We’ve been living in a dream since revealing our Monique Lhuillier & Pottery Barn Kids collection for nursery, bedroom, and playroom. Now, we’re thrilled to share our chat with the renown fashion and bridal designer, where she told us about her inspiration, how she prioritizes her family, and, of course, her favorite pieces in the collection.
First things first, which piece (or pieces) in the Monique Lhuillier and Pottery Barn Kids collection did you just have to bring home for yourself?
There are several pieces that are so special. My favorites are the butterfly chandelier that’s designed to look like a draped beaded necklace with the butterflies loosely flying around it, the lamb tuffet, the paper plane and gull patterned bedding, and the designer dolls.
How do you start every morning?
My day starts and ends with my family. After getting them ready for school, I work out and then I’m off to the office.
What’s the most crucial piece of career advice you’ve received?
Stay true to your design aesthetic — it’s important to have a point of view. Once you find your voice in design, you have to stick with it and trust your gut instinct, it’s always right!
What’s your favorite space in your house?
One of my favorite spaces is our pergola by the pool. It’s a great extension to our home and we use it as an outdoor living room. It’s very cozy next to the fireplace where we roast marshmallows and gather as a family. But mostly, it’s my place to relax. When the kids are swimming, I lounge and put my feet up and catch up on my reading.
How has your own style evolved since you started your own line, and how did that change once you welcomed kids?
I see my personal style as refined elegance. My design aesthetic is modern with a hint of femininity and glamour. Since having kids, it is all about the ease of dressing. Having two young kids, I’m always on the go. I need pieces that have an effortless sense of style and sophistication, yet still have something quite interesting and special about them. I have key pieces in my wardrobe with simple silhouettes and I accessorize with a statement shoe.
What are you family’s favorite traditions for birthdays or holidays?
Every Christmas, we gather in the Philippines to celebrate the holidays with my parents and extended family. It’s a festive time for my entire family who look forward to seeing each other every year and honoring our traditions. It’s also a way for me to teach my children about my childhood and the Philippine culture. Before the New Year, we pick an entirely new destination. For example last year, we went to Japan where we took in the charms and traditions of Tokyo and the year prior we visited Shanghai.
What’s your “just for mom” indulgence?
An overnight girls trip to Napa or Montecito to relax, laugh, and get pampered with spa treatments.
After becoming a parent yourself, what advice and tips do you find yourself sharing with friends and parents-to-be?
Juggling a career and motherhood can sometimes be challenging but the best advice I can give is to be present, live in the moment and stay organized.
What do you hope your children learn from you?
To live in the moment and be grateful in life.
We want to make one lucky reader’s dreams of a Monique Lhuillier-designed room for their kids come true! Click here to enter to win $3,000 towards creating a bedroom or nursery from the Monique Lhuillier and Pottery Barn Kids collection. Already picked up a few pieces from this exclusive collection? Share how you’ve decorated the items at home by tagging your Instagram pictures #MLxPBK.
Your collection combines pretty detailing with timeless, classic forms. My little girl will be a princess indeed in a room designed by Monique LHuillier.