In the vibrant world of interior design, where innovation meets tradition, Lily Duclaud stands as a beacon of timeless elegance. Hailing from Mexico City, Duclaud has been a prominent figure in the interior and graphic design market since 1994. Her work, deeply rooted in classical aesthetics and personal storytelling, offers a unique perspective on design that resonates with her clients and peers alike.

A Legacy of Classic Design

Duclaud’s design philosophy is heavily influenced by her late mother, whose memory serves as a cornerstone for her creative endeavors. “Lily is based upon a concept that was made about my mom, which passed away a few years ago. And everything goes around classic, you know, because classic is going to be always classic,” she explains. This adherence to classic design not only honors her mother’s legacy but also ensures that her work remains timeless and relevant. “The good thing about this is that people, they always wanted to go back to the classic stuff. And I think that’s the thing that makes me different from all of us, from all my colleagues, and I think it will never pass away.”

Storytelling Through Design

Central to Duclaud’s approach is the concept of storytelling. Each project begins with an in-depth conversation with her clients to understand their lifestyle and personal narratives. “What we do is we start with the clients. We talk about what their lifestyle is around, and if they do golfing or if they like to have gatherings, you know, family gatherings,” she says. This method ensures that every design is deeply personal and reflective of the client’s history and personality. “Every single piece has to have a storytelling, and that’s what Covet (Covet Group) is about. It’s a different storytelling that has a history all around.”

A Decade with Covet Group

Duclaud’s long-standing relationship with Covet Group has been a source of inspiration and growth. “Covet has been my family for more than ten years. It’s been ten years of history with Covet and for me, it’s a pleasure being here,” she shares. Her admiration for the group is evident in her praise for their craftsmanship and innovative designs. “The pieces are gorgeous. And they talk about what they make them different from all the others. And actually, they’re always copying Covet, and that’s what made them really original.”

The Artisan Experience

One of the most cherished aspects of Duclaud’s collaboration with Covet Group is the connection to artisans and handcrafted details. “Every time that I come, they make me more in love with the place and with Oporto, obviously, and with Portugal itself,” she says. The dedication and love infused into every piece by the artisans resonate deeply with Duclaud. “The amazing part of being with every single handcraft or every single detail that they do and the way they treat is the love inside every single product that they do.”

Design as a Sensory Experience

For Duclaud, design transcends visual appeal; it engages all the senses. “If you see and you walk around, you can smell. Sometimes it’s difficult to express to the people that they have to smell it and they have to hear the little birds that are going around,” she describes. This multisensory approach creates a profound connection between the space and its occupants, making each design a holistic experience.

The Unique Bond with Covet Group

The synergy between Duclaud and Covet Group is marked by a shared commitment to uniqueness and quality. “Not everyone can have Covet, but not everyone can have me. So that’s the link between now you and I. Also, the link between Covet and Lily Duclaud is because we’re unique, we’re different,” she asserts. This exclusivity and dedication to creating exceptional pieces reinforce the special relationship they share.

Portugal: A Designer’s Paradise

Duclaud’s love for Portugal, particularly Oporto, adds another layer to her design narrative. “Portuguese, for me, is the best country in Europe,” she declares. The warmth and hospitality of the Portuguese people resonate with her own Mexican heritage, creating a cultural connection that enhances her appreciation for the country. “We have to connect people with a heart. And the love is all around and you can say, because everyone is always smiling.”

In a world where design trends come and go, Lily Duclaud remains steadfast in her commitment to classic elegance and personal storytelling. Her work with Covet Group continues to push the boundaries of interior design, creating spaces that are not only beautiful but also deeply meaningful. As she eloquently puts it, “We don’t sell products. We sell the consciousness of being in a nice ambiance to make stories.” And in every piece, every space, those stories come to life.

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