Interior designer Darren Palmer, known for his appearance on the Australian reality TV series “The Block,” and his partner, Olivier Duvillard, are devoted fathers to their beloved son, Hugo.
Fans may recognize Darren from his role as a judge on “The Block,” a Nine Network series where couples compete to renovate and style properties for auction. Darren, an attractive and accomplished interior designer, has gained recognition for his exceptional designs and meticulous attention to detail.
In addition to his television career, Darren is an author, entrepreneur, producer, and brand advocate. With his outstanding expertise and positive demeanor, he has become a prominent Australian personality.
Darren Palmer’s vibrant personality has propelled him into a multifaceted career, spanning television, life-changing opportunities, business collaborations, publications, and leadership in design. He also serves as an ambassador for various high-quality products and brands.
Beyond his successful career in interior design, Darren enjoys a happy family life with his long-time partner, Olivier, and their son Hugo.
Darren Palmer is a proud father to his 12-year-old son, Hugo, with Olivier Duvillard. The family of three resides in beautiful homes in Sydney and Byron Cove.
Despite his busy schedule with client projects, learning French, and a rigorous gym routine, Darren actively engages in family life. He emphasizes the importance of balancing work and personal life, cherishing moments with loved ones.
Darren’s son, Hugo, has a stylish and fun bedroom with vibrant decor, including an orange bunk bed, blue paint, Bug Man decals on the walls, his name in large letters on the bed, and cool bedding. His room features a Lego-filled play area, and he enjoys a gaming setup received for Christmas.
Darren and Olivier, his partner of more than a decade, share a strong and enduring relationship that has led to two weddings. They value family time and have created a loving environment for their son.
Olivier Duvillard, Darren’s spouse, is a skincare specialist and former CEO of Ultraceuticals, currently serving as the CEO for Dr. Naomi Skin Pty Ltd. With extensive experience in the cosmetics industry, Olivier brings a unique set of skills, gained from working with prestigious organizations like Estee Lauder and L’Oreal. The couple has been inseparable for over a decade, celebrating a strong bond and shared commitment to their family.
Enhancing his skills and applying sharp negotiating acumen, he has recently taken on roles as a branding consultant and strategic branding expert for local brands. Olivier has also served as a strategic advisor for investment groups such as Mercury Capital and KKR.
Olivier’s profound understanding of cosmetics, body treatments, and laser skincare positions him to outline a clear strategic vision and consider various facets of businesses within the fragrance, cosmetic, and medical skincare industries.
How Darren and Olivier Met:
According to Olivier, Darren initially declined his date invitation three times before finally accepting. The two first crossed paths within the same social circles, and it took several years for them to go on their first date.
Their inaugural date was at an art exhibition. After dropping Olivier home, Palmer shared a goodnight kiss, and as Olivier puts it, “I knew I was in some hot water.” Two days later, they met for their second date.
A month and a half after their initial encounter, the happy couple got engaged. A few weeks after Olivier proposed to his beloved partner, he presented him with the artwork from their most memorable date on Darren’s birthday. Olivier had returned to the gallery three days later to acquire it, expressing a desire to preserve the memory of their connection. He noted, “I think when you know, you sort of know,” referring to meeting his now-husband.
The Initial Wedding in 2011:
Engaged just a month and a half after their first meeting, the couple decided to exchange vows in 2011 in Capetown, South Africa, due to Australia’s restrictions on same-sex marriages.
They rewed in 2018 following the legal overturning of the Australian regulation prohibiting same-sex marriage. Darren and Olivier have been married for over eleven years and enjoy a joyful life with their son, Hugo.
For their initial wedding, Darren and Olivier invited their entire families, keeping the announcement about the nature of the event until the last possible moment. In 2007, they purchased a property in Sydney, and they split their time between their residences in Byron Bay and Sydney.
A native of France, Olivier, whose country decriminalized gay marriage in 2013, was astonished by Australia’s conservative stance on the issue.