With the official start of summer rapidly approaching, we find ourselves gently bidding farewell to spring and reflecting on the season behind us. It’s remarkable how swiftly the year is unfolding, carrying with it a steady current of experiences that continue to shape and inspire our work.
From the golden landscapes of Africa to the vibrant streets of Los Angeles, our spring was filled with busy days in the office, travel, and meaningful moments of design inspiration. We’re delighted to revisit a few recent highlights with you!
Florescence: A Tribute to Art and Nature
Sarah and Sandy with Tina McCarthy at this year’s beautiful Florescence event!
This spring, we had the pleasure of attending Florescence: 2025 Splendor at the Museum of Fine Arts Houston. Since 1995, this flower show has been a beloved tradition presented every other year by The Garden Club of Houston and River Oaks Garden Club. It’s a wonderful celebration of floral design and natural beauty!
The event brings together talented designers, gardeners, and artists from across the country to showcase their work alongside special exhibits and educational displays. This year’s installations were particularly inspiring, blending artistry and craftsmanship in ways that remind us how closely design and nature are intertwined.
Sarah Takes on Design LA
Last month, Sarah headed to the West Coast to attend Design LA, a leading showcase of interior design, art, and architecture. The event brought together some of the most creative voices in the industry for thoughtful panels and beautifully curated exhibits, making it the kind of gathering that sparks fresh ideas while reminding us exactly why we love what we do!
Sarah had the pleasure of attending a book signing with celebrated ceramicist and author Frances Palmer at Nickey Kehoe, and with the iconic Holly Hunt. Both events were filled with inspiring work and great conversation!
Sarah with her talented friend Corinne Brown of Brown Design Group!
Sandy’s Journey Through East Africa
This spring, Sandy traveled across Kenya and Tanzania, exploring breathtaking landscapes and experiencing the rich culture, wildlife, and hospitality of East Africa.
From peaceful mornings in the bush to lively moments in the local villages, every part of the journey brought fresh inspiration and a renewed appreciation for the beauty of nature and human connection.
Exploring Nairobi
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Exploring the shops in Nairobi was such a treat! One of the most meaningful stops was Kobe Tough, where at-risk women craft beautiful handmade beads from ash collected near Mount Kenya. It was so special to meet these talented, joyful women and to see their artistry firsthand. Their spirit and creativity brought so much light to my day!
Our time at Hemingway’s Nairobi was a beautiful beginning to the trip. The setting was peaceful and welcoming, with every detail thoughtfully considered, from the rooms to the service.
The pool view was a highlight and the perfect spot to relax and take it all in before our daily adventures began!
Visiting the Karen Blixen Museum felt like stepping into the pages of a well-loved novel. Best known for Out of Africa, Blixen’s spirit lingers in every corner of her former home where artifacts, architecture, and the surounding gardens reflect her deep connection to Kenya and the life she so vividly captured in words.
Close Encounters with Kenya’s Gentle Giants
Getting up close and personal with the giraffes at the Giraffe Centre was such fun! These curious, graceful giants were endlessly charming – and endlessly hungry!
Hand-feeding them and feeling their gentle nuzzles was nothing short of magical, and we love knowing that every visit supports the Centre’s vital work to protect the endangered Rothschild’s giraffe and their rewilding efforts throughout Kenya.
Visiting the Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage was an unforgettable experience. Hearing the remarkable rescue stories and witnessing the team’s unwavering dedication made our time in Kenya so meaningful.
The playful young elephants quickly stole our hearts, and being so close to their beauty was a moment I will forever treasure!
An Escape in Kenya’s Masai Mara
Our stay at Bateleur Camp nestled in the lush Masai Mara struck the perfect balance between comfort and connection to the wild. The luxury tents are designed with natural materials and warm, inviting details that make it easy to feel at home.
Private decks offer views of the surrounding plains and the Bateleur team was exceptional, anticipating every need with genuine care. It was the most peaceful retreat in the middle of our journey!
Hot Air Balloon Ride Over the Mara River
What an experience it was to soar above the Mara River at sunrise! The land stretched out endlessly below us, with herds of animals moving through the morning light. It was peaceful and awe-inspiring, and we loved seeing the world from this beautiful new angle.
After the balloon ride, we enjoyed breakfast on the western ridge of the Rift Valley. The view was incredible and it was such a memorable way to start the day.
Postcards From Masai Mara
Every viewing in the Masai Mara brought something new and exciting. How fun it was to spot lions lounging in the sun, giraffes on the move, and the wonders of nature unfolding across the plains. The landscape was constantly revealing something breathtaking and unexpected, reminding us of just how alive the wild truly is!
Masai Village
We were welcomed with such warmth and generosity in this local Masai Village. They offered a glimpse into their traditions, music, and daily life, and it was a true honor to be invited in and share in their stories.
