Talk Shop: Charlotte Lucas // Charlotte Lucas Design
ABOUT CHARLOTTE
Charlotte Harris Lucas founded her design firm, Charlotte Lucas Design, in 2012, based in Charlotte, NC and NYC. Known for her bold use of color and whimsical details in residential projects, Charlotte Lucas’s love for design started at an early age, as she learned from her designer mother to appreciate the impact of color, pattern, and detail. Charlotte draws inspiration from her clients and their homes, family heirlooms, and traveling. She loves to go on buying trips for antiques and one-of-a-kind objects, as she is always mindful that minor details can create major impact. She and her team focus on providing perfectly proportioned rooms and custom designs for each client. Lucas also co-founded and recently launched House of Harris, a high-end fabric and wallpaper company, with her sister Liz Carroll. Enjoy!
Describe your style in three words or less:
mood-dependent, colorful, & layered
What have been the three biggest influences on your aesthetic in your life:
Southern roots, travel, and the designers I worked for before starting my own business
How did you start your company, and/or what is your favorite thing about what you do:
I started my business in 2012. I had worked for about a decade for other designers, and in 2012, I was pregnant with my daughter and it was a really organic move. I wasn’t even sure if I wanted my own design business, but once I found myself at home with just my newborn daughter and a lot of free time, I decided I did want to have a business/creative outlet of my own and started working with close friends to design their homes and really just took on anyone that wanted to work with me, and here we are ten years later!
Do you have a mentor in your career, and if so, how have they helped to shape your trajectory:
My sister, Liz has been a wonderful mentor to me throughout my career. There’s no one like family to trust for important advice, and even day-to-day advice, and she and I compliment each other really well, especially for business advice. She went to business school and is an interior designer; I went to design school and am an interior designer, so we both come from different backgrounds, and that’s naturally why we went into business together (we have a fabric & wallpaper line together called House of Harris). She is always there to answer business questions that don’t come naturally to me, and for that, especially with my growing business and team, I’m so grateful.
What does your home say about you:
Oh gosh, it probably says a lot of confusing things if somebody were to walk in! But I think that it makes me really happy. I’ve filled it with really special things that I’ve found along the way, and I hope that it evokes a sense of joy.
Where do you find inspiration:
Everywhere. I most recently found color pallet inspiration watching a series of suitcases circulate on the conveyor belt at the airport! (true story!)
What are your key ingredients for entertaining:
I think it’s really about showcasing my personal style and authenticity at home and making people feel welcome. If people feel welcome and comfortable, then they’re bound to have a good time.
Do you collect anything:
I collect everything! A lot of things from my travels along the way. I love everything right now that’s mosaic seashell. I don’t know why. I don’t live at the beach, but I love it and have a lot of those things. I collect nutcrackers, and I have them all out over the holidays. I collect vintage antique furniture! And it’s all in a storage unit, ready to be refurbished for clients, and I collect art. I buy art when it speaks to me, and I bring it home and rearrange the walls.
What design “rule” do you always follow, and which is made to be broken:
I break A LOT of design rules! But one to follow is “always measure twice!”
What are you working on right now:
I’m excited to be involved in a commercial project for a private golf club in AIken, SC called The Tree Farm. It’s our first foray into this kind of project, and it’s been an amazing learning experience for me and my team. (Also still working on a number of amazing residential projects, both locally and out of state).
Wardrobe staples:
Really comfortable boots, really cute tennis shoes. I’m running around all day and even though I do love heels, I’ve gotta be practical with my footwear. Also great winter coats. I like to wear just jeans & a tee shirt and a great winter coat and scarf. Such an easy outfit that makes you look put together with minimal effort!
Favorite fabric/wallpaper:
House of Harris! Bamboo Garden is my favorite at the moment.
Best interior advice you ever received:
Buy things you love when you see them and figure out the logistics later!
Best career advice you ever received:
Our dad actually gave me a wonderful piece of advice about 15-20 years ago that extends beyond just design. He told me that you always want to leave a job or relationship in a good place and never burn bridges because you never know when that relationship might come back around.
Types of home purchases you invest in, and save on:
Invest in: great upholstery & antique pieces. To save - window treatments.
Your greatest extravagance:
My New York apartment! But boy, does it bring me joy…
Favorite places to shop for home:
Hole-in-the-wall antique shops.
Most prized possession and why:
My kids. They are everything.
Your interiors motto:
Buy what you love when you see it and rearrange your walls or furniture later! If you love something you’ll figure out a way to work it in.
Your life motto:
Work hard & be nice to people
Advice for someone looking to define their own interior style:
Be you, be authentic, don’t try to be somebody else, don’t try to copy somebody else, be yourself & that never goes out of style.
Take Ten: My Favorite
Food: Cacio e pepe
Drink: Cocktail wise, it’s a Vesper!
Film: Wild Hearts Can’t Be Broken
Hotel: Playa Grande
City: New York City!
Bedding: D. Porthault, and can’t forget my beloved monogrammed Leontine pillowcases!
Tea or Coffee (and how do you take it): Coffee & lots of it until lunch. I take it like dessert with milk & sugar!
Playlist: 90s rap
Weekend Activity: Hangin’ with my kids
Design Book: I found a book at a vintage shop (maybe even a Goodwill!), called “Decorate Rich”! It’s on display in our office and has become a running joke, so I definitely have to go with “Decorate Rich” on this one!