David Lucido’s Unique Approach to Interior Design
David Lucido has an exceptional talent for blending proportion, shape, and color in a way that is both refined and inviting. His interiors, whether for residential, commercial, or hospitality projects, strike the perfect balance between elegance and personality. Never overdone yet never dull, his designs showcase a mastery of subtle sophistication. However, achieving this effortless look takes considerable effort. Splitting his time between Palm Beach and New York City, Lucido combines a strong work ethic with meticulous attention to detail. Despite his precision, he remains approachable, noting, “I’m not a very serious person. It’s not surgery, so why not be a little more expressive? I try to bring out my clients’ personalities. The best projects push you outside of your box a little.”
From Graphic Design to Interior Mastery
Lucido initially pursued a career in graphic design after attending art school but soon found the work isolating. Seeking more interaction, he transitioned into interior design, starting in a small studio before working for a private estate on the Upper East Side. This role exposed him to an extensive range of high-end projects, from yachts and planes to residential interiors, providing him with a foundation in both design and client management. The experience gave him the confidence to establish his own firm. Despite launching his business in March 2020 during the pandemic, his first project—Le Bilboquet in Palm Beach—set him on a successful trajectory. What began as a temporary relocation to Florida has since become a more permanent presence.
Balancing New York and Palm Beach Aesthetics
Lucido’s dual presence in Palm Beach and New York allows him to experiment with different design approaches. In Palm Beach, he embraces a more tropical aesthetic, incorporating natural materials and vibrant elements. “I try to be a little more flamboyant here,” he says. Conversely, his New York projects reflect urban sophistication, with curated furniture collections and architectural depth. Though his work extends beyond these cities, Lucido always prioritizes a sense of place in his designs. “The locale is super important. I hate spaces that feel like they don’t belong at all.”
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A Thoughtful Approach to Sourcing and Color
Lucido’s design philosophy steers away from trends in favor of selecting pieces that fit the space and tell a story. “I’d rather drive myself crazy sourcing something that’s beautiful, rare, and expressive than settle for the most expensive thing on the block,” he says. His eclectic approach spans all design eras, embracing everything from Art Deco to Postmodernism. The same philosophy applies to color: no hue is off-limits, as long as he finds the right shade. Even typically polarizing colors like orange can work with the right tone. He follows a rule of three when it comes to color palettes—keeping combinations simple yet impactful.
Inspirations: French Maritime Glamour and Postmodern Playfulness
Lucido draws inspiration from a variety of sources, particularly the elegance of 1920s and 30s Art Deco ocean liners. This influence is evident in his work at Le Bilboquet and his retail designs for Carolina Herrera. He also finds a connection between Art Deco and the amplified aesthetics of 1980s design. “There’s humor in my work when I bring in things from the 80s or 90s that may not have the best provenance but work together beautifully.” His appreciation for irreverent yet sophisticated design extends to pop culture—he cites the gothic whimsy of Beetlejuice as a personal favorite.
Future Projects and Aspirations
Looking ahead, Lucido dreams of designing a boutique hotel, a project that would allow him to control every design detail. He also hopes to work on a large, open residential space in New York. His current projects include a ground-up residential build in Miami, more Carolina Herrera stores in Texas and California, a Palm Beach home, and a West Palm tavern that transforms utilitarian materials like cork and linoleum into something unexpected.
Lucido’s ability to balance refinement with a touch of irreverence makes him one of the most exciting interior designers to watch today.
PHOTOS BY ORI HARPAZ
