Nelson de Araújo
Nelson de Araújo is a Portuguese designer and the founder of Nelson de Araújo Design, a conscious luxury furniture label rooted in a deep commitment to craftsmanship, material integrity, and timeless design. His work explores the balance between beauty, comfort, and functionality, resulting in refined pieces that are both expressive and enduring.
Designed and handcrafted in Portugal by skilled local artisans, Nelson’s creations emphasize thoughtful construction, high-quality materials, and quiet sophistication. Through a sensitive and deliberate approach, he seeks to create furniture that not only serves a function but also evokes atmosphere, longevity, and emotional connection.
Interview
I was born and raised in Viana do Castelo, a coastal city in northern Portugal.
Probably the first time I realized objects could be more than functional. As a kid, I was fascinated by how things worked, their shapes and textures, and everyday objects felt like small pieces of art.
Yes. Ever since I graduated in Product Design, I have gone straight into furniture design. It has been my focus from the very beginning.
As a kid, I grew up taking my toys apart and fixing things with my grandfather. That hands-on curiosity to understand how things work was my entry point into design.
I draw inspiration from nature, observing and exploring organic shapes until they evolve into designs that feel harmonious and usable.
Some days are more administrative, answering emails and handling responsibilities. Others, I’m checking the production of our pieces or refining details with the artisans. I also dedicate time to inspiration and new designs.
Working in Paços de Ferreira, known for its craftsmanship in wood and upholstery, I prioritize these materials to keep my production local and sustainable, working closely with artisans and leveraging the techniques that exist here.
I source high-quality materials for each piece. The goal is to create furniture that holds up over the years and stays beautiful. The pieces are meant to be lived with and kept, not replaced.
Believe in your work, even when you’re the only one who does. Every mistake is just a step that guides you to becoming better.
I see my work as a blend of organic modernism, postmodern influences, and a touch of neotenic design, all expressed through a minimalist lens.
The Portuguese architect Siza Vieira and the way his creations are subtle yet powerful. I try to bring his mindset of observing, shaping with intention, and letting simplicity create character into my designs.
Mathieu Lehanneur.
Siza Vieira, Olivia Cognet.
Soft, sculptural furniture meant for living.
“I draw inspiration from nature, observing and exploring organic shapes until they evolve into designs that feel harmonious and usable.”
The Questions
(The Proust Questionnaire is a set of questions answered by the French writer Marcel Proust.
Other historical figures who have answered confession albums are Oscar Wilde,
Karl Marx, Arthur Conan Doyle, Stéphane Mallarmé, Paul Cézanne…)
Being with my wife and son.
Death.
Stubbornness.
Dishonesty.
My wife.
Driving 60km to surf some waves.
I feel complete.
Perfectionism.
Trustworthiness.
Trustworthiness.
“There has to be a way to fix this”, usually said over a broken appliance with a screwdriver in hand, refusing to read the manual.
To never need sleep.
I’d be more patient.
The family I’m growing with my wife and son.
I’d return as someone or something that could stay close to my family.
Back within walking distance of the ocean.
My home.
Losing all my loved ones.
Cooking and surfing.
My curiosity and love for learning.
Authenticity.
I don’t have a favorite writer, I’m more of a listener. I consume a lot of information through podcasts.
I don’t really have one.
Viriathus. He represents the ultimate resilience.
My grandfather.
Martim.
Having nothing to do.
I don’t have any great regrets.
Peacefully and without pain.
Believe in yourself.
“The goal is to create furniture that holds up over the years and stays beautiful. The pieces are meant to be lived with and kept, not replaced.”
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