santos Barbosa, InsidherLand
Located in Maia, Porto
Western is a captivating armchair that recreates the image of an old cowboy hat standing in a saddle rack. The top of the sofa performs the concave hat with rounded tabs and the band around it turns into a comfortable cushion. The base in walnut approaches the structure and color of the saddle rack. Having a modernist inspiration at a first sight, the Western sofa...
Walnut, Wood, Fabric
Italy Venezia Mid-18th Century Baroque Wooden Sofa
Located in Brescia, IT
Mid-18th Century hand-carved 1750 Venetian Baroque walnut sofa, three-seat with armrests. Remarkable work by Venetian cabinetmakers. The 18th C...
Walnut, Silk
$1,727 / item
H 19.88 in W 74.65 in D 29.5 in
Kartell Bubble Club 2-Seat Sofa in Zinc White by Philippe Starck
By Kartell, Philippe Starck
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A veritable icon made by Kartell, the mass-tinted polypropylene Bubble Club sofa was a Pioneer of a new concept in furniture accessories: the Industrial sofa made entirely of plastic...
Plastic
Mid-Century Modern Italian Velvet Curved Sofa, 1950s
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Curved four-seat sofa of Italian design, structure and legs in solid wood, velvet upholstery, 1950s production, Condition as shown in the photos, it is advisable to redo the upholstery.
Velvet, Beech, Fir
Florence Knoll 2-Seater Sofa, Classic Mid Century Modern, Knoll
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Buffalo, NY
Vintage Florence Knoll 2 seater 'lounge series' sofa with original 2nd generation upholstery in a coarse woven off-white mottled wool fabric. This sofa d...
Chrome
$6,431
H 35.44 in W 84.65 in D 39.38 in
Gigi Radice Mid-Century Modern Italian Velvet Curved Sofa for Minotti, 1950s
By Minotti, Gigi Radice
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Sofa designed by Gigi Radice for Minotti. Made with solid wood structure and ivory velvet upholstery and polished brass legs. The sofa is authentic, only the upholstery has been repl...
Brass
$7,220Sale Price / item|35% Off
H 28.35 in W 86.62 in D 44.1 in
Organic Modern Twins Curved Sofa, White Bouclé, Handmade Portugal by Greenapple
By Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Twins sofa, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. Designed by Rute Martins for the Contemporary Collection, the Twins cu...
Fabric, Bouclé, Wood
Mid-Century Modern Two-Seater Sofa by Jens Risom, Walnut Frame, 1955
By Jens Risom
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A small, vintage Mid-Century Modern American two seater sofa or settee with four pillows, designed and produced by Jens Risom Design, Model U-151, in good condition. The seat, back rest of the divano is slightly inclinated with a button-tufted back and two straight arms, supported by a hand crafted Walnut frame, standing of four small curved wooden feet. Newly upholstered in an orange velvet. Wear consistent with age and use, circa 1955, New York, United States. Seat: 18.5" H x 44.5" W x 19.5" D Pillows: 20" H x 20" W x 7" D Jens Risom was a Danish, American furniture designer born in 1916, in Copenhagen, Denmark and passed away in 2016, in New Canaan, United States. He finished his apprenticeship as a designer at the Copenhagen School...
Fabric, Upholstery, Velvet, Walnut
Italian Modern Curved Sculptural Loveseat or Sofa
By Paolo Buffa, Gio Ponti, Federico Munari, Ico Parisi, ISA Bergamo
Located in Houston, TX
Italian Modern curved sculptural loveseat or sofa. This stunning Italian Federico Munari inspired postmodern sofa, chaise or loveseat has interesti...
Stainless Steel
$2,949
H 29.53 in W 81.11 in D 35.44 in
Mid-Century Modern Italian Velvet Sofa with Chrome Structure, 1970s
Located in Prato, IT
Mid-Century Modern Italian sofa with chrome back details and original velvet upholstery. Overall the sofa is in good vintage condition.
Chrome
$19,500
H 36.25 in W 78 in D 26.5 in
1940s Mid-Century Sofa in the Biedermeier Style – Cherry & Burlwood
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An antique German Biedermeier sofa made of hand crafted polished, partly veneered Cherrywood and Burlwood, in good condition. The particularized settee is composed with a slightly inclined backrest with wide, tall curved armrests, standing on four arched wooden...
Fabric, Upholstery, Cherry, Burl
Mid-Century Post Modern Loveseat or Sofa Produced by Preview Furniture
By Preview
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A sculptural base with floating front sofa made by Preview circa 1992. It features the original tweed fabric in good condition. Could use cleaning before use.
Fabric
$18,480
H 31.5 in W 64.18 in D 35.44 in
Sofa MP-163, by Percival Lafer, Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Design
By Percival Lafer
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
Crafted by the renowned master Percival Lafer in 1970, this exceptional piece of furniture boasts a striking and comfortable design. Its clean lines and unique details, such as elega...
Steel