Apr

Lily Duclaud: Exclusive Interview

Lily Duclaud:

Exclusive Interview!

Lily Duclaud is a certified international interior decorator and graphic designer. Her vast experience as a designer for over 20 years working side by side with her mother accords her the privilege to stand out in the design sector in Mexico City and internationally. She is an accomplished mother and wife: highly family-oriented. Skilled in mural designs and creates high-end custom designs for her clients, which covers both commercial and residential projects. Her portfolio entails a wide range of awe-inspiring interior and architectural designs on storytellers, fairy tale – private label (ambassadors), renovations, and high-end ‘handy manny’. Milan Design Agenda had the incredible opportunity to sit with one on one for a conversation with the vibrant designer.

CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE MILAN DESIGN AGENDA

Over the years Lily Duclaud has developed her own style which is defined as elegant, subtle, and original, combining the principles of simplicity with taste and sumptuous textures, always looking for new challenges. When asked about what part of her work excited her the most, she immediately replied: “I don’t work, I just have fun, and doing fun stuff has brought me here. “ I’m in Love with what I’ve done since I was very young and I have been doing this for years. This is my life, it’s what I am good for, and really enjoy designing all kinds of projects and meeting different people all over. My mother showed me this. It was her gift to me. Being a designer is on her side of my story.”

For Lily Duclaud, every project is completely different and authentic and that’s what makes her work amazing. New projects are new beginnings. In her words: “I’m in love with everything I do but I’ll definitely think kids rooms are my passion. Ever since I remember, Working as a kid with Kids brought my creative juices alive and it has given me the opportunity to grow in different ways too. I think I will always be a kid. I hope so.”

Although an enthusiastic and playful person, Lily Duclaud described that the most challenging time in her career has been digital media. She considered herself an old-school designer, who was used to sketching by hand. “I love eye contact, Vibes. It’s been difficult to understand and feel people through Zoom or chat. Feeling the light of a Living room through a computer camera or couple energy over hours of sitting down understanding textures and colors without even understanding the concept.”

Pandemia changed our lives in every single way but for Lily Duclaud, the challenging days turn out to be an incredible opportunity. “We decided to bring our knowledge, experience, and happy thoughts to everyone in the world. That was a great challenge I’d never thought about. Gladly we’ve developed projects in Asia, Europe, and places we’ve never thought about before as a Mexican designers. It’s been great so far. Masterclasses have been amazing connecting with people at home and bringing them also the opportunity to grow their own business as well.”

Incredibly ambitious and always with her eyes locked on the future, the designer expressed that’s Lily Duclaud far from achieving everything in her life. “Every year I do challenge myself, that’s for sure. I’ve achieved every yearly goal but I keep looking forward Walt Disney used to say. Every day is a challenge, an opportunity to be a better person in every way.”

Lily Duclaud’s inner child allows her to not only thrive for more in her life but to connect to children, turning into one of her biggest dreams: “I want to be more in contact with Kids. Our world is crazier than ever and since they are the future we have to start designing better creative spaces for them, Less war, more love, and fun but in a family approach.” Lily said. She’s developing “Once upon a time in a box”. It’s a wonderful project where Moms will be able to design their own rooms with her studios’ help. “I’m super excited about it! I would love to see my boxes all around the world.” A huge project coming up, where her partner and Lily are having the best time ever making it come true.

“Kids have to feel their space as comfortable and huggable, personalized and content. Their own shelter. That’s home. We need to go back to back to basics. That’s my priority. Kids!”

Lily Duclaud

COVETED MAGAZINE

21^st Edition

LA VIE ON LUXURY

REQUIRED

Wait while you being redirected

Lily’s love for personal and deep connections is one of the most fulfilling parts of her work, where being in contact with her audience and clients is essential to her fabulous work. “We live from our audience. I personally answer all their questions and stay in touch. I have clients that have been with me for more than 20 years. I have watched kids grow, change nationalities, and have kids again and they all still contact me. It’s amazing. Social media nowadays has given us unimaginable opportunities to stay in touch. I love being part of their lives like a pediatrician, always available 24/7.”

When asked about the currents trends Lily Duclaud became quite excited, and a sparkle was definitely visible in her eyes. “From my point of view… it’s Like Disneys Ratatouille…. Anyone can cook!” she answered humorously. “I see a lot going on and that is even more exciting since all brands have been developing their own drama!!!! I love it! Design this year is packed with creativity, colors, textures, and tons of fun.” Lily added.

Duclaud’s client type is the type of client that knows how and what they’re looking for in a project and in her. As stated previously, her deep connections with her clients allow her not only to correspond to her client’s demands but also to anticipate and complement their wishes, and that’s something they also look forward to when working with Lily Duclaud. “They are rockstars and I’m the one developing a great stage for them since it’s their Theater, they are the characters of the movie, not me. They are Stars. Shining ones.” she said.

To finalize, we asked about Craftsmanship and who’s leading the way, and Lily Duclaud got a bit more personal: “In my Home town, Mexico City, I really Honor a very well-known Mexican Artist. Alfonso Marina Has shown us Internationally the right way to do with extreme perfection as an artist devoted to handcrafting fine wood furniture. His goal has always been to offer the highest quality possible to discerning consumers. I’m so proud of him.”

In the future, Lily Duclaud says that we as a society need to reevaluate the concept of social spaces since the past year’s events and social distancing gave us the opportunity to evaluate our priorities. “For Us, social distancing gave us the opportunity to re-evaluate what’s important: Family and friendship. We as interior designers need to focus on bringing families together again. Giving them spaces to coexist.”

Besides being an incredible interior designer, Lily Duclaud is an example of how your work and your integrity as a human being can coexist. Her love for her people, her clients, and all the lives she touches is so transparent, and we are honored to have the opportunity to interview and sit with such an amazing professional.

Hope you enjoyed this exclusive interview with Lily Duclaud!

Follow us on Instagram and Pinterest, and get the best luxury interior design ideas!