Modern Unfinished Curved Sofa, Pearl Velvet, Handmade in Portugal by Greenapple

Rute Martins, Creative Director and co-founder of Greenapple, has been at the heart of the brand's designs since its establishment in 2005. As the creative force behind Greenapple, Rute designs every piece, from the core collection to bespoke creations that bring clients' concepts and desires to life.

Alongside iconic pieces like the Bordeira coffee table and Biloba sideboard, she has developed bespoke interior designs for clients around the world, including projects in New York, Miami, London, and Switzerland. Her work has been featured in 1stDibs Introspective magazine, Incollect magazine, and the Financial Times’ How to Spend It.

Born and raised in Portugal and mother of five, including two sets of twins, Rute holds a degree in economics. After founding Greenapple with her husband Sérgio, the company’s CEO, she shifted from her economics background to pursue her true passion for design, earning a design degree in Lisbon.

Drawing inspiration from Portugal’s natural beauty and rich cultural heritage, Rute’s designs embody meticulous precision, unique creativity and a personal touch, characterized by organic and contemporary elements. With an intuitive talent for design, Rute channels her creativity into each piece, much like a composer or writer expresses their inspiration through their art. Her deep understanding of client preferences and aspirations allows her to seamlessly balance her sensibilities with her clients’ dream designs. 

Find Rute's designs for Greenapple, including seating, tables, cabinets, lighting and more on 1stDibs.

(Biography provided by Greenapple)

Greenapple is a Portuguese design house that creates captivating pieces using distinctive forms, colors and materials. Its 21st-century furniture combines luxury with an uncommon eye for design. Greenapple creates high-end furniture and bespoke interiors for homes, hotels and commercial spaces, with customization and co-creation at the heart of its approach.

Greenapple was founded in 2005, when Rute Martins and Sérgio Rebola teamed up with the idea of employing traditional Portuguese craftsmanship to create beautiful bespoke furniture and decor. Rute Martins, the house’s creative director, designs its signature collection, while Sérgio Rebola oversees quality from design development through production and delivery.

Over time, Greenapple grew to a team of 30 craftspeople working in its own atelier in Portugal, all bringing their individual skills to each new design. A master woodworker, upholsterer and finishing specialist lead the team, with their work also passing down this expertise to the next generation of creators.

Greenapple challenges the uniformity of mass-produced furniture, such as in its playful forms for velvet-upholstered seating and wall mirrors that involve eclectic materials like green onyx, gold leaf and marble. Whether infusing complexity into the structure of a side table or bringing a silhouette of simple elegance to a set of uncomplicated dining chairs, Greenapple incorporates bold concepts and fresh ideas into every piece.

The company has an international clientele, including collectors and leading design firms in Asia, North America and across Europe.

On 1stDibs, explore the vibrant luxury of Portuguese master craftsmanship with Greenapple seating, tables, lighting, decorative objects and more.