Scenes From the Serengeti
Crossing into the Serengeti felt like stepping into another world. The landscape seemed to stretch endlessly in every direction which felt humbling and surreal. Every wildlife sighting felt like a quiet reward—graceful, powerful, and captivating. Just look at all of these majestic animals!
Four Seasons Lodge Serengeti
The Four Seasons Serengeti was the perfect place to land between adventures. With elephants and zebras wandering just beyond the lodge and every comfort carefully considered, it felt like a front-row seat to the wild.
Among the Hills and Gardens at Gibb’s Farm in Tanzania
Tucked into the lush hills of northern Tanzania, Gibb’s Farm offered a peaceful pause. Surrounded by gardens, coffee fields, and sweeping valley views, it was the most beautiful place to catch our breath and connect with the land.
Ngorongoro Crate
Our final stop at the Ngorongoro Crater which was the most spectacular way to bring our journey to a close! Standing on the rim and taking in the vastness of this natural wonder in person was truly humbling and one of those moments that puts everything into perspective. We loved watching the elephants roam, lions stretch in the sun, and countless other creatures soak up the day along the crater floor.
It was the kind of beauty that stays with you and the perfect end to a trip filled with wonder and magical memories that we will carry with us always.
London In Passing
On her way to Africa, Sandy made a brief stop in London and took in a few of the city’s iconic sights. From glimpsing The Gherkin through her hotel window to strolling past the Bishopsgate sculpture and admiring the grandeur of St. Paul’s Cathedral, it was the perfect touch of London charm to kick off the adventure ahead!
Meanwhile, Back in Houston…
This spring brought a few well-deserved moments of fun and connection for the Lucas/Eilers team. We spent a beautiful day outdoors at the polo match with our friends at K&N Appliances, Sub-Zero Wolf, and Alair Homes soaking up the sunshine and great company.
We also celebrated team birthdays with a visit to the Houston Museum of Natural Science and a night out at The Mad Potter. Who doesn’t love a season of celebration and a little friendly competition with the paintbrush?!
The team also attended Cocktails in Bloom, a lovely evening hosted by the Buffalo Bayou Partnership. Set against the serene backdrop of Lost Lake in Buffalo Bayou Park, the event featured delicious bites by local favorites (including Flora), margaritas, and live music under the trees. It was a true celebration of community in support of the vibrant natural spaces Buffalo Bayou Partnership helps bring to life.
An Update On Our 30 Acts of Kindness for 30 Years
Sandy, Sarah, and Cami serving dinner to the families at Bo’s Place with Rachel Daniels, the Bo’s Place Associate Development Director
As we continue our 30 Acts of Kindness initiative in honor of our 30th anniversary, we were honored to support a number of incredible organizations this spring.
We joined designer Laura Umansky in donating fabric to Magpies & Peacocks, a nonprofit design house committed to sustainability through circular design. We also donated art supplies to Sandal Gap Studio, whose inspiring work empowers individuals on the autism spectrum through creative expression, and we gathered coloring books, chalk, and bubbles to bring a little joy to the children at Santa Maria Hostel.
Our team also provided a warm meal to families at Bo’s Place, participated in the Dr. Marnie Rose Foundation Run for the Rose, and spent time volunteering with Kids’ Meals and Habitat for Humanity at their ReStore locations.
In a special highlight, Sandy was honored to collaborate with a citizen at The Brookwood Community to create a one-of-a-kind artwork, which was auctioned at their annual event. It was a such a heartfelt experience that perfectly captured the spirit of creativity, connection, and giving back.
Every gesture of kindness, whether large or small, reminds us of the strength found in community and compassion. We’re excited to keep building on this momentum and to share more of the meaningful ways our team is coming together to give back throughout this milestone year.
Have You Seen Us Lately?
It was such a joy to see Sandy’s project featured in the March/April issue of FLOWER! Discover how she brought color to life in her client’s Houston home, artfully blending bold hues with design nods to its 1940s heritage. We are so grateful to the fabulous Margot Shaw and the entire FLOWER team for sharing this special project!
Martha Stewart invited Sarah to weigh in on soapstone countertops in their latest article “Soapstone Is the Most Popular Countertop Material for 2025—Here’s How to Use It.” Hear her take on soapstone’s timeless charm and learn why she embraces the natural aging process that adds to its unique beauty.
Martha Stewart invited Sarah to weigh in on soapstone countertops in their latest article “Soapstone Is the Most Popular Countertop Material for 2025—Here’s How to Use It.” Hear her take on soapstone’s timeless charm and learn why she embraces the natural aging process that adds to its unique beauty.
As another season of exploration comes to a close, we are carrying the creativity and inspiration that continue to shape our work. From time spent in nature to time spent with one another, every experience has reminded us of the power of curiosity, connection, and great design.
We look forward to bringing this renewed perspective into the months ahead, and we can’t wait to share what lies ahead!
