In the blink of an eye, February is upon us, and 2025 has been filled with a whirlwind of inspiration from our latest travels. From the awe-inspiring wonders of Egypt to the timeless charm of London, each destination has continued to shape our perspective and fuel our creativity.
Enjoying the sights at Abu Simbel
Whether we’re wandering museums, marveling at architectural masterpieces, or soaking up historical marvels, we’re eager to bring back fresh perspectives and share the journey with you. Come along as we revisit the moments, details, and destinations that have shaped our start to the year!
Exploring the Wonders of Egypt
A view from the terrace of the Old Cataract Hotel in Aswan
Our journey through Egypt was nothing short of extraordinary—a mesmerizing blend of ancient wonders, vibrant culture, and breathtaking landscapes. We sailed the Nile aboard the historic SS MISR, wandered through the grand temples of Luxor and Aswan, marveled at the colossal statues of Abu Simbel, explored the colorful Nubian Village by boat, and soaked in the grandeur of the Sofitel Legend Old Cataract Hotel.
The dining room at the Old Cataract Hotel
A view of the Philae temple in Aswan
The island of Nubia
Temple Kom Ombo
Temple Kom Ombo
Perched along the banks of the Nile, the Temple of Kom Ombo captivated us with its unique dual design, dedicated to both Sobek, the crocodile god, and Horus, the falcon god. As we wandered through its beautifully preserved halls, the intricate carvings and ancient medical inscriptions offered a glimpse into the daily life and beliefs of this fascinating civilization.
Abu Simbel seen below is the site of two temples built by the Egyptian king Ramses II who reigned from 1279 – 13 BCE.
Stepping into the Temple of Edfu felt like traveling back in time—its towering sandstone walls and intricate hieroglyphics tell the story of Horus, the falcon god, and his legendary battles. One of the best-preserved temples in Egypt, Edfu’s grandeur and sense of mystery left us in awe as we explored its massive columns, hidden chambers, and sacred halls.
The Temple of Edfu
The Temple of Edfu
In Luxor, the Valley of the Kings revealed its timeless secrets, with a visit to King Tut’s final resting place. We later returned for a magical private evening tour of the Tomb of Seti II.
Our Houston group added a stylish touch to the adventure, proudly sporting our hats from à bientôt which protected us from the bright Egyptian sun!
TOMB OF SETI II
KING TUT’S FINAL RESTING PLACE
A sunrise hot air balloon ride over the valley offered an unforgettable perspective on the valley and the ancient city, followed by days spent exploring Karnak Temple, the Temple of Hatshepsut, and the intricate carvings of Esna’s Temple of Khnum.
Visiting Howard Carter’s house in Thebes was like stepping into the pages of history. Nestled near the Valley of the Kings, this modest home is where the famed archaeologist lived while uncovering the treasures of King Tutankhamun’s tomb. Walking through its rooms, filled with photographs, sketches, and artifacts from his discoveries, we could almost feel the thrill of his monumental find in 1922—a true highlight of our time in Luxor.
Our stay at Al Moudira Hotel in Luxor was enchanting, with its rich, vibrant patterns and textures that truly reflect the soul of Egypt. The hotel’s traditional architecture is adorned with intricate mosaics, hand-painted tiles, and lush textiles, creating an immersive atmosphere of luxury and history.
Every corner was filled with warm, earthy tones and bold, geometric designs, offering a feast for the senses. The combination of vibrant colors, detailed craftsmanship, and a tranquil ambiance made it the perfect retreat after a day of exploring Luxor’s timeless wonders.
CAIRO
Cairo welcomed us with its bustling energy, from the historic streets of Old Cairo to the treasures of the Egyptian Museum of Cairo. The architectural beauty of the Mosque of Ibn Tulun and the Gayer Anderson Museum was unsurpassed, while a visit to the Grand Egyptian Museum in Giza brought us face-to-face with Egypt’s most legendary artifacts. Of course, no trip would be complete without standing in the shadow of the Pyramids and Sphinx, followed by a memorable lunch at the Pyramid Lounge!
EGYPTIAN MUSEUM OF CAIRO
GRAND EGYPTIAN MUSEUM IN GIZA
Every stop along the way was filled with wonder, history, and moments we will cherish forever. We can’t wait to share more about our experiences—keep your eyes open for more snapshots from our adventure on Instagram.
Design Destination London
Attending Design Destination London was such a highlight for us! It was more than just a chance to see incredible spaces—it was an opportunity to connect with brilliant colleagues and designers who share our passion for creating beautiful, meaningful work.
From behind-the-scenes tours and insightful presentations to exclusive experiences with the makers who shape the world’s most beautiful spaces, every moment offered inspiration and discovery. Being surrounded by such talent, exchanging ideas, and witnessing the craftsmanship behind iconic designs was truly invigorating—reminding us of the joy and purpose behind what we do.
