My Design DNA: Designer Rhea Younes Shares Her 5 Favourite Pieces
Designer Rhea Rounes, founder and director of Collective Y, travels the world for inspiration, designs from lived experience and calls home her happy place
I constantly seek inspiration from observing life as it unfolds around me and within me. As a product and furniture designer, I’m drawn to the emotional connection between people and objects. I design from lived experience, exploring how pieces can hold memory, offer comfort and create a sense of presence within a space.
At this point in my life I appreciate beautiful things more than ever. Creativity, positive energy, staying open to new ideas, and the impact design has on people mean a lot to me, whether in interiors, furniture or even fashion.
I am most proud of being a mum to three and of y spirit, which is always ready to explore new ideas and collaborations. I value my positivity, my willingness to take risks that fulfil my passion and my ability to empower and inspire a team around me.
My home is my happy place – a space where every piece reflects me, is made by me, created by me, and represents me and my family. My three kids are a constant source of encouragement, and their presence shapes everything I create. I love to travel, especially to exotic places. Exploring new destinations is endlessly inspiring to me, from Marrakech and Paris – which will always have a special place in my heart – to Thailand.
I’m drawn to nature and city life equally. Attending design and art exhibitions is also one of my passions, as it keeps my mind open and my spirit curious. I’m a soul seeker. Design is an important part of my life because of my father, who was always my biggest inspiration.
My happiest years were working with him and learning the refined art of furniture manufacturing by his side. I was born into this field. His atelier is still alive after 60 years, because I fought for it to survive despite all the challenges and instability in Lebanon. This makes me feel that my father is still by my side and proud of me.
RHEA’S TOP 5 DESIGN PICKS
1.Buttercup by Anastasia Nysten, in collaboration with De Gournay for Dubai Design Week. I value her poetic use of materials, as she creates pieces that feel both delicate and quietly powerful.
2.Polar Bear Sofa by Jean Royère. I admire his playful, sculptural approach that brings softness and imagination into modern design.
3.Barcelona Chair and Long Bench by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe. They’re an expression of purity where space and materials speak for themselves.
4.Bibliothèque Maison du Mexique by Charlotte Perriand. It’s a refined balance of function and warmth, where storage becomes elegant architecture.
5.Up 2000 Lounge Chair by Gaetano Pesce. I like his approach of embracing imperfection and individuality, turning design into an emotional and human experience.
Images: Polar Bear, Jean Royère; Barcelona Chair, Knoll
From Harper’s Bazaar Interior Spring 2026 Issue