Treasure Box

Author:Lindsey Shook

Lucas design studio curates an L.A. oasis for recently relocated New Yorkers who have an impressive collection of art and objects

“We consider high-level design and great quality throughout our designs. We believe in a casual lifestyle and staying grounded in the expectations around the use of the spaces we create,” says David Lucas, co-founder of Lucas design studio. “As a studio, we stray from fads and lean towards creating beautiful, timeless interiors.”

The Lucas team was hired to add their signature classic style inside a 6,800-square-foot home in L.A. for a New York couple who relocated to be closer to their son. “Our clients wanted to edit their newly purchased home to eliminate the traditional detailing from the interior architecture and to add a softer touch with an eclectic side to it,” says Suzie Lucas. “The wife, born and raised in France, wanted a space to showcase her extensive collection of art and curated objects procured from galleries in Paris over the years.”

In partnership with Hill Construction, they started by eliminating existing details like the coffered ceiling in the living room and other architectural elements that opened up the main spaces, allowing the vast surrounding views to pour in. “We removed the cove ceiling and fussy wallcovering in the dining room and replaced them with a much bolder backdrop to better complement our client’s colorful, tribal art collection,” David recalls. “Ebonized, bold modern detailing replaced taupey, unremarkable casework in various spaces. We made some layout improvements such as converting a storage closet into a back kitchen service area with a laundry and powder room to better suit our client’s lifestyle needs.”

While nestled near the heart of Beverly Hills, the property sits atop a knoll with captivating views of downtown L.A. offering the homeowners an idyllic escape from the hustle and bustle. “The terraced pool and lawn area offer expansive space and complete privacy,” Suzie notes. “This project combines a spectacular site with a highly-curated interior filled with hand-select­ed furnishings, art, and objects found from around the world.”

The finished result is crisp, gallery-like home full of rare treasures and dreamy views. “We continued to explore the juxtaposition of casual and formal elements with tailored cream sofas, tones of rust, ebony, cinnamon and coffee bean and rich wooden totems flanking the fireplace,” Suzie remarks. “The finished design is a balancing act of very clean, yet unfussy furnishings and materials. In the end, our client was thrilled with the sense of balance that was present throughout the home.”