A Refreshing Take on Home Design in West Palm Beach
“It doesn’t look like this is a home that you’re going to find in Florida,” says Peggy Koenig, reflecting on the vibrant butter yellow interiors of her West Palm Beach retreat. This striking statement is a testament to the unique aesthetic she and her husband, Francis Byrne, achieved with the help of designer David Lucido. It wasn’t just about transforming a space; it was about creating an environment that resonated with their new life together.
Discovering Potential Over Property
While most house hunters focus their searches on the idyllic Palm Beach Island, Koenig and Byrne were drawn to the burgeoning West Palm area. “West Palm is really in a development phase,” Koenig explains, highlighting the area’s promising potential. Unlike the more traditional vibe of Palm Beach, they found a community filled with character and artistic influence—a “decorative arts sort of center,” as Koenig describes it. This lively ambiance not only reflected their personalities but also hinted at a future brimming with creative possibilities.
A Home Worth Reimagining
The couple stumbled upon a 100-year-old Mediterranean-style home that resonated with Byrne on a personal level; it evoked memories of a home Koenig had previously built on Martha’s Vineyard. Although the house boasted solid architectural integrity, both Koenig and Byrne knew it required a thoughtful redesign. “It was really all about having the style of the home reflect how we wanted to live in it,” Koenig shares.
What followed was not merely a cosmetic update but an imaginative reworking of the existing space. No walls were knocked down; instead, every room was revisited, lending a fresh perspective to the built-ins and layout. The refreshing decision to adorn their living space in butter yellow became a spontaneous choice, enveloping each corner in a glow that feels both timeless and modern.
The Designer’s Vision
Koenig and Byrne partnered with David Lucido, who came highly recommended by art consultant Kyle DeWoody. His work on Le Bilboquet—a popular Palm Beach restaurant—showcased a unique blend of styles, piquing their interest. What truly drew them to Lucido, however, was his understanding of their desire for something distinct from the typical Palm Beach aesthetic. “She definitely didn’t want this whole traditional Palm Beach decorator thing,” Lucido notes, emphasizing his dual experience in both New York and Palm Beach as a crucial part of his design philosophy.
Blending Individuality with Shared Aesthetic
As they began collaborating, the design concept of rustic yet romantic emerged as central to the project. Lucido aimed to honor their individual styles within a unified home. “There would be this romantic and whimsical feel to it,” Koenig explains. This duality became a defining theme, blending elegant elements with touches that recognized their personal identities. The context of a newlywed couple enriched the design narrative, allowing both their personalities to shine through the decor.
Reflecting Personal Stories
Every color choice, furniture selection, and layout decision is a nod to their collective journey and individual stories. The butter yellow interiors symbolize not only fresh beginnings but also echo the warmth of their relationship. Lucido’s ability to capture this essence while creating a space that feels intimate yet expansive showcases his talent and insight as a designer.
In the heart of West Palm Beach, this home stands as a remarkable example of how thoughtful design can elevate a space, turning a historic house into a vibrant sanctuary. With each carefully curated element, Koenig and Byrne have crafted a living space that is not merely a residence, but a reflection of their journey, creativity, and love for life.
