Exclusive Interview With Lily Duclaud

Lily Duclaud is a certified international interior decorator and graphic designer. With over two decades of experience working alongside her mother, she has carved out a unique place in the design world, both in Mexico City and globally. As a devoted mother and wife, she is deeply family-oriented. Her expertise lies in mural designs and creating high-end custom interiors for both commercial and residential projects. Her portfolio includes stunning interior and architectural designs, from storytelling themes to fairy-tale-inspired private labels, renovations, and even bespoke 'handy manny' services.

Over the years, Lily has developed a distinctive style that blends elegance, subtlety, and originality, combining simplicity with rich textures and refined taste. When asked about what excites her most in her work, she said:

“I don’t work, I just have fun. Doing fun stuff brought me here. I’ve been in love with what I do since I was very young. This is my life, what I’m good at, and I truly enjoy designing all kinds of projects and meeting people from around the world. My mother showed me this. It was her gift to me. Being a designer is part of my story.”

For Lily, every project is unique and authentic, making her work stand out. She sees each new project as a fresh start. In her words:

“I’m in love with everything I do, but kids’ rooms are definitely my passion. Since I was little, working with kids has always sparked my creativity and helped me grow in different ways. I think I’ll always be a kid. I hope so.”

Although she’s playful and enthusiastic, Lily admits that the biggest challenge in her career has been adapting to digital media. She considers herself an old-school designer who prefers sketching by hand.

“I love eye contact and vibes. It's been hard to understand people through Zoom or chat. Feeling the light of a living room through a camera or reading couple energy over hours of sitting and discussing textures and colors without really grasping the concept.”

The pandemic changed everything, but for Lily, it became an incredible opportunity. “We decided to bring our knowledge, experience, and positive energy to people around the world. That was a great challenge I never thought possible. We've developed projects in Asia, Europe, and places we never imagined as a Mexican designer. Masterclasses have been amazing—connecting with people from home and helping them grow their own businesses.”

Lily is incredibly ambitious and always looking forward. She says she’s far from achieving everything in her life. “Every year I challenge myself, and I’ve achieved every goal. But I keep looking ahead, like Walt Disney used to say. Every day is a chance to be better in every way.”

Her inner child allows her to connect with children and dream big. “I want to be more connected to kids. Our world is crazier than ever, and since they’re the future, we need to design better creative spaces for them—less war, more love, and fun, all with a family approach.” She is currently developing “Once upon a time in a box,” a project where moms can collaborate with her studio to design their own rooms. “I’m super excited! I’d love to see these boxes all over the world.”

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

Lily values deep connections, which are essential to her successful work. “We live from our audience. I personally answer all questions and stay in touch. I have clients who have been with me for over 20 years. I’ve watched kids grow, change countries, and even have their own kids, yet they still reach out. It’s amazing. Social media has given us unimaginable opportunities to stay connected. I love being part of their lives like a pediatrician, always available 24/7.”

When asked about current trends, Lily became visibly excited. “From my point of view, it’s like Disney’s Ratatouille… anyone can cook!” she joked. “I see a lot going on, and it’s even more exciting because all brands are developing their own drama! I love it. Design this year is full of creativity, color, texture, and so much fun.”

“I’m proud to be a designer in this era because we get to witness all kinds of trends over the years in a deep melting pot. The pandemic again makes me proud to watch my colleagues reinvent themselves and become stronger than ever! Love them all!” – Lily Duclaud

Lily’s clients are those who know exactly what they want in a project and in her. Her deep connections with them allow her not only to meet their demands but also anticipate and enhance their wishes. “They are rockstars, and I’m the one developing a great stage for them. It’s their theater, they are the characters of the movie, not me. They are stars. Shining ones,” she said.

When asked about craftsmanship and who leads the way, Lily got personal. “In my hometown, Mexico City, I deeply respect a well-known Mexican artist, Alfonso Marina, who has shown us internationally the right way to create with extreme perfection in handcrafted fine wood furniture. His goal has always been to offer the highest quality to discerning consumers. I’m so proud of him.”

In the future, she believes society needs to reevaluate the concept of social spaces, especially after the past year’s events and social distancing. “Social distancing gave us the chance to rethink what’s important: Family and friendship. As interior designers, we need to focus on bringing families together again, giving them spaces to coexist.”

Beyond being an exceptional interior designer, Lily Duclaud is a shining 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 evident, and we are honored to have had the opportunity to interview such an inspiring professional.

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