Lina Sethala sa Lijo by Larissa Sanches is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2026 Moputso oa Tšepe oa A' Design Award in Moralo wa Fenitjhara Competition Category.

TšepeFenitjhara· 2026

Lina Sethala sa Lijo

by Larissa Sanches

Client: Larissa Sanches Design

Moputso oa Tšepe oa A' Design Award Winner in Fenitjhara Category

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Colors

The Design

About Lina Sethala sa Lijo

Lina Buffet e ile ea susumetsoa ke lihopotso tsa liphutheho tsa lelapa le litšupiso tsa lehae la nkhono. E rehiloe ka nkhono oa moqapi, e fetola poleiti ea mokhabiso ho ba ntho e sebetsang le e nang le tšoantšetso ka lihloli tsa lehong le tiileng tse arotsoeng ho pholletsa le mamati. 'Mele oa eona o thulaneng le maoto a mo-arch a bua ka mefuta e kobehileng eo hangata e fumanoang malapeng a setso, e matlafatsa maikutlo a tloaelo le lefa. Moralo o leka-lekanya tšebetso, tšoantšetso le tebello khōngoaneng e ntlafalitsoeng ea thepa ea ka tlung.

The Recognition

About the Moputso oa Tšepe oa A' Design Award

Lina Sethala sa Lijo ke mohapi oa Moputso oa Tšepe oa A' Design Award, kananelo e hlomphehang e fuoang meralo e metle e finyellang litlhoko tsa porofeshenale le tsa indasteri tse lebelletsoeng ho lintho tse hlahisitsoeng tse entsoeng hantle. Bahapi ba Tšepe ba bontša bokhoni bo boholo, bokhethehi bo phahameng, kutloisiso ea litsebi le bokhoni ba boqapi ba baqapi ba bona. Lina Sethala sa Lijo e lebelletsoe ho ba ntho e hlahisitsoeng e hlomphuoang haholo, e ratoang le e ratehang, e sebetsang le e nang le mehopolo e mecha. Moralo ona o hapileng Moputso oa Tšepe oa A' Design Award o kenyelletsa mekhoa e metle ka ho fetesisa ea indasteri mme o na le litšobotsi tsa theknoloji tse nang le bokhoni tse amanang le tsebo le talenta. Ka lebaka la botlalo ba eona, Lina Sethala sa Lijo e tšoanelehela tlhompho mme e entsoe ho fana ka ntlafatso ea bophelo e thusang ho etsa hore lefatše le be sebaka se molemo.

Behind the Design

Press Kit

Credits, team members and technical details provided by the designer.

Unique Properties: The Lina Buffet reinterprets the decorative plate as a functional and symbolic element. Crafted in solid wood and divided into two halves forming the door handles, the plate complements the buffet's function and reinforces its connection to the dining setting, where meals are served and gatherings take place. The rounded forms and arched legs extend the grandmother's home concept, inspired by the curved and arched elements found in traditional architecture.
Dimensions & Packaging: W 1800mm x D 450mm x H 750 mm
Tags: Lina Buffet, decorative plate, affective design, gathering, family, heritage, memory, belonging, product design, furniture design, Brazilian design, Larissa Sanches
Production Technology: The structure is made of MDF coated with natural wood veneer, while the doors receive a lacquered finish. The base is produced in flat carbon steel, ensuring strength with visual lightness. The handles are machined from solid wood and feature a brass inlay that outlines the plate geometry, combining industrial processes with refined craftsmanship and high-quality finishing.
Design Challenge: The main challenge was integrating a symbolic object with strong cultural and emotional meaning into the functional structure of the buffet, ensuring it would be recognizable and part of the piece. The project required refining the decorative plate, simplifying its elements while preserving its identity, and translating architectural references from traditional houses into the structure through curves and arches without giving the piece a vintage look.
Research: This design research explores how cultural memory and symbols from everyday domestic life can inspire contemporary furniture. Drawing from familiar elements present in Brazilian homes, the study reflects on how objects can carry emotional meaning beyond their practical role. Observations of dining rituals, visual references and material exploration guided the process, revealing how subtle symbolic details in furniture can evoke memories, reinforce identity and enrich everyday living experiences.
Inspiration: Inspired by memories of family gatherings and meals at the designer's grandmother's house, the Lina Buffet was created. One of the most memorable elements of that home was the decorative wall plates, objects that carry the symbolism of abundance and family heritage. The buffet translates these references into functional furniture, aligned with a search for emotional comfort and identity. It embeds nostalgia into a piece that reconnects people with the home as a place of refuge and belonging.
Project Duration: The buffet was developed between May and June 2025, in the city of Sao Paulo, Brazil.
Operation Flow: The buffet's double doors open through two halves of a wooden plate that form the handles. Internal compartments organize tableware and items used during gatherings, while the top serves as a surface for serving and display. It connects functional daily use with emotional memory.
Image Credits: Images: Larissa Sanches Design