Who:
Founded in 2012 by friends Liliana Neves and Álvaro Vila-Chã, Unda Design is a Portuguese furniture company whose pieces are inspired by ‘the beauty of mythology’.
Why:
‘Through our pieces, we are the storytellers of our daily world,’ say Neves and Vila-Chã, who often blend classic furniture styles with surreal design details inspired by myths of gods and goddesses, legendary warriors and mythological creatures. These statement pieces are underpinned by fine craftsmanship and attention to detail.
Where:
Named after The Lusiads, an epic Portugues poem, this chiffonier is made of blackwood and decorated with gold leaf and a hand-painted Indian pattern.
Taking its name from the lotus flower, which is symbolic in many cultures, the Lotus desk is like a traditional baroque-period writing desk, but with contemporary twist. One side of the desk looks traditional, with white lacquered wood and gold handles, but there is also a much more modern cupboard at one side. The idea, say the designers, is ‘the transition from the hard and cold winter to the blooming and joyful spring which we love so much. It is a paradox: classicism morphing into deconstruction in a surprising hybrid’.
Inspired by Boreas, the Greek god of winter, the Boreas sideboard pairs silver liquored wood with crystal glass shelves. The exterior features a design detail inspired by ice.
