Another whirlwind summer is nearing an end and we hope yours has been filled with sunshine and adventure! Our summer journeys took us across the globe, with inspiring visits to Italy, London, and Greece, all while some very exciting developments were happening right here at home. We are delighted to be sharing it all with you and hope we have the opportunity to visit with you in person as the busy fall season makes its grand debut!
WELCOMING SUMMER IN MAINE
At the start of the summer, Sandy enjoyed exploring antique stores in Maine while working on a fun project in Camden. The team also enjoyed and very much appreciated the cooler temperatures, beautiful flowers, blue water, stunning sailboats, charming architecture, great food, and all of the lovely people!
EXPLORING THE GLOBE
Our travel destinations this summer offered the most unique blend of culture, history, and design inspiration that deeply enriched our creative perspective. In Italy, we immersed ourselves in the timeless elegance of Florentine architecture and the vibrant colors of the Amalfi Coast. London’s blend of tradition and innovation provided a fresh take on classic design, while Greece’s serene landscapes and ancient artistry deepened our appreciation for the harmony between nature and architectural form. As always, travel infuses our work with new and exciting ideas that we can’t wait to share with our clients!
GREECE
This summer, Sandy traveled to Greece, exploring the historic cities of Corfu, Mykonos, and Athens. From visiting the ancient Acropolis to savoring serene beachside moments, her trip was a blend of rich history and unforgettable experiences!
Athens
Seeing the Acropolis Museum was truly incredible – it’s a must-visit to fully appreciate the rich history of Athens!
Corfu
The old town of Corfu was brimming with historic charm, and visiting the Royal Palace of Saints Michael and George was a highlight! Built in the early 19th century, this palace once served as the residence of the British High Commissioner and showcases stunning neoclassical architecture.
How beautiful are these views of Corfu! The island’s picturesque landscapes and crystal-clear waters are incredibly refreshing.
Mykonos
Mykonos, with its pristine beaches and the enchanting charm of Chora, offers views that are nothing short of breathtaking. The island’s iconic whitewashed cube-like buildings and blue-domed churches stand in stunning contrast to the vivid azure of the Aegean Sea. Wandering the cobblestone streets, surrounded by vibrant bougainvillea, was the perfect way to unwind and be immersed in the island’s beauty.
What a treat it was to discover all of these unforgettable moments!
ITALY
Sarah’s travels took her to Italy, where she explored the breathtaking towns of Siena, Pienza, and San Gimignano. From historic architecture to stunning vistas, Italy never fails to inspire!
Siena
Pienza
Nestled just outside of Siena, Pienza captured my heart with its charming beauty. This delightful town, known for its stunning Renaissance architecture and landscapes, is the perfect blend of art, architecture, and nature.
It was a joy taking in the Pienza Cathedral, a masterpiece designed by Bernardo Rossellino in the 15th century under the guidance of Pope Pius II. Dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, it’s a quintessential example of Renaissance architecture.
San Gimignano
We then visited San Gimignano and The Palazzo del Comune, also known as Palazzo della Ragione. Built at the end of the 12th century, this historic building is the oldest city hall in Italy. Despite suffering from three major fires, the Palazzo still stands strong – what a delight to witness!
Entering the Palazzo del Comune through the Loggia of the Judge in San Gimignano, you step into a beautifully preserved courtyard. Created during the building’s enlargement in the 14th century, it’s adorned with the coats of arms of the various podestà who held power over the years.
Tuscany
Sarah celebrated a beautiful wedding at the Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco in Tuscany. Every detail was perfection! A truly unforgettable experience in the heart of Italy.
Cortona
History, charm, and architectural details – Cortona was such a delight to see!
How lovely is this intimate seating arrangement at the Monastero Di Cortona Hotel’s Gli Affreschi Restaurant? Nestled inside the ancient refectory of the Monastery, you’re surrounded by 17th-century frescoes and an 18th-century tapestry – an enchanting dining experience steeped in history and elegance.
LONDON
In London, Sandy discovered The NoMad Hotel, a true gem in the vibrant Covent Garden area. Housed in a historic Grade II listed building across from the Royal Opera House, this hotel beautifully marries its past as a magistrate’s court and police station with its captivating interiors designed by Roman and Williams.
The Petersham, with its delightful ambiance, is our go-to spot for lunch in Covent Garden, echoing the charm of the original Richmond location.
Benjamin Pollock’s Toy Shop is a timeless treasure trove, a must-visit for grandparents seeking something special, and Covent Garden never disappoints, especially with stops like Venchi Chocolate and Gelato—pure indulgence!
Just west of Covent Garden is the architecturally fascinating Seven Dials area, designed in 1693 by Thomas Neale. The area was laid out in triangular plots to minimize the street frontage of houses, as rent was charged per foot of frontage rather than by the square footage of the property. Interestingly, Seven Dials is also the title of an Agatha Christie mystery novel.
CELEBRATING EXCELLENCE IN DESIGN
We are honored to be a 2024 Regional Luxe RED Award Winner! This outdoor space designed by Sarah serves as a serene oasis, with its design inspired by the architectural styles of New Orleans and the Lowcountry. Tap the image below to read more!
Landscape Design: Moss Landscaping / Architecture: Benjamin Johnston Design / Builder: David James Custom Builder / Photography: Stephen Karlisch
Congratulations to our fellow RED Award winners and a big thank you to the Luxe team and to the 2024 judges for this thoughtful recognition!
HAVE YOU SEEN US LATELY?
We’re delighted to announce that Southern Home has featured us in their July/August issue’s ‘Designer Q+A’ – a perfect way to round out the summer. It was a pleasure sharing our story, and we hope you enjoy it – be sure to pick up or order your copy today and subscribe to Southern Home so you never miss a thing!
Martha Stewart reached out for our thoughts on how to create a cozy reading nook this summer. Tap the image below to read how a bedside window seat serves up the perfect blend of comfort and charm!
With the back-to-school season upon us, Homes & Gardens reached out for a few tips on decorating kids’ rooms to balance creativity, playfulness, and practicality. Tap the image below for our step-by-step guide to creating the perfect space that’s both restful and inspiring!
WELCOME TO THE TEAM
We are delighted to introduce two new faces you can expect to see around the L/E office! We can’t wait for you to meet Sarah and Samantha in person and hope you visit our website to learn more about them and the other talented designers who make our firm so special!
Samantha Brueggeman, Senior Project Designer
Sarah Dunn, Designer
We’ll be back with more updates soon! In the meantime, follow us @lucaseilersdesign for fresh design inspiration, firm news, and sneak peeks of our latest projects. Wishing you bright, sunny skies as you savor these final days of summer!
“Live in the sunshine, swim in the sea, drink the wild air.”
– Ralph Waldo Emerson
