Our kitchen design MUSTs, a 22 video, Rebuilding LA and A Sense of Home
- Lucie Ayres
- Sep 17
- 5 min read
September, like ALL Septembers has a beautiful buzz to it, crispier mornings, the pressure to get things accomplished in last few months of the year upon us, and the ever so slight yearning for Holiday season begins. In the world of design, September almost always marks the beginning of our busiest — and most exciting — season, as the projects, people, and desires of our clients are constantly evolving. It is endlessly interesting to me - thankfully!
Below, you'll find a curated glimpse into what’s been inspiring me lately — from my top five kitchen must-haves, to a beautifully produced video we recently created, to newly published work from the LA rebuild I’ve been honored to be part of, and a deeply meaningful contribution to A Sense of Home, an extraordinary non-profit I believe everyone should know. It's a long one, so BUCKLE UP!
Kitchen Design- my absolute TOP five must haves
Why is it that we can’t help ourselves — we always end up lingering in the kitchen?
At most parties I’ve been to, the heart of the conversation and the fun seems to naturally center there. Even at home, I find myself working from my laptop at the kitchen counter — not the most ergonomic setup, I’ll admit, but there's just something deeply comforting about it. Lately, we've been working on quite a few kitchen remodels, and I keep coming back to the same question:Why shouldn’t the kitchen be a gorgeous, even glamorous, space — one that invites us to linger, even when we’re not cooking?
So here they are: My Top Five Must-Haves for a Thoughtful, Beautiful Kitchen Design:
1. Light it up
Ideally, a kitchen should have a mix of natural light and statement lighting — think of it as the jewelry of the space. Whether it’s a sculptural pendant or a dramatic chandelier, gorgeous lighting is essential against cabinetry and appliances.
2. Lay it out
A beautiful kitchen that doesn’t flow will drive you crazy. Function comes first: aisle space that feels right, the Cornell triangle (sink, refrigerator, range), dishwasher and trash near each other, and ample countertop space to work.
3. Smart storage > more storage
We’re big fans of drawers — for everything. From spices to glassware, drawers (customized or not) are far more versatile than upper cabinets. It’s about smarter, not necessarily more, storage.
4. Mix your materials
Stone + wood + metal = magic. A layered mix of materials creates a space that feels both lived-in and luxuriously considered.
5. Add character
A small plant, fresh herbs on the windowsill, framed artwork, fruit in a bowl, a sculptural object —or our favorite, a curated plate collection on the wall. It’s these personal, soulful touches that bring the space to life.
We Made a Video
I caved - and made a cheeky little about us video. It’s a behind-the-scenes glimpse into our design process and philosophy. Am thrilled with the way it turned out and would love if you took a look - click on the below or visit our website.
This project wouldn’t have been possible without the talent and vision of an exceptional team:
Anna Kotyza – direction, production, and editing and Mida Chu – videography. Shout out to Ernest Lupinacci for creative direction.
I’m so grateful to collaborate with people who bring such creativity and heart to what we do.
New California Classics - Rebuilding LA
It’s been deeply meaningful to contribute to the New California Classics initiative —a collaboration with Save Iconic Architecture (SIA) and 30 of my fellow members of the Design Leadership Network (DLN). The project is a forward-thinking architectural initiative focused on rebuilding in Southern California with both design integrity and climate resilience.
New California Classics is currently evolving into a pattern book of seven distinct Southern California architectural styles. The guide will offer visual and technical details across architecture, interiors, and landscape — all thoughtfully aligned with new building codes and fire safety requirements. I had the pleasure of contributing to the Colonial Revival section, working to reinterpret this classic American style in a way that feels both rooted in tradition and relevant to how we live today.
The concept is featured in this month’s issue of California Home+Design — and I’m excited to share a sneak peek of a few pages from the spread below:
A Sense of Home
Last month, I was back in the Hamptons for the official New York launch of A Sense of Home (ASOH) — a beautiful and meaningful milestone for an organization I’ve been deeply connected to for years.
I was first introduced to ASOH by a friend and was immediately drawn to their mission: creating thoughtfully designed, fully furnished homes for youth aging out of the foster care system. Since then, 22 Interiors has proudly sponsored several homes, and I’ve had the joy of volunteering on installations — even with my own kids (it’s a fantastic hands-on way to involve children of all ages in something truly impactful).
So when the ASOH team reached out to ask for help bringing their mission to New York, I didn’t hesitate. We helped connect them with like-minded creatives, vendors, and partners — people who care deeply about design with purpose. A shout out to amazing vendors who stepped up: Made Goods, House of Hackney, Visual Comfort, Serena & Lily,
The celebration took place at a stunning 10-year anniversary fundraiser in Amagansett — which made it even more special, as it’s where our Ocelot, our home and studio out east is located. Hosted by Shawn and Serena Levy, the event brought together an inspiring group of supporters, including Chelsea Handler, Jessica Seinfeld, and a surprise performance by Samantha Ronson.
To date, A Sense of Home has created over 1,200 homes for youth transitioning out of foster care — and now, their impact is expanding in New York. I highly recommend signing up to volunteer for an installation or getting involved in a way. Learn more here.
Congrats to the team for their successful NY Launch!
That's all for now - thank you for reading. Here's a snap of me with a floral arrangement I made recently at a floral arranging class courtesy of @Nick.Floral and Holly Hunt.
XO
Lucie
PS: The Kind of Referrals We Love
If you’ve worked with us and loved the process, thank you — truly. And if you’ve sent a friend, colleague, or cousin our way? Just know: that is the greatest compliment.
We don’t take it lightly. We treat every referral like family, so if someone in your world is looking to create something special, we’d love the intro.
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