Photos by Ori Harpaz
Interior Designer David Lucido’s design approach combines rare finds with custom creations and curated pockets of nostalgia. Based in New York and Palm Beach, he’s found a way to have the best of both worlds, and you can see in his rooms that duality–old and new, city and color, personality and thoughtfulness–are what makes interiors (and, we believe, personal style) both enduring and authentic.
How would you describe your style?
Collected, nostalgic, spirited.
What is your favorite shoe from Emme Parsons?
Danielle Loafer in Black Embossed Croc.
What is currently inspiring you? Sartorially, culturally or otherwise?
All things red. I used to be terrified of the color, but lately I have a newfound love for all its different hues. Furniture or shoes in a shiny oxblood or a sofa upholstered in a lipstick red is just so captivating and brave.
Tell us about your interior design studio and how it came to be?
The studio came to be at the start of the pandemic when after many years working as a designer for a private estate, I was approached to design Le Bilboquet, an upscale French restaurant in Palm Beach. Since then, we have grown to a small team with offices in New York and Palm Beach, focusing primarily on high end residential and selective hospitality projects. Our strength is in sourcing spectacular furnishings, mostly early 20th century, paired with custom pieces designed in the studio. The design process is an ongoing conversation with our clients, creating spaces that feel authentic to each one of them. Currently, we are working on our first ground-up home in Miami, a group of new retail stores for Carolina Herrera, and a series of rentable villas in West Palm Beach.
How did you decide to split your time between New York and Palm Beach
Well, I never knew anything about it, nor had I ever been to Palm Beach before work had brought me to the area. But as soon as I touched down, I was immediately embraced by the community and felt like I was making a small mark on the growing art & design scene. Since the pandemic, Palm Beach has been evolving and attracting a different crowd than what it has been typically known to attract, myself included. It’s been an extremely worthwhile place to work and live. My home in Palm Beach is my place in the sun and escape from the New York hustle.
What is the best piece of advice you received from a client?
Usually, I am the one giving all the advice! But in the early days of my business, I was actively looking for work and may have seemed a little too eager. One of my first clients told me not to chase it, that it will come. My approach immediately shifted and I focused on creating quality, thoughtful projects rather than chasing down more work.
Guilty or not so guilty pleasure?
Every night I have a vodka martini with a side of reality TV.
How would you spend the perfect Fall day in Palm Beach?
Pretend to be Florida retiree: walk my dog, fuss around the house, breakfast at Surfside Diner, spin through the shops on Antique Row, get some sun and fuss around the house a bit more.
