Meet Rhea, Founder of Rhea Kalo, Athens

Can you tell us three facts about yourself? 

1. Most of my creations have some kind of a deeper meaning, message or commentary masqued in there.

2. Humour is a big part of my work, of my personality and attitude towards life in general. 

3. Every single one of our creations is handmade.

You are a creative studio. How many people work at Rhea Kalo?

We are a very small team of 2 people with one more person joining later this season and a lot of wonderful and talented external collaborators.

What is one thing people might not know about Rhea Kalo? 

I put a lot of effort into trying to maintain a free, authentic, whimsical and almost childlike element in my work.

Is there a Greek way to host? 

When it comes to hosting everyone tends to have their own unique style, but if I were to generalize I would say that the “Greek way” usually involves large quantities of hearty food, there is always some kind of sharing going on, and dinner is paired with lots of wine and loud conversation. 

Is there a tradition you are specifically fond of? 

I always love having something sweet on a tablescape from the get-go. I usually place tiny bitesize chocolates such as chocolate-covered coffee beans in small ceramic or glass bowl on the table in between some flowers, as part of the decor. 

What is your favourite hotel? 

Sextantio - Le Grotte Della Civita, in Matera (Italy)  is definitely one of my most memorable stays. Sassi di Matera has been inhabited consecutively since the stone and bronze ages and this hotel has preserved original caves and turned them into extraordinary rooms! 

Finally, your favorite address for decoration? 

The marché aux Puces at Saint-Ouen in Paris is what my dreams are made of. It probably offers the largest concentration of antique and second hand dealers globally. I could spend days on end there!