When French designer Sam Baron first partnered with Mateus, it marked the beginning of a creative exchange that would blend tradition with experimentation, Scandinavian sensibility with Mediterranean warmth. Now, with the launch of the new Blossom collection, Baron continues his exploration of form, function, and florals, this time through hand-painted ceramics that feel both poetic and refreshingly modern.

Known for his ability to weave cultural references and craftsmanship into objects with lasting emotional resonance, Baron shares his thoughts on evolving the visual language of Mateus, the inspiration behind Blossom, and why true collaboration always begins with curiosity and conversation.

Your work often combines traditional craftsmanship with a contemporary aesthetic. How would you describe your design philosophy?
My creative process often begins with image collages, a method that allows me to bring together visual and conceptual references from various influences to create unexpected connections. These sources may come from specific project research, but mostly from my personal culture, constantly enriched by curiosity and observation. The goal is to find a balance between these inspirations to create something rooted and contemporary, expressing a unique vision for the brand I collaborate with.

You've worked with some of the world’s leading brands. What draws you to a project, and what makes a collaboration meaningful?
Of course, the design brief is important. But equally important is the brand’s universe and the people behind it. I love working on projects that explore new territory and allow me to meet people with genuine passion. A meaningful collaboration is about developing a shared language together creating products that reflect that shared space. Creativity is about stepping out of your comfort zone and taking the risk of creating something new.

Your work with Mateus has led to three collections MSY, Flowers, and now Blossom. How has the relationship developed, and what was your creative vision for Flowers?
I knew Mateus for its reputation and quality well-respected in the industry. Together with Costas from Yatzer.com, I was invited to design a collection to mark the brand’s 25th anniversary. Since then, I’ve stayed in close contact with Teresa and Filippa, especially since I live in Portugal and we often cross paths at international design fairs.
With Flowers, the idea was to renew Mateus' aesthetic by blending colors not only across pieces but within individual items. I explored multicolored floral patterns, a universal symbol rooted in all cultures, from rural crafts to royal ornaments. The collection mixes the familiar with a fresh rhythm and vibrant visual compositions.

Mateus emphasizes hand-painted ceramic work. How did this influence your design process?
Visiting the factories, I was struck by the commitment to craftsmanship. Every product is created with care and attention. Being a ceramic painter at Mateus means mastering a unique texture while also using artistic skill to make each piece expressive and decorative. We designed the Blossom motif to let each artisan apply it in their own way, preserving a sense of charm, skill, and elegance.

Teresa Mateus Lundahl often calls you “the neighbor in Portugal.” How has your personal relationship with her influenced the collaboration?
We’re in constant dialogue and try to meet whenever she’s in Portugal visiting the workshops, her family, or friends. Sometimes it’s a drink in Paris or lunch in Milan during fairs. We often share images or places that might inspire one another along with Filippa’s kids' photos, which Teresa loves to send!

You previously designed Flowers, and now Blossom is launching. How do the two collections complement each other?
They’re like chapters in a botanical story, different species and colors that appear with the seasons. The new pieces were designed to mix effortlessly with past collections and Mateus bestsellers. We carefully worked with form and palette to allow for layered, personal tablescapes.

The hand-painted motif in Blossom resembles lilies. Was that intentional?
They may look like lilies, but they’re actually not! It’s more a dance of petals, stems, and pistils giving a lively, decorative feel. The blue and green tones on the white glazed surface evoke a fresh, nature-inspired tone. We treated the plates like blank paper painting new, poetic flowers while nodding to classic ceramic wreaths.

The MSY collection celebrated Mateus’ 25th anniversary. What inspired its design?
Together with Costas Voyatzis, we wanted to honor Mateus’ DNA: functional ceramics with bold color. Coming from different cultural backgrounds, Greek and French, we sought a universal visual language. Inspired by antique vessels, monastery bowls, and medieval forms, we added texture that feels hand-touched, highlighting light and shadow, and giving the monochrome glazes a new vibrancy.