X-Pat Files - Kelly Lundberg

Janet Morais

The Passionate Interior Designer

American born Janet Morais is the CEO of home decor brand KOKET, recently moved to Lisbon. Reputed for its edgy design aesthetic KOKET was born from her interior design business and branding agency DeMorais International in the USA.

How did you come up with the Koket brand?

It is my personal mission to empower through design, content and experiences. So, I created ByKOKET Luxury Group, which holds KOKET. The brand was born from my interior design business and branding agency DeMorais International, and it is the inspiration for my lifestyle magazine Love Happens and e-home decor boutique My Object of Desire.

Each of my professional endeavours offers a glimpse into my world and everything that moves me. Through my work I strive to share my joie de vivre and coquettish frill while empowering all willing to listen to be their best selves. My products are about unique, inspired design, craftsmanship, and bringing joy to those who encounter them. The KOKET collection was designed with a woman at its core, the pieces reflect her intuitions, emotions, desires, and needs. It is seductive in its design, message and image. I push all the boundaries and communicate it guilt free and openly as every woman should in every aspect of her life.

“I let my eye wander, but it is my instinct that guides the design of the collection.”

Have you always been interested in style and design?

Yes. At a very young age I developed an obsession with Paris, design and fashion which led me to move to the captivating city of all things glamour. The desire to create a business heavily focused on design and style stemmed not only from my devotion to interior design and passion for exquisite home decor pieces but also the constant challenge of finding design and fashion that truly spoke to me.

What inspires you?

Women inspire me. Many of my pieces pay tribute to the female body, such as the Temptation console where the top is beautifully wrapped in luxurious exotic leather and the base draws inspiration from a woman’s hip bone. The mysticism of Asia also inspires me, as well as haute couture and jewellery design.

What’s next for Koket?

A media company focused on female empowered content, design and artistic talent.

What prompted you to leave the US?

I was born in the US and raised between Portugal and the US which gave me a deep familiarity with both European and American culture which I continue to nurture today as I split my time between the two. This global perspective, my passion for design and hand craftsmanship have uniquely positioned me at the centre of the rapidly evolving international luxury market surrounded by the highest level of Portuguese artisans.