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 cream bouclé dark oak 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
Mid-Century Modern white bouclé dark oak Niemeyer II round sofa by InsidherLand
By Joana Santos Barbosa, InsidherLand
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
$5,220Sale Price / item|20% Off
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...
Metal, Brass
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
Contemporary white bouclé bronzed brass Foz 3 seat sofa by InsidherLand
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
$8,192Sale Price / item|20% Off
Mid-Century Modern curved oak COM Niemeyer II round sofa by InsidherLand
By Joana Santos Barbosa, InsidherLand
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...
Wood, Fabric, Oak
Contemporary geometric brushed brass COM 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
Nature-inspired sculptural ebony handmade COM Eagle 3 seat sofa by InsidherLand
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
Organic nature-inspired brass handmade COM 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
Contemporary white bouclé oxidized brass Foz 3 seat sofa by InsidherLand
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
Mid-Century Modern organic curved oak handmade COM 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....
Wood, Fabric, Oak
Organic nature-inspired steel handmade COM 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 th...
Stainless Steel, Metal
Mid-Century Modern round white bouclé 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....
Bouclé, Oak
Nature-inspired sculptural chenille ebony Eagle 3 seat sofa by InsidherLand
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
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
Art Nouveau style mustard velvet walnut Na Pali 2 seat sofa by InsidherLand
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...
Wood, Fabric, Walnut, Velvet
$6,766Sale Price / item|20% Off
Mid-Century Modern round Damasks & Lampas oak 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 ...
Oak, Fabric
Contemporary geometric oxidized brass COM Foz 3 seat sofa by InsidherLand
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
Nature-inspired sculptural velvet ebony Eagle 3 seat sofa by InsidherLand
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
Organic nature-inspired cream bronzed 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 th...
Brass, Metal
Nature Art Nouveau style walnut handmade COM Na Pali 2 seat sofa by InsidherLand
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, Wood
Mid-Century Modern organic round oak COM 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, Wood
$9,236Sale Price / item|20% Off
Contemporary white bouclé oxidized brass Foz 3 seat sofa by InsidherLand
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...
Metal, Brass
Art Nouveau style mustard velvet walnut Na Pali 3 seat sofa by InsidherLand
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 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
Nature Art Nouveau style walnut handmade COM Na Pali 3 seat sofa by InsidherLand
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
Mid-Century Modern walnut handmade in Portugal COM Western sofa by InsidherLand
By InsidherLand, Joana Santos Barbosa
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...
Fabric, Walnut, Wood
$6,726Sale Price / item|20% Off
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...
Metal, Stainless Steel
$2,483Sale Price|24% Off
H 27.96 in W 64.18 in D 31.5 in
20th Century French Chocolate Brown Two-Seated Velvet Sofa with Set of Cushions
Located in Sofia, BG
20th century velvet sofa in chocolate brown with set of cushions. France, circa 1950.
Velvet
$11,354 / item
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
Organic Modern Twins Curved Sofa, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. The Twins curved sofa and its matching daybed share the same genes, yet each maintains a distinct identity, forming a pair defined by perfect asymmetry. With sculptural curves and sumptuous upholstery, the Twins curved sofa embodies both contemporary elegance and refined artistry, creating a lounging experience of unparalleled comfort. A favorite among designers, it stands as the ideal centerpiece for today’s most sophisticated interiors. Designed by Rute Martins, Greenapple's Creative Director. The Twins Sofa...
Fabric, Bouclé, Wood
$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 Philippe Starck, Kartell
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
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
Sosa Two Seater Brown Teddy Sofa
By LAGU, LAGU
Located in İSTANBUL, TR
With its monolithic structure and its perfect integration with the floor it is on, the Sosa sofa offers an image that is different from the usual form and appearance that includes yo...
Bouclé, Upholstery, Foam, Hardwood
$3,018
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
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
$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
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
$8,461Sale Price / item|20% Off
H 35.83 in W 64.97 in D 39.38 in
Hand Tailored Fringes 2-Seat Sofa in Antique Pink Velvet
By Munna Design Studio
Located in NEW YORK, NY
The handmade sofa draws on the signature Franjas fashion theme, ruffling the scene and inviting guests with its fun and flirtatious feel. Featuring three layers of fringes that run a...
Velvet, Wood, Silk, Trimming
Mid-century Modern Italian Curved Small Sofa 1950s
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Curved sofa from the 1950s, Italian production. Original upholstery of the time, we recommend replacing the fabric.
Velvet, Beech
$2,200
H 29.53 in W 56.3 in D 32.29 in
Stouby Møbelfabrik, Mid Century 2-Seater Sofa in Brown Leather, 1970s
By Stouby Polster Møbelfabrik, Mogens Hansen, Børge Mogensen
Located in Odense, DK
A classic Danish Modern two-seater sofa upholstered in brown leather, resting on legs made from solid beech. With its clean lines, balanced proportions, and timeless comfort, the pie...
Leather, Beech