Charlotte Lucas’s trajectory into the design world landed her a spot as one of the most talented young designers working today. Her work combines modern pieces with the traditional, pairs designer labels with flea market gems. Based out of Charlotte, North Carolina, Lucas brings her passion for beautiful spaces to clients all over the South.
Lucas’ mixed aesthetic and deep appreciation for classic design stems from her early childhood experience. She grew up in the industry; her mother was also an interior designer and as a result, Lucas describes her childhood as something of “design tutorial.” She recalls fondly the time spent alongside her mother, mining for pieces and looks in all sorts of antique stores, fabric showrooms, estate sales, and flea markets.
The exposure left its mark, and Lucas decided to pair her hands-on training with a degree in interior design from the University of Georgia. After graduating, Barrie Benson, one of the most recognized working Southern designers, brought her in and Lucas then launched her own career in the industry by living and working in Washington, DC.
The Southern native ultimately returned to her roots, and in 2012 Lucas started her own design firm in Charlotte. Today, she resides with her family in a 1950’s modern home in Eastover, where she has mixed her own family antiques with modern and vintage furniture finds.
Her design firm has taken off in the last three years, and Lucas has carved her place in the tradition of luxe, rich aesthetics that resonate with the Southern sense of place.
There’s no formula to my work, I start from scratch with each custom project I work on. Some may find that exhausting, but it keeps my work interesting and gives me the opportunity to learn and grow with each new project.
She describes Charlotte as a particularly interesting locale to be working today, because the area is being redefined by a coalescence of distinct historical southern style meeting with the growth of the city. The influx of newcomers are infusing their own flair and changing the design landscape of the Queen City by bringing in looks from a variety of different locales and travel experiences.
As far as her strategy for tackling each project she works on? Lucas says she has no set formula and that inherent flexibility is part of what she loves so much about her career. She enters each design scenario with a fresh slate to create a one-of-a-kind aesthetic. Lucas draws her inspiration from each new client and each client’s home.
“I love that every day is different and every project is different,” Lucas shares. “There’s no formula to my work, I start from scratch with each custom project I work on. Some may find that exhausting, but it keeps my work interesting and gives me the opportunity to learn and grow with each new project.”
To create soulful, meaningful spaces, Lucas integrates the clients’ own antiques and family heirlooms into fresh, new designs and says she remains “always mindful that minor details can create major impact.”
For a bit more info, visit www.charlottelucasdesign.com.