Our recent trip took us through the heart of the city’s vibrant design scene, from the newly renovated Voysey House in Chiswick, where we explored Sanderson and the handprinted wallcovering press at Morris & Co., to Design Centre Chelsea Harbour and the iconic showrooms along Pimlico Road.
MORRIS & CO.
A visit to the Morris & Co. print workshop was an unforgettable look into the brand’s rich heritage, where we saw timeless patterns coming to life through traditional hand-printing techniques.
JAMB WORKSHOP
A tour of the Jamb. workshop offered the opportunity to experience the meticulous craftsmanship behind their antique and reproduction mantels, lighting, and furniture. From chisels to patination, we explored the design process alongside founders Will and Charlotte, learning more about their dedication to heritage and artistry.
PIMLICO ROAD
Strolling down Pimlico Road is a dream for any design lover, with its mix of renowned studios, antique shops, and designer boutiques that offer a curated shopping experience in what’s known as Belgravia Village.
Sibyl Colefax and John Fowler
Soane Britain
COX LONDON WORKROOM
We had the pleasure of touring the Cox London showroom and bronze foundry, where we immersed ourselves in their time-honored craft techniques – from pouring molten bronze to hand-forging iron and applying specialty finishes – while admiring one-of-a-kind pieces destined for some of the world’s most breathtaking spaces.
FERMOIE
Visiting Fermoie‘s studio and factory in Marlborough offered a behind-the-scenes look at their design and production process. From visiting with founders Tom Helme and Martin Ephson to exploring the print facility and workrooms, it was a rare opportunity to experience their artistry firsthand, and the perfect setting to preview their upcoming Spring/Summer 2025 collection.
DINING WITH BELGRAVIA AND THE WELLS COMPANIES
We gathered for a magical evening hosted by The Wells Companies and Belgravia Pimlico Road at Design Centre Chelsea Harbour where we enjoyed seasonal English dishes and lively conversation with our fellow Design Destination designers.
One more fun fact before we move on: Lauren Hudson, CEO of The Wells Companies and our “neighbor” at Decorative Center Houston, spearheaded last year’s event and continues to be instrumental in the growth and success of the Design Destination London experience – proof that good people, great design (and great neighbors!) make all the difference.
An Update On Our 30 Acts of Kindness for 30 Years
As we continue our 30 Acts of Kindness initiative in honor of our 30th anniversary, we’ve been grateful for the opportunity to give back to the community that has given us so much.
In December, we were honored to support Sergeant Tracie Matthews-Segura and the Houston Police Department Southwest Division with their annual Letters to Santa Project celebration for neighborhood children. To help make the day extra special, we partnered with our friends at Kravet to find and reupholster a beautiful antique Victorian settee – creating the perfect spot for Santa and families to capture cherished holiday memories.
Our heartfelt thanks go out to the generous officers who bring joy to the season by fulfilling children’s wishes from letters to Santa and dedicating themselves year-round to serving our city.
We also turned our attention to Houston’s four-legged friends in need by supporting the Rescued Pets Movement in the Heights. Our team donated blankets, towels, and food to help provide comfort and care for rescued animals.
And in a truly special moment, Cami Moseley welcomed Lucinda, a short-term foster pup, into her home—offering this sweet rescue dog a warm and loving place to land until she can find her “fur-ever” home.
Each act of kindness, big or small, reaffirms the power of community and compassion. We’re looking forward to continuing this journey and sharing more ways our team is coming together to make a difference throughout this milestone year!
A Golden Start to 2025
We are truly honored to have been named to the 2025 LUXE Gold List! We are grateful to the Luxe Interiors + Design team for this recognition and for all they do to support and uplift the design community. Be sure to pick up the latest issue on newsstands now to explore the full 2025 Gold List!
VERANDA invited us to weigh in on interior details that make us “cringe” and, although design is deeply personal, there are certainly some choices that make even the most seasoned designer take pause. See what we had to say and learn ways to avoid these common design dilemmas below!
READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE
A heartfelt thank you to Architectural Digest for naming us to their list of the 21 Best Houston Interior Designers. It’s a joy to see our firm listed among so many talented designers shaping the design landscape of Houston!
We are proud to announce exciting promotions within our talented design team! Ellen Eilers has been named Design Director, Samantha Brueggeman stepped into her new role as Senior Project Designer, and Victoria Miller has advanced to Project Designer.
Celebrating Growth: Firm Promotions
Please join us in congratulating Ellen, Samantha, and Victoria on their well-deserved new roles! We are grateful for their dedication and excited to see their talents continue to shape the future of Lucas/Eilers Design.
Ellen Eilers, Design Director
Samantha Brueggeman, Senior Project Designer
Victoria Miller, Project Designer
As we reflect on our latest experiences and adventures, we’re grateful for the inspiration, connections, and insights that continue to shape our work. Whether exploring historic architecture, engaging with fellow designers, or discovering new creative perspectives, each opportunity deepens our passion for thoughtful design.
We look forward to carrying these influences into future projects and to sharing more with you in the year ahead!
“The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes.”
– Marcel Proust
