Interview with Lucie Ayres- Interiors 22

I recently posted tips from our friend Lucie Ayres of 22 Interiors on how to make a great master bedroom. Read below for more insight into her interior decorating and her business.  Thanks Lucie!

 

When and how did you decide to become a designer?

 

I’ve wanted to be a designer ever since I was a little girl and rearranged the furniture in my room constantly.

 

Lucie at age 8.

Lucie at age 8.

Tell us the name behind your company… 22 interiors — what does it mean?

 

It’s a lucky number; I was born on the 22nd, I rode the 22 Tram in Prague when I studied abroad (I was also born in Prague) and my husband went on our first date on 2/2.

 

The city of Prague.

The city of Prague (Ken and Lucie studied abroad together in Prague in 1997).

 

Describe your style and aesthetic.

 

My style is a hybrid of soulful European meets playful Californian.  Comfortable, slightly surprising, and always interesting.

 

Soulful Euro, laid back Cali. Photo by Amy Bartlam

Soulful Euro, laid back Cali. Photo by Amy Bartlam

 

Is it possible to decorate someone’s house when their style doesn’t align with your own? How does it work?
Absolutely. My portfolio is VERY diverse because I actually enjoy the challenge of making someone else’s style and desire work with my eye.  I see it as a visual puzzle that can be a lot of fun to solve.

 

Various projects by Interior 22. Photos by Amy Bartlam

Various projects by 22 Interiors. Photos by Amy Bartlam

 

What is your favorite part of decorating and designing someone’s house? It is coming up with the ideas, or the installation? What and why?

 

My favorite is 100% the installation – there’s nothing more satisfying than walking around, feeling and seeing the final product.

 

Lucie during an installation. Photo by Amy Bartlam

Lucie during an installation. Photo by Amy Bartlam

 

Where do you find your ideas and inspirations?

 

Everywhere – blogs, magazines, old books, new books, movies, tv shows, travel. I think if you love what you do, you are hungry for more of it, so you are constantly on the HUNT.
Who are your clients and how do you find them?

 

My clients are as diverse as they come – from entertainment industry professionals to doctors and lawyers. I tend to get many young family clients who have never worked with a designer before.  They often find me online via sites like houzz.com, and it’s fun teaching them the process and showing them a variety of sources they never knew existed.

 

What has been your favorite project?

 

It’s hard to pick a favorite but I’m working on a project in Nyack, NY and it’s slowly becoming a favorite only because it’s tiny – 800 SF cottage built in 1904 right on the Hudson River.  Every decision is greater than in a larger home, the details are key, and the curation of what we put in it is incredibly important.

 

Nyack cottage.

Nyack cottage.

 

Tell us your top 5 favorite home decor stores.

 

Arteriors, Gregorius|Pineo, MadeGoods, CB2, and EBTH.com

 

Any tips on how how someone could easily (and affordably) fluff up their home?

 

Paint, paint, and paint.  It’s the most amazing way to get the most bang for your buck, in terms of design.  You can paint your ceiling a color.  You can paint just the trim,  You can do striped room.  Or just a fabulous color on your wall. Color is magic.

 

Striped ceiling by Jenna Lyons.

Striped ceiling by Jenna Lyons.

 

Thanks so much, Lucie! All this color and decor makes me so happy.

Anika Yael Natori, aka, The Josie Girl

Blog Home Page

Josie Girl

7 Comments

  1. She’s got incredible taste! And the cottage in Nyack, NY is absolutely adorable…can I move there? Ha! Also, I appreciate her home decor store recommendations. Definitely going to check those sites out.

  2. I loved the article you posted about her interior design tips. Glad to get to know a little more about her. She’s got impeccable style.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *