Milola Meets-Lara Fredricks from Fredricks Interior & Event Design
This months Milola Meets is a product of the power of social media, both Milola and Fredricks Interior Design becoming aware of each other through a shared love of interiors and began following each others journey online and the rest as they say, is history.
With an international background Lara's journey shares some common drivers to our own, so we're delighted to share her story and explore what influenced her from an early age and continues to motivate her today.
I'm Lara Fredricks, the creative mind behind Fredricks Interior & Event Design. With a rich background in hospitality and strong entrepreneurial roots, my love for interior design ignited quickly.
As a multilingual professional fluent in French, English, and Portuguese, I cater to a diverse and international clientele. My philosophy is straightforward: every project, be it an interior space or an event, should mirror the essence and values of the people who inhabit or partake in it.
At Fredricks Interior Design, my goal is to craft unique living and working environments. Meanwhile, at Fredricks Event Design, I strive to turn each celebration into a tailor-made, unforgettable experience that aligns seamlessly with my clients' expectations.
“Interiors that inspire, events that make a mark.”
TELL US MORE ABOUT YOUR BACKGROUND AND HOW IT INFUENCES YOUR APPROACH AND MAKES YOUR WORK AS AN INTERIOR DESIGNER SO SPECIAL?
Of all my early memories related to interior design, one of the most vivid is from my first job in hospitality. I remember writing in my cover letter that my dream was to create inviting spaces within hotels, spaces that made people feel instantly at home.
My journey truly began when I took over a café-bar, transforming its interiors and brand to create a warm, welcoming atmosphere. The positive reactions from customers sparked something in me, and one morning, while enjoying a coffee with my mother on the terrace, I realized this was my path. Interior design had become my passion, and I haven’t looked back since. I wouldn’t trade this journey for anything.
2. YOUR STRAPLINE IS “INTERIORS THAT INSPIRE, EVENTS THAT MAKE A MARK”. TALK US THROUGH WHAT THIS MEANS…
WHAT’S YOUR INTERIOR DESIGN PHILOSOPHY?
While discussing this with a fellow architect, he suggested that the architect doesn't define the project—it’s about much more than aesthetics.
For me, every project, including events, should reflect the client’s soul, not just mine.
When it comes to Fredricks Event Design, I take the same approach—seamlessly blending design expertise, storytelling, and cultural influences to craft bespoke events that resonate with attendees on a deep emotional level.
The result? Celebrations that don't just stand out visually but leave a lasting impression, woven with elements that honour the individuality and vision of each client.
WOULD YOU SAY YOU HAVE A PARTICULAR STYLE YOU FAVOUR IN YOUR INTERIOR DESIGNS?
My style is challenging to pin down to a single definition because it evolves with each project to reflect my clients’ unique identities and needs. That said, I find myself frequently drawn to elements of nature, with green often taking centre stage. I love incorporating greenery, whether through lush indoor plants, subtle accents, or bold statements that bring a sense of vitality and grounding to any space.
My approach leans into creating environments that feel authentic and connected to their surroundings—balancing warmth, function, and a touch of nature-inspired serenity. This means that while I might favour green for it's calming and revitalizing impact, the core of my style lies in adaptability, integrating personal stories into the fabric of a space. I aim to create designs that are deeply meaningful and bring an organic flow that aligns with my clients’ way of living.
WHERE DO YOU GET YOUR INSPIRATION FROM?
My inspiration often stems from a lifetime of travel and cultural immersion. From a young age, I embarked on adventures across continents with my multicultural family, soaking in the vibrant traditions, architecture, and everyday beauty of diverse regions—from Brazil’s exuberance to Spain’s rich heritage. Each place left an indelible mark, providing endless sources of creativity.
But inspiration doesn’t always emerge from grandiose moments. It can be found in the smallest details—a beautifully worn staircase corner, the delicate weave of fabric, or even a crumpled piece of paper. I’ve learned that these seemingly insignificant elements can spark a story, becoming the foundation of a project’s narrative. My passion lies in incorporating these unique details into every design, creating spaces that resonate with a sense of authenticity and personal connection.
HOW DO YOUR MULTICULTURAL INFLUENCES SHAPE YOUR DESIGNS, AND HOW DO THEY RESONATE WITH CLIENTS?
Growing up in a multicultural environment and traveling extensively, I see the world as a vast tapestry of colours, textures, and styles. Each culture brings its own rhythm and charm, which I integrate into my work.
Clients often tell me that they feel "seen" in my designs, as I infuse their spaces with elements that honour both their personal taste and their heritage. I love blending unexpected influences—a hint of Portuguese tiles, the bold lines of French architecture, or the vibrant colours of Brazil—to create spaces that feel both deeply personal and universally inspired.
DO YOU HAVE A STAND-OUT PROJECT YOU’VE WORKED ON?
I truly cherish all my projects, and picking a single 'stand-out' feels almost impossible.
However, the Tourniaux bathroom project holds a special place in my heart, as it beautifully intertwines my personal story with my professional journey. At the start of this year, I visited Marrakech and was mesmerized by the city’s intricate interiors, rich textures, and vibrant colours. The visit led me to an extraordinary cement tile workshop where the hospitality was beyond heart warming—so much so that my son even crafted his own tile. That touch of Moroccan charm stayed with me, and I later visited their Paris showroom, where I felt that same warmth. This inspiration culminated in the Tourniaux project, where I used these artisanal tiles to bring life to the floor and a statement wall. The final result was a space that captured the essence of a journey, rich in emotion and memory.
Another deeply meaningful project for me is my upcoming work with the Raiffeisen Bank of Gland. As it’s situated in my hometown, where I have established my roots and connections, this opportunity fills me with pride. Winning the design competition for this project was a milestone—my first contest and my first victory. It’s exhilarating to know I’ll contribute to shaping the architectural identity of a place so close to my heart, adding my touch of vibrancy and warmth to its future transformation.
IF YOU COULD GIVE ONE PIECE OF ADVICE TO SOMEONE ABOUT TO RETHINK OR RENOVATE THEIR HOME WHAT WOULD IT BE?
My best piece of advice? Take your time and steer clear of the temptation to simply replicate what you see on Pinterest. While it can be a source of inspiration, your home should ultimately reflect who you are, your unique tastes, and your true needs.
Trust your instincts and listen to what genuinely resonates with you—this is what transforms a house into a home that tells your story, not just another passing trend. And if you’re feeling unsure, I’m always here to guide you… I promise, I’m full of good advice!
WHAT IS YOUR PROCESS FOR TRANSLATING A CLIENT’S VISION INTO A TANGIBLE DESIGN?
It starts with a dialogue, a deep dive into understanding who my client is—what they love, how they live, and what truly matters to them. I believe that a well-designed space or event should feel like a natural extension of the client, not a foreign imprint.
My process is intuitive and collaborative; I listen, observe, and then draw from my cultural background and design expertise to weave their personal story into the project. It’s not just about creating a space; it’s about creating a feeling, a narrative that resonates with who they are.
WHAT SETS FREDRICKS INTERIOR & EVENT DESIGN APART IN THE INDUSTRY?
At Fredricks Design, we’re about crafting experiences as much as creating spaces. I approach each project as an opportunity to build something uniquely meaningful, something that doesn’t just look beautiful but also tells a story. I bring a holistic approach to design—whether it’s an event or a home renovation, my goal is to evoke emotion, inspire joy, and foster connection.
We’re not just about making a space look good; we’re about making it feel good, making it memorable, making in practical and most importantly, making it a true reflection of our clients.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE PIECE OF FURNITURE WE OFFER AT MILOLA AND WHY?
I love the Flatmate wall desk in olive green. Its compact, efficient design makes it perfect for small spaces or bedrooms, reflecting my passion for optimizing space without sacrificing style. The olive green not only inspires me—it connects me to nature and my favourite tree, the olive, blending functionality with serenity.
IF YOU'D LIKE LARA'S HELP WITH YOUR HOME OR NEXT EVENT. CONTACT HER HERE:
NAME:
Lara Gabriela Fredricks
AGENCY:
Fredricks Interior & Event Design
LOCATION:
Gland, Switzerland
COVERAGE:
Switzerland & Europe
WEB:
https://www.fredricks-design.com
INSTAGRAM:
https://www.instagram.com/fredricks_interior
https://www.instagram.com/fredricks_event
LINKEDIN:
Fredricks Interior & event Design
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