Lucile Glessner Interior Design
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Lucile Glessner Interior Design
Carmel, California
Carmel Highlands Coastal Retreat — Sophisticated Seaside Living Reimagined
This luxurious Carmel Highlands vacation home marks the fourth collaboration with my longtime clients, a testament to the trust and creative synergy we’ve developed over the years. Designed as a serene coastal retreat, the vision was to craft a sophisticated yet welcoming sanctuary where family and friends could gather—whether or not the homeowners were present.
Blending modern elegance with timeless character, we curated a refined mix of contemporary furniture from Design Within Reach, Riflessi, Roche Bobois, The Cherner Company, and Arhaus, alongside vintage European pieces sourced through 1stDibs and my international travels. The result is a layered, global aesthetic that feels collected, personal, and effortlessly stylish.
A key design challenge was updating the original 1994 smart home infrastructure to accommodate a fully customized lighting system from Juniper Design (New York). The lighting was carefully selected to deliver soft, ambient illumination that complements—rather than competes with—the home's spectacular panoramic ocean views.
We incorporated bespoke art from around the world, curated specifically for each space to evoke meaning and inspiration. Even the homeowners’ cherished French bulldog and cat were thoughtfully considered in the design process, ensuring that every family member—two- or four-legged—felt at home.
The primary suite was transformed into a spa-like oasis, featuring a curbless dual-entry shower, a sculptural freestanding MTI tub, and natural stone slabs from Da Vinci Marble. Finishes were elevated with warm copper fixtures by Gessi and a state-of-the-art Toto Neorest smart bidet toilet.
In the kitchen, we introduced luxurious stone countertops, a full-height slab backsplash, a reimagined island layout, and a suite of premium Miele appliances, marrying function with timeless form. The hand-painted faux Venetian plaster walls were beautifully refreshed by local artist Lisa Haas, preserving the artistry while infusing a new sense of vibrancy.
Staying true to our biophilic design philosophy, we integrated natural finishes and hydroponic planters to strengthen the connection between indoor living and the surrounding coastal environment.
This high-end renovation would not have been possible without the exceptional craftsmanship of Jeremy Cate of Cate Construction, whose attention to detail brought our shared vision to life.
Lucile Glessner, principal of Lucile Glessner Design, draws inspiration from her French cultural roots and frequent international travel to craft elegant, globally influenced interiors. A LEED Accredited Professional and early advocate of biophilic design and wellness-focused environments, Lucile integrates sustainable strategies to promote health, comfort, and beauty in both residential and commercial spaces. Her thoughtful approach blends timeless sophistication with natural materials and modern functionality—resulting in interiors that elevate well-being and reflect each client’s unique lifestyle.
