Dan's Papers - June 22, 2007 - The Lucca & Co. Lifestyle

What changes on a daily basis, constantly layering and evolving into something spectacular? Well, your first guess would certainly not be an Interior Design showroom, but that's exactly what it is. So when Lucca & Co. opened its doors this past month it did not unveil a new showroom but rather the Lucca Apartment, a private residence for design aficionados and fans of the collection. In many ways, Lucca & Co. is creating a constantly evolving Show House, which pushes a lifestyle and experience rather than just stagnate furniture and accessories. And the best part of it all is that Ted Wolter, who created Lucca & Co., started right here in East Hampton. His store was located in the Red Horse Plaza and Ted lived in between Wainscott and East Hampton. "Beginning my career in the Hamptons has really helped get me to where I am today. My East Hampton clients have kept a loyal following," explained Wolter.

After leaving East Hampton he moved to Gansevoort Street in the Meatpacking District and now the location of the Lucca Apartment is located on the second floor of a landmark 1886 building on Tompkins Square Park.

In 2006, Lucca & Co. was bought by Lisa Jackson who also runs the firms Jackson Aaron with fellow interior designers Catherine Aaron. Jackson had built and grown Jackson Aaron's own line of furniture and understood the potential that Lucca & Co. line had and immediately started to showcase the collection at the Interior Design Building.

The apartment was designed by Calbert Vaux, the architect who collaborated with Olmstead on Central Park, Prospect Park, and the first wings of The Met and the Natural History Museum. The residential space has an office, bedroom and living room, with a timeless yet ever-changing quality that pushes the creative edge of today's leading interior design.

Ted Wolter explained that he travels around the world, looking for "pieces that have soul. I want to find artists that love what they do from glass to wood work, the artists are so interesting."

Lucca & Co. has been very successful for many years at harmoniously combining antiques and contemporary pieces to create an environment that is serene yet engaging and grounded. Wolter will find an unusual English wooden chair, such as the rare reclining Louis XIII Cremaillere, made with very dramatic, almost sinister looking, iron armrests that are serrated on the underside to allow the sitter to sit up or lean back, and combine that chair with a newly crafted sofa stuffed with down feathers and cover both of these pieces in the same artisanal Belgian Linen. This method of updating antiques and combining periods gives Lucca the look it is known for, luxurious neutrals with exciting swatches of color and texture.

Rare or hard to find antiques, like an 18th century English commode currently in the collection, are extremely popular with Lucca's repeat clientele. The collection also features antiques from all over Europe, including France, Belgium, Italy, Sweden, Denmark and the Netherlands, as well as objects from Asia and Africa, all tied together with elegant reproductions noted for their clean lines and engaging details. The contemporary accessories include the finest glass from Murano, all white ceramics from Christiane Perrochon and important books on architecture and design. Another new partnership this year offers Lucca clients the option of having a cashmere-covered chair or sofa. Lucca is now offering a new line of fabrics and throws from Loro Piana, the high-end Italian fashion, knitwear and fabric company that has recently delved into interiors.

So whether you are Uptown, Downtown, in a Showroom or in an apartment, Lucca & Co.'s East End roots are certainly the inspiration for your very own showcase.

For more information on Lucca & Co., Ted Wolter or to make an appointment at the new space please call 212.593.0117. For more information on Lisa Jackson or Jackson Aaron call 212.593.0117 or visit www.jacksonaaron.com.