Reda Amalou Design: Sculpting Elegance Through Craftsmanship and Natural Materials

Rooted in Paris and revered across the design world, Reda Amalou Design is a contemporary furniture brand where architectural purity meets artisanal mastery. Founded in 2013 by architect Reda Amalou and co-founder Nathalie Elmaleh, the brand embodies a philosophy of elegant restraint, material honesty, and sculptural refinement. Every piece is more than just furniture; it’s a tactile experience, a dialogue between nature, form, and human hands. 

Master Craftsmanship and Artistic Expression At the heart of Reda Amalou Design lies a deep respect for artisanal tradition. Each piece is born from a meticulous creative process; a collaboration between designer and master craftspeople. This synergy is especially evident in the One-Off and Limited Edition collections, where artistry takes precedence over repetition.

Rarewoods: Honouring Nature’s Hidden Treasures Reda Amalou’s deep appreciation for material history is perhaps best captured in his use of Zapatero wood, salvaged from trees submerged under Lake Gatun in Panama for over a century. This forgotten forest, once lost to time, finds new life through design. Featured Pieces: 

• Panama Screens – Crafted from this recovered wood, each flap carries the raw, majestic soul of trees shaped by water and time.

The Poetic Depth of Lacquer Lacquer is a cornerstone of Amalou’s material vocabulary. Whether applied in vibrant colour or subtle tone, it evokes a luminous depth only achievable through patience and precision. Each lacquered piece is finished in a Parisian workshop using time-honoured techniques — with up to 18 coats sanded by hand between applications. Featured Pieces: 

• OOMA Dining Table – A contemporary statement piece in matte or glossy lacquer, layered with glass and enameled lacquer underside. Available in 20 colours and multiple dimensions.

• DOT Collection – Inspired by traditional Asian stools, these minimal forms are elevated through hand-applied lacquer finishes, creating depth and lasting vibrance.

Eggshell Marquetry: A Study in Patience and Precision Eggshell lacquer is one of the rarest and most labor-intensive finishes in Reda Amalou’s collection. Sourced from duck eggs, each fragment is cleaned, baked, and laid with tweezers to form subtle mosaics, then coated with 18–21 layers of clear lacquer. Featured Pieces: 

• UMA Gueridon – A refined side table with an intricate eggshell surface and a cross-braced bronze base.

• X Side Table – Steel and bronze structure with a handcrafted eggshell top reflecting Asian design influence.

• Eggshell DOT Side Table – A contemporary stool transformed by the cracked-white brilliance of roasted duck shell, available in clear, amber, or black finish.

The Art of Cloisonné: Bridging East and West Cloisonné — an ancient enameling technique — is reinterpreted by Reda Amalou to express both complexity and calm. Thin metal partitions filled with powdered enamel create rich, intricate surface compositions. Featured Piece: 

• LALA Cabinet – A masterwork of cloisonné on enamel tile, it stands as a unique blend of tradition and innovation. Only 8 exist, each numbered and signed.

Straw Marquetry: French Heritage Reimagined This 17th-century French craft, brought to life with rye or wheat straw, creates iridescent, geometric patterns through natural sheen and expert inlay. The straw is hand-split, flattened, and laid piece by piece. Featured Piece: 

• ARJA Wardrobe – Commissioned from the renowned Lison de Caunes workshop in Paris, the straw-marquetry doors shimmer with radiant elegance and tradition.

Shagreen: The Luxury of Texture With its distinctive granular surface and exceptional strength, shagreen (galuchat) adds a refined tactility to Amalou’s designs. Used since the 18th century in fine French furniture, it brings a rich historical texture into modern form. Featured Pieces: 

• EDHA Interior Desk – An exquisite Limited Edition desk with a shagreen top and bronze base, balancing proportion and poise.

• TAMARA Sideboard – Shagreen-wrapped with sculpted bronze handles and organic curves, echoing the spirit of Art Deco with contemporary artistry.

Design as Living Art 

For Reda Amalou, furniture is not static — it’s living, breathing art. His work doesn’t chase trends, but celebrates timeless elegance, deep material sensitivity, and the quiet luxury of true craftsmanship. From consoles to sideboards, stools to screens, each object is designed to enhance spaces with warmth, soul, and sculptural presence. 

Explore the Collection 

Reda Amalou Design is available through our agency for interior design, hospitality, and residential projects. Contact us to explore the full collection, request specifications, or discuss how these pieces can enhance your next design concept.