MAMAN WOMEN || Philly Lyus

Philly Lyus is an Auckland based Interior Designer and General Manager of DMI Homestagers, New Zealand's first professional homestaging company.

With over 20 years in the industry, Philly is well known for both her design and interior passion, mixed with an understanding and love for the real estate market. Her ability to provide uniqueness to each project, bringing her clients briefs to life, is what makes her such a successful and sought after designer.

Maman co-founders Kate and Emma first met Philly when they were children through their mums. As the years passed, they found themselves starting their own families at similar times, leaning on each other for support just as their mothers had before them.

A love for fashion runs strong in Philly's veins. An avid fan of Maman brands Ulla Johnson and Philippe Model, we always enjoy when she comes in-store as her ability to mix fabrics, textures and colour always makes for a fun shopping experience!

Introducing Philly Lyus

Interior Designer

Name:
Philly Lyus.

Profession:
Interior Designer and General Manager of DMI Homestagers.

What inspires you:
My amazing mum, my husband, my friends and my three children.

Favourite Local Designers:
Zambesi, Paris Georgia, Lonely and interior designer Paul of Izzard design.

Favourite International Designers:
Ulla Johnson, Philippe Model, Chloe, Isabel Marant, Alexander Wang.

Go to outfit:
Anything Ulla Johnson with my Philippe Model sneakers.

Fashion Mantra:
Wear what feels comfortable. If you feel good then you should ideally look good.

Style Inspiration/Fashion Icon:
Ulla Johnson and my Maman friends Kate and Emma of course. My mum has to be in there as she always looks incredible, also my gorgeous friend Michelle Cronin - always super stylish.

Last thing you googled:
How to make grass heads for AG day at school (we have just moved to the Karaka) and I do not think our chickens will be trained enough to get a prize! ha

Last book you read:
Debby Harrys book Face It - I loved it, she is a true rocker. There is nothing manufactured about her punk rock life! So cool.

A day in the life of Philly looks like:
It starts around 6.30am when I go for a run around our property with the dog. We moved to the countryside after the first lockdown in a carpe diem type moment, so our mornings are glorious in the peace of the country. Post run I let the chickens out, feed them and hopefully collect some eggs before getting the kids up and ready for school.

Most mornings I get to work about 9.20a, ready to start a full on day of homesteading and interiors. It's always non-stop from the minute I walk in and running the company really keeps me on my toes. My day is always varied; with a warehouse full of beautiful furniture and accessories to play with new can stage up to 130 houses at one time. Imagine moving house 2-3 times a day and that is basically what our day looks like!

With homesteading it is very hands on and I do every aspect of the business as that is how my mum, who founded the business, designed it to be. We have an amazing team who are super dedicated and passionate which makes it fun. We get to the end of each job and feel a real buzz which is cool.

My husband is a Real Estate agent so I fly solo a lot of the time as he does some pretty long hours. This means that after work it's off to pick up the kids and get them home for dinner and bed. It's so lovely being out of the city now as it's instantly calming and a great way to wind down.

Favourite Instagram Accounts to follow:
Believe it or not, but I am not big on social media... so if I ever go on I look at Real Estate and houses that are on the market - haha - property obsessed!

What's in your handbag right now:
Always Clarins hand cream (its amazing), keys and my water bottle. Always need to keep drinking water in my job as its very physical. Although I often don't use my handbag anymore as I have my incredible Holstere phone case from Maman! it means you don't need to drag a bag around anymore. I swear every time I have it on I get 10 people asking where it is from... they are a game changer!

What's the one thing you can't live without:
My family.

What is the most precious thing in your wardrobe:
Anything my mum or husband have given me. Gifts from the heart.

Most coveted fashion item right now:
My Alexander Wang Heels - I love them. Also my new Ulla Johnson dress. I love how you instantly feel great in Ulla's designs.

What's the biggest fashion mistake you've ever made:
Probably anything from my teens. It was the 90s and grunge was my thing. Need I say more?

What are you doing for the rest of the day:
We are staging a gorgeous house in Riddell Road - so I will be heading out there to help finish it off.

Current song on rotate:
Henny and Gingerale by Mayer Hawthorne. Always gets you going.

Are you a 'wish list' or an 'add to cart' kind of girl:
Usually a add to cart - no time to go back.

Last picture you took on your phone:
An interior job I have just completed.

Best compliment you have ever received:
Being asked to be a Maman Woman!

Who would you most like to be tuck in an elevator with:
Erykah Badu

Favourite quote or saying:
You only get one chance at life - so live it well.

Best advise anyone has ever given you:
The only one stopping you from being great in life is yourself.

Perfect Holiday Destination:
Italy - everytime

Last words:
Thank you to the gorgeous Maman girls and the team who came to DMI and captured my work life in such a beautiful way.

I also want to add how proud I am of my inspirational friends Kate and Emma for all they have achieved after all they have been through. I can't wait to see how far they will go.

Location: DMI Homestagers Studio

Photographer: Jono Parker

Styling: Philly Lyus