Posted by Pascale Ursem
on February 4, 2026
Behind every design lies a story. For the Spring/Summer 2026 collection, we spoke with our own designer, Annelien Gispen, about the origins of the Manu modular sofa. She explains how inspiration from architecture and Brutalism led to a comfortable, modular sofa that suits different interior styles and stages of life. Annelien takes you from the very first sketches to the final design. Along the way, you’ll discover how Manu is designed to evolve with your interior, and how form, comfort, and flexibility come together.
1. What inspires you when designing furniture?
I mainly draw my inspiration from a broad spectrum of influences. Architecture plays a major role, particularly movements such as Bauhaus, Brutalism, and Dutch architecture like the Amsterdam School. What especially appeals to me is the balance between functional and decorative elements. Art and museums are also important sources of inspiration. One example is the sculptor Constantin Brâncuși, a pioneer of modern sculpture, who focused on form and abstraction rather than realism.
I also enjoy looking at designs from the past and how furniture has been used over the years. That historical context, combined with contemporary applications, forms a foundation for giving existing ideas a fresh, personal twist. Inspiration can also come from unexpected places, such as old films or TV series, where a piece of furniture or a detail suddenly catches the eye.
2. How does a design like the Manu modular sofa come about?
The design of the Manu modular sofa started for me with a clear brief: it had to be a modular system. From there, I carried out extensive research into existing sofas, with the aim of creating a design that truly stands out. Initially, my focus was on clean, block-like forms, but I soon felt the need to add my own signature to the design.
Brutalism played an important role in this process, particularly in the way proportions, surface divisions, and angles are used. I sketched a wide range of variations, from completely straight models to designs with pronounced diagonal lines. Some of these ultimately proved too extreme or eccentric. The selected design therefore retains an angled element, but in a subtle and approachable way. This gives the sofa character without compromising usability.
Starting from hand-drawn sketches, I developed the design into 3D models to properly assess the proportions and overall feel of the sofa. Throughout this process, I reconsidered several decisions, such as the height and shape of the armrests and the flow of the lines. I was constantly searching for the right balance between robustness and softness: a fully extended diagonal line running all the way to the floor felt too heavy, while the final solution appears more inviting and better suited to a wider audience.
A key element of the design is the plinth. Initially, this wasn’t part of the plan, but at a later stage I decided to place the sofa on an upholstered plinth. By finishing it in the same fabric as the rest of the sofa, it creates a calm and refined, high-quality look. Technically, the sofa does stand on legs so the elements can be connected, but these remain visually hidden. The movable arm cushions are also a deliberate choice: loose elements that can be used flexibly and provide extra comfort. The loose arm cushion is likewise a conscious decision by our development team. We designed it so that, thanks to additional reinforcement, it can truly be used as an armrest. This allows you to create your own corner on any part of the sofa.
When composing the elements, I paid close attention to proportions. Ultimately, I chose a combination of single-seat and one-and-a-half-seat elements, as this brings visual calm while still offering a great deal of freedom in configurations. The sofa consists of fourteen different elements, including an ottoman that can also be used as a coffee table with the supplied tabletop. All components can be placed freely in the space, as the sofa is fully upholstered all around and has no visible connectors.
3. What living need was central to Manu?
When designing Manu, flexibility was central for me. I wanted to create a sofa that easily adapts to different living needs and stages of life. Thanks to its modular setup, the sofa can effortlessly grow along with a new space, for example after a move or renovation. You can expand the existing sofa by adding an extra element, or choose to place the elements separately in the room, as they are fully detailed and finished on all sides. The design also leaves room for playfulness, such as combining different fabrics or colors within a single configuration.
4. Where does Manu come into its own best?
Although Brutalism was a source of inspiration for the design, I deliberately shaped Manu to fit a wide range of interior styles. The final look is strongly influenced by the chosen fabric and color. In a teddy fabric, the sofa takes on a warm, soft appearance that works well in Scandinavian or Japandi interiors. In velvet, the same configuration feels sleek and modern, while rich colors can give the sofa a distinct 1970s vibe. It is precisely this versatility that makes Manu widely applicable, without losing its character.
5. What makes Manu unique and typically WOOOD?
What makes Manu unique to me, and what allows it to fit so naturally within the WOOOD collection, is the combination of clear, confident design, minimal embellishment, and subtle detailing. The angled lines, the upholstered plinth, and the sturdy piping give the sofa a bold and contemporary character. It is neither overtly masculine nor feminine, but deliberately positioned somewhere in between: minimalist, yet with enough expression to remain intriguing.
6. What can we expect from you in the future?
I’m constantly working on new ideas and designs. Development processes often run far ahead; some designs are already in the sketch or sample phase for the AW 2026 or even SS 2027 collections. In addition to upholstered furniture, I’m also working on other product categories such as cabinets and tables. Not everything ultimately makes it into production, but there is always a lot in motion.
Discover Manu in your interior
The Manu modular sofa shows how thoughtful design and everyday comfort come together. Thanks to its modular design, you can tailor the sofa entirely to your space and living style. Curious to see what Manu could look like in your home? Visit our retail partners, such as the WOOOD Experience Center, and discover the possibilities.
On WOOOD.nl, Manu is available exclusively as a chaise longue sofa, upholstered in three beautiful, soft fabrics. Designed by our in-house team and strong in character. Your living style, your layout, your moment of rest.
