
Joana Santos Barbosa
Born: 1981
Hometown: Porto
Based in: Porto
Born: 1981
Hometown: Porto
Based in: Porto
Created by Architect Joana Santos Barbosa in 2012, Insidherland is a Portuguese brand of author design inspired by the natural wonders and the excellence of art.
Joana explores influences from travels around the World to define her own Land as a place that transforms her unique vision into pieces of art. InsidherLand collections are designed as a dialog, being Beyond Memory deeply influenced by organic forms of nature and traditional cultures and Identity, molded by Art and Architectural forms.
Drawn with Joana’s signature and handcrafted by her team of Portuguese master craftsmen and jewelers, the impressive creations of furniture, lighting, upholstery and accessories have been highlighted as soulful designs that embody the expertise of traditional craft techniques with high quality finishes.
Joana soon saw her talent recognized, being considered as one of the Top 10 Contemporary Designers from Portugal. Earning her place in the international design scene, she was invited to exhibit at the XX Triennale International Exhibition in Milan and her work can be seen in the most prestigious design events in London, Paris and Milan.
Joana’s effortless sophisticated designs position her brand, InsidherLand, in strategic markets of high-end luxury decoration and her work is selected by architects, design studios and hotels around the world who seek for exclusive one of a kind pieces of art.
What inspires you?
My creations are influenced by nature, architecture, art and music, as my work process is very personal and reveals events that, at some point, crossed my journey. I draw memories to create what I have never seen which means that I work upon what my memory highlights, transforming it from my perspective.
Describe your creative process.
The creative process is intuitive and results from my experiences, my memories and places I treasure. The birth of a new design may result from a new image that crosses my eyes or an old memory that’s revisited after a long time. When a new idea shows up, it automatically materializes in the mind with its concept, form and function without a rational intervention on my behalf. Overall, I look at the creative process in design in much the same way as architecture, in the sense that there is form, function (the program in architecture), concept and emotion.
What are 3 words that best describe your work?
Honesty, sensibility and art.
What is the most important tool when creating your work?
The concept is the foundation of my work and I design Pieces of Art with function.
What is the best piece of advice you have been given?
Whatever you believe, you become.
Where do you go for inspiration?
I don’t specifically search for inspiration. I believe that it is just an open state of mind.
1 Article
Earthy Tones to Bring Warmth to Your Space
October 20, 2020
Awards
A' Design Awards | Iron Design Award
2024
A' Design Awards | Gold Design Award
2022
International Design & Architecture Awards | Table Design
2022
Muse Design Awards | Gold Winner in Seating Design
2022
Global Excellence Awards | Portugal Furniture
2022
iLuxury Awards | Luxury Furniture
2021
iLuxury Awards | Luxury Lighting
2021
European Product Design | Honorable Mention in Home Design
2021
International Design & Architecture Awards | Chair Design
2021
Luxury Lifestyle Awards | The Best Luxury Furniture Portugal
2020
Exhibitions
Portugal Home Week
Portugal, 2022
Maison & Objet
France, 2019
Maison & Objet
France, 2018
Isaloni
Italy, 2017
Maison & Objet
France, 2017
Maison & Objet
France, 2016
Maison & Objet
France, 2015
Decorex
United Kingdom, 2015
100% Design
United Kingdom, 2013