As winter gives way to the first hints of spring, we find ourselves reflecting on the season behind us and the one now unfolding. Closing out our thirtieth year with 30 Acts of Kindness was such a meaningful reminder of what has always been at the heart of our work: thoughtful service, lasting relationships, and a genuine care for the people and communities around us.
We carry that same spirit into 2026. Projects are taking form, long-anticipated installations are coming to life, and fresh ideas are being carefully refined. It’s a season full of purpose, and we are grateful to share a look at what has been bringing beauty to our days.
Postcards From Sandy’s Trip to Sweden
Sandy’s journey to Stockholm was a beautiful reminder of how captivating a city can be, even in the depths of winter. The architecture, the museums, and the artfully composed spaces all felt so magical. From wandering the narrow streets of Gamla Stan to discovering the incredible art and history at the Nationalmuseum and Vasa Museum, there was something to take in at every turn!
Sandy outside the Nordic Museum during her December visit to Stockholm. The architecture alone is worth the trip!
The towering spire of Tyska kyrkan rising above the narrow streets of Stockholm’s old town Gamla Stan.
From the architecture and museums, to the food, Stockholm is a city that truly rewards every sense. Our favorite meal was at Restaurang Prinsen, which has been serving a traditional Swedish menu since 1897. If you ever visit, don’t miss their signature dish Toast Skagen!
The view of the Swedish Parliament House and a clever trough for feeding the hungry ducks and swans.
The grand hall at the Nationalmuseum stopped us in our tracks. The Renaissance-style building is a masterpiece and houses over six centuries of art and design.
A striking Ai Weiwei installation greets visitors outside the Nationalmuseum. The blend of contemporary sculpture and historic architecture is truly something special!
The Vasa Museum is home to a 17th-century warship raised from Stockholm’s harbor after sinking on its maiden voyage in 1628. Hard to believe these intricate carvings survived centuries underwater!
A closer look at the extraordinary carvings and figureheads that adorned the Vasa.
An Exquisite Home Away From Home: The Lydmar Hotel
The Lydmar Hotel was our home base for this trip! Perfectly located between the Grand Hotel and the Nationalmuseum, it is renowned for its rotating art installations that make every visit feel fresh and inspired. The thoughtful design and creative energy throughout made it the ideal place to return to after a day spent exploring the city.
The Lydmar Hotel was our home base for this trip! Perfectly located between the Grand Hotel and the Nationalmuseum, it is renowned for its rotating art installations that make every visit feel fresh and inspired. The thoughtful design and creative energy throughout made it the ideal place to return to after a day spent exploring the city.
The waterfront view at sunset, with the city lights just starting to glow. Stockholm knows how to put on a show!
Wandering Through Skogskyrkogårdenat
We spent a peaceful yet chilly walk through Skogskyrkogården, a woodland cemetery and UNESCO World Heritage site designed in the early 1900s by architects Gunnar Asplund and Sigurd Lewerentz. Several unique chapels are scattered throughout the grounds, each beautifully integrated into the landscape. The thoughtful design and serene beauty made it well worth bundling up for!
One of the striking chapels at Skogskyrkogården. The classical columns and details are magnificent to see in person!
The Tallum Pavilion/Visitor’s Center at Skogskyrkogården, with its distinctive pyramid forms is a beautiful example of the modernist architecture found throughout the site.
The Stubbacket entrance to the Woodland Chapel at Skogskyrkogården is made of weathered concrete with carved details which show the careful attention Asplund and Lewerentz brought to every corner of the grounds.
An Unforgettable Stay at The Ice Hotel
Staying at The Ice Hotel in Jukkasjärvi was an adventure! This incredible hotel is rebuilt each year from ice harvested from the nearby Torne River, with artists from around the world creating stunning ice sculptures and intricately carved rooms. The experience included dog sledding and snowmobiling through the snowy landscape, which was absolutely exhilarating!
The craftsmanship is extraordinary. Even the seating is considered, layered with warm hides that make the frozen surroundings feel surprisingly warm and inviting.
Sandy with one of the incredible ice sculptures. The scale and artistry is unbelievable!
Dog sledding through this Arctic landscape was an absolute highlight. The views, the dogs, the crisp air—pure adventure!
