Born and raised in Richmond, VA, Lucy Williams earned a Bachelor of Science in Art Education from the University of Georgia and continued her studies at the Lorenzo De’Medici Art Institute of Florence, Italy. After living in Italy, she returned to the United States to work for Sotheby’s in New York. She continued her work in interior design in Charleston, SC, and with Lee Jofa and Kravet at the Denver Design Center.
In 2003, Lucy and her family moved to Norfolk, VA. Several of her client’s homes have been part of the Virginia's Historic Garden Week and The Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughter’s Tour de Cuisine. Her design projects have received international exposure on several websites including QuadrilleFabrics.com and have been featured on popular blogs such as House of Turquoise and My Design Chic. Lucy’s work has also been shown on the DIY and FIY television networks, and she was featured in the Restyle Source Market Style guide for the Summer '17 Las Vegas Furniture Market.In addition to Interior Design, Lucy has a passion for painting. She loves using art as the color inspiration for her design projects and her own home is a reflection of how she uses her paintings to enhance the color scheme of a room. Lucy has sold hundreds of paintings throughout North America and the United Kingdom.
Lucy's love of interior design and passion for painting, makes her a fabulous fit for The Opportunity Shop!
How did you discover the Op Shop?
My Mom’s best friend volunteers for the Op Shop and she has always had GREAT taste. Also, I received a wedding gift from the Op Shop from an aunt who lived in Washington DC. She was very particular and had an appreciation for the finer things. It’s pretty much a guarantee that if these women frequent the Op Shop, it must be good!
What items would you grab immediately if you saw them being consigned?
I tend to gravitate to smaller items that make good “fillers” in a home…. items that would make great bookcase / coffee table accessories like antique boxes, blue and white ceramics, old leather-bound books, or a great vase. I also like items that are small and can be easily moved in a room like a garden stool or a unique side chair.
How did you first become interested in consignment shopping?
When I lived in NYC after college, there were fantastic consignment shops on the Upper East Side. You could find amazing high-end furnishings and accessories for a steal. I learned then that the best consignment shops are in the "high rent" areas.
How would you describe your fashion style?
I like a timeless look that doesn’t get stale or dated. I’m typically pretty neutral, but I like to embellish with accessories that add some personality and color. I have a weakness for a great cashmere scarf, large earrings, layering bracelets, and a bold colored belt.
How would you describe your home décor style?
Very much like my fashion style. I stay neutral with the basics but go bold with accessorizing. I love white sofas, sisal rugs, some rattan or bamboo accents, and simple ceramic lamps…add that with large colorful art on the walls, fun accent pillows, and a brightly colored ottoman, and you have a great space! And if I keep the big pieces neutral enough, I can easily swap out pillows for a new look. This is helpful if you like to change things on a regular basis.
What fashion trends do you consider timeless?
A camel-colored scarf, a navy-blue cashmere tailored coat, white jeans, a great pair of loafers, tortoise shell sunglasses, lots of gold and silver bracelets, a large cocktail ring, and a great belt buckle.
What are your favorite local DC spots?
I absolutely love the National Gallery. It’s truly a national treasure housing an enormous number of world-famous works of art. In my opinion, it’s the best museum in the world! The Gilbert Stuart paintings of our American presidents are some of my favorites. His attention to detail fascinates me and I can stare at his work forever!