In a world where sustainability has become a common buzzword, Portugal-born, Barcelona-based designer Rosana Sousa transcends mere lip service with her intentionally crafted approach to furniture design. Her latest collection, made from repurposed solid walnut and oak, beautifully exemplifies how tradition and modernity can intertwine to create functional art that is both eco-conscious and visually stunning. Comprising a chair, counter stool, side table, coffee table, and vase, the collection highlights responsible practices in the furniture industry. By emphasizing material reuse, Sousa aims to reduce waste and promote a more environmentally mindful design philosophy.
Arquivo Counter Stool
![Minimalist living room with a brown sofa, two wooden tables, and a lamp on a wooden stand in front of sheer curtains](https://design-milk.com/images/2024/11/rosana-sousa-wood-furniture-14-810x1218.jpg)
Trama Coffee Table and Side Table
Locally sourced from excess materials at a furniture factory in Porto, Sousa’s collection breathes new life into wood that would have otherwise gone to waste. Each piece serves as a testament to the power of transformation, showcasing handcrafted striped panels that reveal the unique character of reclaimed timber, including variations in color tone, wood grain, and the presence of medullary rays or knots. Gentle curves and bouclé upholstery add a soft balance to the rectilinear lines of the designs, resulting in pieces that artfully combine hard and soft elements for a harmonious blend of aesthetics and utility.
![A wooden vase with branches on a small dark stand against a gray wall, next to a white curtain.](https://design-milk.com/images/2024/11/rosana-sousa-wood-furniture-6-810x1207.jpg)
Cava Vase
![Minimalist wooden chairs and a table with pears on top, set against beige curtains on a brown carpet](https://design-milk.com/images/2024/11/rosana-sousa-wood-furniture-19-810x1218.jpg)
Vaga Chair
Driven by a passion for Portugal’s rich woodworking heritage, Sousa employs a thoughtful mix of traditional techniques and modern manufacturing methods. The assembly process mirrors the care evident in the final product: a variety of wood offcuts are meticulously cut, adhered together, and transformed into volumetric structures. This method not only maximizes material use but also celebrates a distinctive patchwork aesthetic.
![A wooden coffee table with various black geometric shapes is positioned on a dark floor. A green cushioned chair is partially visible in the foreground](https://design-milk.com/images/2024/11/rosana-sousa-wood-furniture-12-810x1208.jpg)
Trama Coffee Table
![Modern living room with a brown couch, wooden side table with a bowl of fruit, abstract art on the wall, and a light-colored pedestal with a spherical lamp by the window](https://design-milk.com/images/2024/11/rosana-sousa-wood-furniture-15-810x1218.jpg)
Trama Side Table
Sousa’s collection is a tribute to sustainability, craftsmanship, and the rich traditions of Portuguese design. Each item is available in two material combinations of solid walnut and oak, expertly crafted to add warmth, texture, and durability to contemporary living spaces. By transforming surplus materials into exquisite pieces that tell a story, Sousa invites us to invest in not just beautiful objects, but also a more sustainable future.
![A wooden vase with dried botanicals is placed on a tiered, beige stone step against a light brown wall](https://design-milk.com/images/2024/11/rosana-sousa-wood-furniture-7-810x1218.jpg)
Cava Vase
![A warm, softly lit room with a wooden desk, modern chair, and a glowing table lamp. A folded piece of paper lies on the desk. Sheer curtains cover the window](https://design-milk.com/images/2024/11/rosana-sousa-wood-furniture-21-810x1207.jpg)
Vaga Chair
![A minimalist workspace with a black desk, a white table lamp, and a wooden chair. A closed notebook and pen rest on the desk. Natural light filters through sheer curtains](https://design-milk.com/images/2024/11/rosana-sousa-wood-furniture-20-810x1207.jpg)
Vaga Chair
![A curved wooden table with various black three-dimensional shapes, including cones, spheres, and cubes, scattered across its surface](https://design-milk.com/images/2024/11/rosana-sousa-wood-furniture-13-810x1207.jpg)
Trama Coffee Table
![A modern lounge with curved seating, a square coffee table displaying small decorative objects, and soft lighting](https://design-milk.com/images/2024/11/rosana-sousa-wood-furniture-11-810x1207.jpg)
Trama Coffee Table
![A wooden chair with a curved backrest stands in a workshop surrounded by scattered wood pieces and sawdust](https://design-milk.com/images/2024/11/rosana-sousa-wood-furniture-24-810x1207.jpg)
Vaga Chair
![A wooden chair with a curved design is placed in a workshop. Various wooden planks and tools are visible in the background](https://design-milk.com/images/2024/11/rosana-sousa-wood-furniture-25-810x1207.jpg)
Vaga Chair
![A person assembles a striped wooden chair with circular seat and angular backrest, surrounded by wood shavings](https://design-milk.com/images/2024/11/rosana-sousa-wood-furniture-16-810x1207.jpg)
Vaga Chair
![A person in a workshop holding a wooden chair piece. Shelves with stacked wood and tools are in the background](https://design-milk.com/images/2024/11/rosana-sousa-wood-furniture-23-810x1208.jpg)
Vaga Chair
![A hand rests on a striped wood chair with a curved back in a workshop setting](https://design-milk.com/images/2024/11/rosana-sousa-wood-furniture-22-810x1208.jpg)
Vaga Chair
![Minimalist interior with a wooden chair next to white curtains and a warm pendant light casting shadows on a textured beige wall](https://design-milk.com/images/2024/11/rosana-sousa-wood-furniture-18-810x1218.jpg)
Vaga Chair
![A collection of wooden tables and stools with various geometric shapes and patterns, arranged on a neutral background](https://design-milk.com/images/2024/11/rosana-sousa-wood-furniture-9-810x1218.jpg)
Vaga Chairs, Cava Vases, Trama Coffee Table, and Side Table
To learn more about Rosana Sousa’s collection, visit rosanasousa.com.
Photography by Inês Silva.