Munna Design – Craftsmanship meets cultural heritage

Portuguese furniture design brand Munna seamlessly blends artisanal craftsmanship, cultural heritage, and contemporary design into pieces that are not only functional, but also true works of art.

“At the heart of Munna’s creative process lies a meticulous, handcrafted approach, where every detail is thoughtfully considered and each piece is made by hand, honouring the rich tradition of Portuguese artisanal excellence,” explains founder and creative director Paula Sousa.

Under the leadership of new CEO Rui Andrade, Munna reaffirms its commitment to collaborating with high-ranking names of the industry and be part of exhibitions at major trade shows. The brand’s legacy includes high-profile projects, such as the selection of several pieces for the interior redesign of the Hôtel Martinez in Cannes. Building on this solid foundation, Rui Andrade continues to drive Munna’s strategy of affirming its presence on the global design stage.

Paula Sousa, founder and creative director. Photo: Frederico Martins

Influence and inspiration

Munna stands for a reinterpretation of classical design, combining expressive formal freedom and bold colour compositions with rich, tactile materials.

The brand draws inspiration from artistic and architectural movements such as Mid-Century Modern, Art Déco and Modernism to the opulence of Baroque and Rococo styles, reimagined with subtle sophistication in a contemporary context. “What also sets Munna apart is its deep connection to the worlds of fashion, cinema, and feminine aesthetics,” Sousa continues: “Its thoughtful material choices and meticulous detailing reflect the same sensibility found in haute couture.”

The brand’s visual identity is further influenced by the glamour of Hollywood’s Golden Age and the cinematic elegance of directors like Sofia Coppola, whose delicate palettes and intimate atmospheres resonate with Munna’s aesthetic vision.

Josepine sofa.

A commitment to craftsmanship and cultural heritage

Munna’s unwavering commitment to craftsmanship as a core value expresses a belief in the timeless human desire ‘to do a job well for its own sake’ – as the sociologist Richard Sennett formulates. This philosophy is evident in the brand’s dedication to quality, celebrating the mastery of its artisans and the authenticity of handmade processes.

“At Munna, tradition and innovation coexist in a hybrid process between designers and artisans,” explains Sousa, “this collaborative dynamic allows each piece to carry both a creative vision and the authenticity of handcrafted expertise.” Preserving traditional techniques is not only a tribute to the past—it is a bridge to the future of design and artisanal manufacturing, as well as a way of safeguarding cultural heritage.

Roy armchair, Good Design Award Winner 2024.

Origins

Paula Sousa founded Munna in 2008 in Porto. The designer recognized an opportunity to create modern pieces with the appeal of new classics by combining the past and the future in her design. “Our first major exhibition was at Tent London, which helped us establish a presence in the international design scene,” Sousa recalls. From there, the brand quickly evolved and began participating in renowned industry fairs like the Milan-based Salone del Mobile, Maison & Objet in Paris and ICFF in New York. The exhibitions allowed Munna to grow its international presence, quickly attracting clients from Europe, North America and Asia: “We became known for our dedication to craftsmanship, with each piece carefully handcrafted by artisans in northern Portugal.”

Creating Future Icons

Latest product launches at Salone del Mobile in April 2025 include the Lana armchair, Robert sofa, and Margaret armchair. Another shining example of timeless Munna pieces is the Roy Armchair, which recently won the Good Design Award in the Seating Category from the Chicago Athenaeum Museum of Architecture and Design. Roy marks Munna’s 8th international design award.

Munna has always been about creating new classics — furniture that combines modern appeal with timeless design, ensuring that each piece remains relevant and cherished for years to come. “I am incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved,” says Sousa. “Although I am no longer involved in the leadership of the brand, I continue to contribute creatively — both to Munna and to Ginger & Jagger, where I serve as creative director.”

With its multidisciplinary and emotionally rich approach, Munna creates furniture that tells a story — bridging past and present, tradition and innovation, as well as function and poetry.

Lana armchair.

Web: www.munnadesign.com