Member Spotlight
Member: Zachary Luke of Zachary Luke Designs | Charlotte, NC
When did you realize that you wanted to become an interior designer?
I actually wanted to become an architect first. When I was a child, instead of building random sets and things with Lego’s, I built houses and structures. In middle school I began taking hand drafting classes and continued this into high school. This is when I started working on my own floor plans and elevations. I began at Lawrence Technological University with a major in architecture, but at the end of my first year, I declared myself a dual major with Interior Architecture & Design. I dropped architecture at the end of my third year and focused solely on Interior Architecture & Design. The rest is history!
Who was the first interior designer to make an impression on you?
I would have to say the first couple I remember are Thom Filicia when he was on Queer Eye for the Straight Guy and David Bromstad when he was on HGTV. Back when HGTV was worth watching. J I still follow Thom Filicia today on social media and have met up with him a couple of times at High Point Furniture Market. Great guy and still a great designer!
What are some of the things that influence you, aside from furniture and décor?
I follow fashion and music very closely. I think that immersing yourself in multiple creative outlets is healthy for the brain. I love to see new women’s fashion trends when they come out every year. I follow some big designers on social media as well. I also play guitar, have since I was 9, and have a wide range of interests when it comes to music. I grew up in a musical household which I think has helped me with my creative mind through the years.
What are your go-to basics?
My go-to basics would have to be keep it neutral on the walls and large pieces of furniture. Pull those pops of color in with pillows, art, and accessories. That way if you’re one of those people that likes to change up your house every season, or even twice a year, then you’re not spending a bunch of money changing up your spaces. I am a transitional designer, but I like the spaces I design for my clients to be flexible for them. After all, they are the ones living in their home, not me!
Are you seeing any particular style requests trending amongst your clients?
I’ve had some mid-century modern requests these last couple of years, but THANK GOODNESS that trend is finally going out the window. No more Edison bulbs people! I try to be upfront with my clients at the start to let them know what kind of designer I am and what my style is like. If they don’t know, then I have them check out my website or Facebook page to get an idea. They typically wait for me to do the selection and we go from there.
What’s been your career highlight to date?
I would have to say the complete renovation of The Morehead Inn in historic Dilworth of Charlotte, NC. This is a 100 year old bed and breakfast inn. I completed the project in March 2018. You may see the project, and all of the pictures, on my website: www.zacharylukedesigns.com or on my Facebook page: www.facebook.com/zacharylukedesigns, and the album is titled: The Morehead Inn.
What’s the most treasured item in your own home?
I would have to say this painting I have of a purple flower hanging over my console table when you walk into my home. I bought it for $50 from my previous employer, but it just works perfectly in my space! I have some pops of purple in my family room and other colors that are in it. It’s not about how much money you spend on objects, it’s about how much they mean to you.
