My Home Remodeling

Since opening the boutique interior design firm Lucas Studios in 2005, Joe Lucas and Parrish Chilcoat have been making waves in the LA design world for their chic, comfortable and sustainable interiors. Their West Hollywood home furnishings store, Harbinger, is also renowned for its carefully curated collection of classic and cool. Both proteges of Michael Smith, Lucas and Chilcoat have been featured in top design magazines for their fresh, relaxed take on the classics.

How would you describe your design style?

We are definitely rooted in tradition, but since we are still (somewhat!) young, we really enjoy taking chances, doing unexpected things and pushing both ourselves and our clients when we are are allowed to.  We don’t ever want our work to get stale.

Is there a classic—a staple—that is always a part of your design…sort of a signature? What is it and what enables it to work in any environment? Is it boring and obvious to say that natural fiber rugs…whether it is seagrass, sisal or jute…are always a part of every job we do?  It is the truth!  For us, they take a room “down” and give even the fanciest spaces some humility and approachability. We use them on every project without even really thinking about it.

What do you do, or where do you go, for inspiration? Inspiration is everywhere if your eyes are open and you are paying attention to life and enjoying it to the best of your ability! You will find inspiration from sources as broad ranging as world-renowned museums to the color variations in a simple flower that just bloomed in the garden.  We find inspiration all the time driving around LA to various job sites.  We just look at architecture and gardens and pray we don’t get in an accident!  We also have serious addictions to design books.

What do you feel are lasting, timeless palettes that still feel fresh and up-to-the-minute? Soft blues and greens and variations on grays mixed with ivory and taupe seem to never date. These color combinations also accept any style of furniture and seem to be at home wherever they go, regardless of the decade!!

How do you perceive design today: as catalyst for lifestyle change or as reaction to it, or both? Both.  Technology is moving so quickly and products often come out faster than you can integrate them into a shorter term job.  However, by the time the next project has come along, families and people are already subtly living a different way thanks to these products and new technology.  We are adapting our designs accordingly.

What do you consider to be the most significant design innovation of the last 10 years? Difficult question since there have been many!! From a  game-changing perspective for both designers and clients, we that the evelopment of the flat screen television has drastically improved both the way that clients live and the integrity of the rooms that they are living in.

How important do you believe Websites, blogs, and social media are and will be in growing your business? It all seems to be vital.  The development of our website was a huge investment, but proved to be essential for the growth of both our interior design business and our retail store.  The blogs have been very generous to us and we are grateful for their coverage.  We follow them daily for inspiration!!

Was there any lesson you learned early on in your career that has stuck with you? Follow up, follow up, follow up!  With everyone! And to really pull this off, you need to be able to delegate and communicate effectively.

What are some tips for making a smaller space appear larger? It really is true–larger furniture can make a small space feel bigger.  So does using an overall pattern on the walls and the furniture, or painting the walls and the ceiling the same color (especially if there is no crown molding).  Boundaries get blurred, the space seems larger and the eye is tricked! Big beds in small bedrooms are also a great way to make a tiny bedroom feel larger.

What is the ultimate goal of all your projects? Truthfully, we just want everyone to be happy.  We want our clients to have a safe haven to come home to.  A place in which they can build memories.  A home that they feel happy and proud to entertain in, but also feel just as content sitting alone reading a book.  It is a luxury to have a professional design your home and we are adamant that everyone try to enjoy the process along the way.

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