Why We Don’t Need More Furniture | Conscious Design & Circular Economy

7 Jan 2026 · 39 min
Conscious Design Podcast™

7 Jan 2026 · 39 min

0:00

In this episode of the Conscious Design Podcast, host Ian Peterman interviews Barbara Netto, founder and CEO of Curious, a curated vintage‑furniture marketplace built to accelerate a circular economy in interiors. Barbara recounts her ten‑year journey from luxury‑furniture brand manager to interior‑design studio owner, describing the frustrations she faced with sourcing, logistics, and sustainability in the industry. She explains how market research in 2023 revealed a genuine gap, leading to the launch of a prototype in November 2023 and a public platform in March 2024. Curious operates on three pillars – source, repair/restore, verify, and deliver – using AI for authenticity checks, a network of specialized small‑to‑mid‑size logistics partners, and a curated seller community. The platform targets B2B users (interior designers and architects) while also serving final buyers, positioning itself as a “middle‑ground” alternative to ultra‑luxury auction houses and low‑quality fast‑furniture. Barbara shares rapid early traction (552 seller applications, 5,000+ products, €100k+ sales, 20k social followers, 5,000 monthly site visits) and emphasizes organic growth, storytelling, and a human‑plus‑technology approach. She outlines future plans: an AI‑enhanced platform launch later 2025 and a dedicated app for design professionals. Throughout, she stresses the environmental impact of furniture waste (12 million tons in the U.S.) and argues that vintage pieces are both sustainable and financially savvy investments.

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