The Northern Lights
One of the most anticipated moments of the trip was a photographic tour of the Northern Lights in Abisko National Park in northern Sweden. The park is known as one of the best places in the world to witness the aurora borealis, and the experience lived up to every expectation. Watching the lights dance across the Arctic sky was breathtaking!
A once in a lifetime moment under the Northern Lights.
A Nashville Trip Filled with Friends and Treasures
We joined our Theta alumni group for a trip to the Antiques & Garden Show in Nashville, where great finds and even better company made for a memorable few days. It was wonderful reconnecting with dealers who have become friends over the years!
Our group of Theta travelers –– so fun to share in this special tradition!
Treasures at the Nashville Antique Show
There were so many exquisite finds at the Nashville Antique Show.
A delightful stop to see one of our favorites, Reed Smythe & Company. Founded by friends Keith Smythe Meacham and Julia Reed, the shop is always filled with the most lovely pieces for the home and garden.
Nashville’s Historic Hermitage Hotel
Built in 1910, the Hermitage Hotel is a beautifully preserved gem in downtown Nashville. Few hotels carry their history as gracefully as the Hermitage. The past feels present in all of the very best ways.
Catching up with good friends in the Hermitage Hotel‘s famous pink marble bathroom.
An Eventful Trip to London
Ellen and Samantha made a special trip in January to Design Destination London for curated presentations and behind-the-scenes tours of British and global showrooms. A highlight was an intimate dinner hosted by de Gournay. The evening was a celebration of craftsmanship and design, and was a wonderful way to connect with fellow designers and artisans who share our passion for creating thoughtful, timeless spaces.
The London Design Scene
While in London, they spent time exploring the city’s incredible design scene, from showrooms and exhibitions to the architectural details that make every street corner worth a second look.
The Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, the Ballroom entrance on Knightsbridge. That green canopy and gold detail never gets old!
Ellen and Samantha with Emily McMillen of Culp Associates
‘Weave, Grain & the Painted Line’ — a collaborative exhibition with Volga Linen, Alfred Newall and Tess Newall at the Volga Linen showroom on Pimlico Road, part of Design Destination London.
This chandelier in the Cox London showroom is a Lucas/Eilers favorite!
A beautifully designed entrance to the London Underground.
A Season Worth Celebrating
Our office has been abuzz with birthdays, weddings, and more! We love taking a moment to honor our team members who make our days so special, and we are ever grateful for the heart and joy they bring to the work we do.
We celebrated our February birthdays in floral fashion! The talented Madeleine Elmer from Fleur de Vie led us all though a flower arranging experience which provided useful knowledge to apply our photo shoots. It was an inspiring treat and so informative!
And sending best wishes to our very own Samantha Salah who recently walked down the aisle with her longtime beau.
Have You Seen Us Lately?
We were honored to have one of Sandy’s latest debuts featured by Garden & Gun. Set within a 1940s storybook-style River Oaks home, the design was focused on embracing the past, while weaving modern refinement into its historic frame. With a focus on how to decorate the ceiling, special attention was paid to the kitchen, primary bedroom and sitting room.
Our heartfelt gratitude goes out to Haskell Harris, Caroline Clements, and the entire team at Garden & Gun for this thoughtful story! And to Dillon Kyle Architects and Erin Stetzer Homes our brilliant collaborators on the project.
We loved seeing our work featured in VERANDA‘s article on the things designers instantly notice when they walk into someone’s home. This was a fun take on what makes us pause when walking into a space, and the piece sparked great conversation around everything from decorating with purposeful treasures to clever ways you can conceal a television.
Thank you to Country Living for including our thoughts in “Things Designers Would Change Immediately If They Took Over Your Kitchen.” We suggested replacing your upper cabinets with open shelving for a simple shift that can make a kitchen feel more gracious while allowing everyday pieces to become part of the room’s character.
Sandy then weighed in on the “Things Designers Want to Change About Your Bathroom,” sharing how simple refinements can make a surprising difference. From fresh, coordinated towels to a simple tub map over a plush rug, there are a few easy things you can do to keep your space tailored and timeless.
As we settle into 2026, we remain grateful for the experiences that continue to inspire us and the people who make this work so meaningful. From Stockholm to Nashville and London, each adventure and conversation has added to our growing sense of what’s possible this year. The projects taking shape and the relationships being built point to a truly remarkable year. From all of us at Lucas/Eilers Design, thank you for being part of this journey. Here’s to the beauty and possibilities that lie ahead.
