Genevieve Lake | Whimsical, Precise & Globally Inspired Interiors
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Meet Genevieve Lake
Principal Interior Designer
Luxury Guide Design Curator
With a career that bridges luxury real estate, architecture, and interior design, Genevieve Lake brings a whimsical yet precise touch to every space she creates. Guided by purpose and a global perspective, she transforms interiors into environments that are both timeless and deeply personal. As founder and principal of Love Lake Studio, Genevieve draws on her experience with some of the most exclusive residential developments in New York and Miami to craft interiors that are artful, elevated, and uniquely reflective of each client.
Originally from Washington State and raised in Florida, Genevieve’s global sensibility was shaped during nearly a decade living in Europe, where she developed an enduring appreciation for craftsmanship and design history. Her path to interior design wasn’t conventional—after years in high-end real estate with Corcoran Sunshine and Douglas Elliman, the pandemic offered her a rare moment to pause and reconnect with creativity. Remodeling her own home sparked a transformation that led to the birth of Love Lake Studio.
In just four years, the firm has completed press-worthy residential and hospitality projects across the U.S. and the Bahamas, earning features in AD’s “46 Miami Designers You Need to Know” and Luxe Magazine’s “Next 2026.” Genevieve’s design language merges technical expertise with emotional storytelling, crafting spaces that resonate deeply with how people live, entertain, and connect.
From transatlantic inspiration to creative evolution, Genevieve shares her journey, defining moments, and timeless advice in this exclusive conversation with Lynette Janac, Publisher of Luxury Guide.
GETTING STARTED IN DESIGN: A GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE
What sparked your first love of design?
My years living in Europe completely changed how I viewed space, architecture, and form. Being surrounded by centuries of design history, you start to understand that design isn’t just about beauty—it’s about how a space makes you feel.
How did you get started in design?
Not in the traditional way! My background is in residential new development—I worked for Corcoran Sunshine and Douglas Elliman in New York and Miami, selling ultra-luxury residences. When COVID hit, I finally had time to slow down and re-evaluate. I remodeled my own home, fell in love with the process, and with encouragement from family and friends, launched my studio.
If you weren’t an interior designer, what would you be doing instead?
A veterinarian. I’ve always loved animals—I have four rescue dogs, a couple of cats, a chicken, and a horse!
DEFINING MOMENTS: A WHIMSICAL, PURPOSEFUL JOURNEY
What’s one project or accomplishment that you’re especially proud of?
Honestly, I’m most proud of how far our studio has come in such a short time. We’ve created multiple press-worthy projects across the U.S. and the Bahamas, each one different and deeply personal. Building this team and brand has been my proudest achievement.
Awards & Recognitions:
AD – 46 Miami Designers You Need to Know
Luxe – Next 2026
Tell us about a project that defines your design philosophy.
Our Surf Club Four Seasons Residence is a great example. The building’s architecture by Richard Meier already had such prestige, but our goal was to warm up the space, add color, and make it feel alive. The rotating wood-paneled room dividers that separate the kitchen from the media room were inspired by our client’s love of aviation—they resemble airplane wings and create a flexible, beautiful flow between rooms.
SIGNATURE STYLE & PHILOSOPHY: PRECISE AND TIMELESS
How would you describe your signature style in three words?
Whimsical. Technical. Unique.
What’s one design rule you always follow—and one you love to break?
Follow: Make sure every project feels personal to the client.
Break: We don’t believe in cookie-cutter design or sticking to one formula. Every project should surprise you.
How do you make a home feel both beautiful and livable?
Our philosophy is simple—we design around the person, not the trend. We don’t create spaces that scream “Love Lake Studio was here!”; we create spaces that whisper “Wow, this person has great taste.”
What color or material are you loving right now?
Oxblood. It’s rich, bold, and comforting all at once. Our project Le Bar Penelope in New York is entirely drenched in it—it’s fearless.
If budget weren’t a factor, what’s one thing you’d splurge on?
Custom decorative lighting. It’s such a defining detail, and we try to create as many one-of-a-kind fixtures as possible.
What’s one lesson you’ve learned from a challenging project?
You can never be too organized or too prepared. We have such a tight process now because of those lessons—it’s made us stronger designers and better collaborators.
ADVICE FOR HOMEOWNERS: CREATING TIMELESS INTERIORS
What’s one small change that can make a big impact?
Decorative lighting, hardware, and rugs! We create custom rugs through our factory partner in India, and they completely transform a space.
Where should homeowners splurge—and where can they save?
Splurge: Lighting and plumbing fixtures.
Save: Stone remnants or off-cut slabs—there are beautiful options hidden in vaults and yards.
What’s one timeless element you always recommend?
Rounded edges. Whether in furniture, millwork, or stone, soft curves always feel more inviting and timeless.
What’s your go-to trick for making a small room feel larger?
Color-drenched design—using one hue in multiple tones helps create depth and unity. And painting the ceiling a darker tone, carried slightly down the wall, adds a feeling of height.
What’s one thing every homeowner should do before starting a project?
Have a realistic plan and clear budget. It’s okay if things evolve, but starting with a foundation helps everything flow more smoothly.
RAPID-FIRE ROUND
Favorite city for design inspiration: London or Copenhagen
Dream celebrity client: We have one right now—but it’s top secret until next year!
Favorite paint finish: Limewash from Portolla—the texture is incredible.
Go-to flooring: Oversized wood planks from Storia Flooring or silver travertine.
Material obsession: Silver travertine and plaster—together they’re perfection.
Most overused trend: Fluted marble (beautiful in moderation, not everywhere).
First thing you notice in a room: How it makes me feel.
Favorite design era: Now—designers are experimenting fearlessly.
One thing you can’t live without: Natural light and plants.
Favorite design tool: Design Spec—it keeps our projects seamless.
Design-day beverage: Matcha. Multiple matchas a day!
Love Lake Studio
Genevieve Lake, Principal
www.lovelakestudio.com
917-826-9096
@lovelakestudio
