Design Dispatch: Travels to Paris, Chicago, & Vegas
- Lucie Ayres
- Mar 19
- 3 min read
Updated: Mar 24
Paris - Maison et Object 2025
I made the call to go. January was truly surreal, the city was burning, and the future was very uncertain. It was really one of the best decisions I could make. Not only was my trip a heavy dose of inspiration and design but also a lesson in proper hospitality and every day civility. One of the city's largest conventions, Maison et Objet showcased the latest in all things interior design - from fabrics to furniture, while private dinners, showroom previews, and insider tours made the experience that much richer. Personal highlights include a cooking lesson at Le Cordon Bleu courtesy of Marmi Stone, an intimate lunch at Timothy Corrigan’s stunning Parisian apartment, (side note - Timothy broke the building elevator attempting to put one too many cases of champagne inside it), a deep dive into craftsmanship and history at the Peninsula courtesy of the Edward Fields and House of Tai Ping, hunting for treasures at Paul Bert Serpette and indulging in Parisian classics at Café Marly and Gigi Paris.
The most magical moment by far was our final evening there- dinner at Patrick Frey’s home, an evening that felt like stepping into a living masterpiece of Pierre Frey textiles, history, and elegance. With his family, a piano player, and an atmosphere of pure creative energy, it was a dream for any design lover—an Oscars-level moment for those of us obsessed with interiors. Paris, as always, delivered.
Here is a video montage of my time there - you'll see my designer friend Anne Carr in many of them as we traveled together:
DESIGN DISPATCH: OUR TIPS + TAKE AWAYS
LIFE TIP: Take the trip!
PARISIAN STAY: In the Marais - we loved the quiet and intimate Chambre du Marais
VISIT: Pinault Collection at the Bource de Commerce was EXCEPTIONAL
BUY: Love this brand's handbags - colors are so good, also this cheeky mug (which will you choose?) and on my wishlist - a soft front carry on with wheels - they had my favorite Yves Klein Blue in store but sadly not online.
Chicago - DLN Forum business retreat
Learning, growing, evolving - all so important to me and am thrilled to be part of a very special forum group. We meet once a month on zoom for 3 hours and get together in person for a retreat once a year. Our group met in Chicago this year, dining at Ralph Lauren's (incredible space) and Maple + Ash (SO fun and yummy), and touring the very fabulous Driehaus Museum as well as a tour of the famous Decorator's Supply factory (the company behind every historic decorative detail you've ever seen). We stayed at Pendry which I highly recommend (great staff, rooms, comfy bed, perfect location).
Besides dining and touring, we spent a half day working with business coach Jack Craven. Jack was dynamic and worked with us on really finding our energy for our businesses and our forum. It was so needed and appreciated. A few snaps here:
Pictured: Chad Dorsey, Brynn Olsen, Jay Jeffers, Dan Houchard, me, Sandra Fox, and Ana Donahue.
Vegas - Kitchen and Bath Show (KBIS)
The annual kitchen and bath show in Las Vegas was as expected - a whirlwind of seeing all the latest, most innovative, and, of course, the over the top. The latest in kitchen and bath design did not disappoint—think bold materials, integrated smart tech, and a push toward ultra-luxurious functionality. Highlights included stunning new finishes, jaw-dropping statement ranges, and enough inspiration to help guide all future designs we do for kitchens and bathrooms. Here's a snapshot of what caught my eye along with some fun selfies with designer girlfriends:
Best in Show: Officine Gullo ranges and sinks- made in Italy, gorgeous finishes and details and best of both worlds in their combo induction and gas range.
Best in Organization: Rev-a-Shelf - My Virgo self was thrilled at their trash/recycling/compost bin solution as well as their flawless hairdryer drawer insert.
Best Looking: Perrin & Rowe for House of Rohl is just perfect.
That is all for now and as always, thank you for reading!
Lucie + 22 team
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