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2026-03-04
Celebrating Female Designers
Design Portrait: Maria Thygesen, Designer and Founder of Rebello Decor.
Created by Anine Johnsen
Maria Thygesen did not grow up imagining a future as a designer. Raised in the small village of Almind near Kolding, design was never considered a realistic path. It wasn’t until she moved away from home and lived with a student from Kolding School of Design that she discovered a world of mood boards, material experiments, and long discussions about form and ideas.
Choosing her own path
Despite this early spark, Thygesen first chose a more conventional path and built a career in marketing and communication. The experience gave her valuable insight into branding, structure and coroporate life - but something was always missing. When she turned 40, she decided to follow her creative ambitions and founded Rebello Decor- a decision she describes as both a birthday gift and a promise to herself.“I didn’t want to look back and regret not trying.”
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A Universe Defined by Balance
Today, Thygesen’s design universe is shaped by contrast, curiosity, and a strong sense of balance. Adopted from Korea and raised in Denmark, she sees this duality reflected in her work
- combining Nordic simplicity with a quieter sense of harmony inspired by Asian aesthetics.
She works exclusively with honest materials such as solid brass and mouth-blown opal glass, creating pieces intended to last for generations rather than becoming disposable objects. For Thygesen, timelessness is essential
Designing Atmosphere Through Light
Lighting is at the heart of Thygesen’s work, and her creative process begins not with form, but with a feeling. She focuses on the atmosphere she wants to create and how a piece will be experienced in everyday life before gradually refining the design.
“I think about the atmosphere I want to create - how the light should make you feel.”
She works closely with craftsmen and carefully refines each design. The collection stays small, and each piece is finished only when it feels just right.
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Quiet Strength in Design
For Maria Thygesen, strength in design isn’t about being loud - it’s thoughtful, emotionally intelligent, and meaningful.
Her Circle of Life Chandelier, for example, invites reflection on life’s ups and downs, showing how design can go beyond aesthetics.
“Trust your sensitivity. It is not a weakness - it’s your strength.”
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Looking Ahead
Looking ahead, Thygesen is expanding her creative universe through Rebello Decor Chandelier Studio, a concept that allows customers to create personalized lighting compositions by mixing different elements to suit their own spaces. She is also exploring bespoke lighting projects and collaborations that allow time for deeper creative development.
“You can expect designs that feel more creative and intentional.”
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