The Home Trust International (HTI): What compelled you to enter design?
Stacey Lapuk (SL): I’ve always been attracted to the arts. In fact, I went to school for my BFA. Interior design seemed like a wonderful opportunity to draw together a variety of disciplines – color, painting, sculpture, fashion design and the like. I see our homes as 3-dimensional paintings in which we can live and thrive. I love working with amazing artisans and craftspeople, and love the team approach to create just the right pieces and interiors for my clients. And I love to share the journey of design with my clients.
HTI: Who has been the strongest influence on your career and why?
SL: History and travel. The interior designer Clodagh for her organic and adventuresome approach to design.
HTI: If you could have told your 20-year-old self-one thing, what would it have been?
SL: To trust myself, build worthy relationships and learn the business side of what we do best.
HTI: Please tell us about your family and your personal life.
SL: I live in a small town just north of San Francisco. I love the Bay Area – the weather, access to everything from beaches to the mountains, wine country and the city. I love animals; I have two cats, and go horseback riding at least once a week. My days begin with meditation and a hike. I have an amazing family, though most are back in Connecticut where I was born and raised. Surrounding myself with dear, smart, interesting and kind friends makes me happy. And I love a great glass of wine. A dream is to have a beautiful dog rescue ranch.
HTI: What is the best advice you’ve received and who was it from?
SL: Be the light I want reflected back to me. Listen to my intuition. I don’t remember where the advice came from, but I do my best to honor it.
HTI: Is there a common thread that runs through all great products?
SL: Products that show the maker’s hand. That will stand the test of time. That are perfectly
functional (or not!). That are appropriate to the design intent, and resonate at or above the
energy of the space.
HTI: What’s on your wish list?
SL: To design homes around the world where I can instill the feeling and energy of that culture. This will allow me to travel, live in various countries, learn, and experience unique adventures. And of course, to design only with amazing clients.
HTI: Do you prefer the country or the city?
SL: I like living in the country, with easy access to the city.
HTI: What recent project or transaction are you most proud of?
SL: It was actually a small project on a tight budget, but the client was open to ideas and we created an amazing jewel box out of her unremarkable flat in San Francisco. It was published in LuxeSF Magazine for a feature on wallcovering.
HTI: In what ways has your company or your industry changed over the years?
SL: Time has become our greatest luxury, and most of my clients simply don’t have enough of it. Comfort and function have become more important, and service is paramount. Because of the cost of real estate, many smaller showrooms and manufacturers have been pushed out of Design Centers, so knowing who is doing what and where is a great value we can provide our clients. Educating clients on why something will be amazing, what quality brings to a person and project, and how to avoid looking like a Pinterest post or TV show is critical.
Exclusivity is in the design, not the piece as more and more showrooms are open to the public to browse.
Exposure to design is wonderful as it can help educate clients and expose them to possibilities for their own homes. Guidance here is critical however, as most of what is online is simply not good design.
HTI: The one thing I’ve had forever is:
SL: A beautiful antique floor mirror from Portugal.
HTI: Who do you miss the most?
SL: My family; we live on opposite sides of the country. And fall in New England.
HTI: What makes a room sing?
SL: When all the elements in a space resonate at the same vibration; when you can feel your
connection to nature, your environment and everyone living in the house with you.
HTI: Do you have a favorite museum?
SL: Locally, I love the Palace of the Legion of Honor for its architecture, its spectacular permanent
collection and wonderful special exhibits. Internationally, the Louvre of course, and the D’orsay
in Paris (love Impressionism).
HTI: When you’re not working where are you most likely to be found?
SL: Hiking Mount Tam, in Sonoma with horses, or off on an adventure. At an outdoor concert at a
vineyard or at lunch with friends. In the backyard painting or reading. Or shopping :-).
HTI: What makes a great organization?
SL: Communication, integrity, trust, creativity, humor and respect.
HTI: Why The Home Trust?
SL: Chris Ramey strikes me as a very knowledgeable authority on the luxury (excuse me – sophisticated!) market and has been a trove of information and ideas for my business. The research on how to serve my ideal client is invaluable. I’m excited to see what we can create together!
HTI: If you could be granted one wish. What would it be?
SL: Peace on earth :-). That everyone would have an inborn and conscious understanding of the importance of beauty in ones home for their well-being and happiness.
HTI: What would you be doing if you weren’t in design?
SL: Landscape architecture, something around travel.
HTI: Will you share some final thoughts about design?
SL: A well-designed space is more than “pretty.” It actually elevates your health, well-being,
happiness and joy. Allow yourself to move a bit out of your comfort zone; you’ll be amazed at
what can result from the power of great design, and the joy in creating magic in your home.
Dare to create something extraordinary.
Stacey Lapuk, ASID is celebrating over 35 years with her firm. Named “One of America’s Ten Designers
To Watch” by Design Times Magazine, one of the “Top 100 Interior Designers in North America” by Blink
Art Resources, and the winner of multiple national design awards. Her goal is simple: To co-create with
her clients something extraordinary – the home of their dreams with responsive and comprehensive
solutions, and timeless, beautiful results.
Stacey overlays each project with the principles of Biophilic Design for the health and well-being of her clients.
Her full service firm attracts clients desiring the finest workmanship, materials and custom design, from San Francisco to New York. Facets of work include partnering with architects on new construction,
remodels, kitchen design and bath design, color consultation, custom furniture, flooring, area carpets, wall and window treatments, lighting design, art procurement and antique acquisition.