Quiet Character with Lisa Pollock

Blending fashion instincts with a refined eye for interiors, designer Lisa Pollock has crafted a luminous, layered home in Boca Raton, Florida that is equal parts sculptural and soulful. Rich in texture and anchored by expressive forms, including an edit of our handcrafted rugs, the space reflects her signature balance of quiet luxury and lived-in warmth. Through an appreciation for narrative and nuance, Pollock creates a space that feels both thoughtfully curated and deeply human.

Photography by Chelsea Anne Horton

Your background in costume design and fashion styling brings a unique perspective to interior design. How do these experiences influence your approach to creating spaces that feel both personal and refined?​

Having started in costume design, I’ve always been drawn to storytelling through material, color and silhouette. Whether dressing a character or designing a space, the goal is the same: to express something deeply personal. My years in fashion taught me to edit with intention, to appreciate movement and shape, and to always consider how something will be experienced both visually and emotionally. That sense of narrative, combined with a love for balance and texture, has absolutely shaped the way I approach interiors today.


This project beautifully balances sculptural form with soulful curation. What was your starting point – was it a single piece, a feeling or a vision the clients had in mind?

The clients wanted something cool but comfortable – elevated and artistic, but still completely livable for their family and friends. From there, I honed in on the feeling of quiet luxury and warmth. The Vladimir Kagan sofa ended up being an anchor for the living space. It has such fluid, sculptural presence and really set the tone for how expressive form could live within a calm, textural environment. And yes, it passed the all-important sit test with flying colors.

How did the architecture of the apartment influence your approach to the interiors? Were there particular features that inspired or challenged you?

The apartment has this incredible clarity – light-flooded, open and modern. I wanted to honor that without letting the space feel cold or stark. My approach was to lean into organic shapes and tactile materials that could ground the architecture without competing with it. The sleek lines became a framework for layering texture and warmth.


You’ve described this home as both serene and striking. How do you navigate that tension in your work – between calm minimalism and expressive detail?

For me, it always comes down to restraint and rhythm. I’m drawn to clean, modernist aesthetics but I never want a space to feel one-note. The striking elements including a live-edge travertine table, cloudlike plaster light fixtures, or boldly veined marble are always counterbalanced by muted tones, soft finishes and pieces that invite you to settle in. It’s about creating a dialogue between quiet and character.

"The apartment has this incredible clarity – light-flooded, open and modern."

Layered texture plays a central role in this residence. Can you walk us through your material palette and how it informed the overall sensory experience?

Texture was essential here. We used everything from plaster and linen to aged wood, bronze and buttery leather. Each surface was chosen to complement another, so even the subtlest details like the grain of the wood or the softness of a textile would contribute to a layered, sensory richness. It’s the kind of space that invites touch as much as it pleases the eye.


What’s your philosophy when it comes to mixing vintage and contemporary design, especially in a new build?

I believe vintage pieces bring soul and a sense of permanence. They tell stories. In a newly constructed space, that kind of history is vital. I love the way a vintage Italian table or a weathered art piece can offset the crispness of new architecture. Pairing them with contemporary designs creates contrast and energy keeps things feeling fresh but grounded.

There’s an emotional richness to the way color is used in each room. How do you approach color in your practice?

I tend to work with neutrals that whisper instead of shout but, within that, I think a lot about tone, mood and how color can make people feel. In this project, the colors were layered thoughtfully. Moody blues in the guest suite, soft lilac and warm cream in the living space, and aubergine with golden ochre in the primary bedroom. Each palette supports the emotional tone of the room, while still keeping the overall home cohesive.


The art selections feel both intentional and deeply personal. How did you go about curating those pieces, and how do you see the role of art in interior design?

Art is never an afterthought. It’s part of the architecture of the room. For this project, I sourced vintage works that had both presence and personality. I thought about scale, rhythm and how each piece would interact with the materials around it. Art is how a space breathes. It creates movement and pause, and adds a layer of individuality that can’t be replicated.

The home feels highly edited yet entirely livable. How do you balance aesthetic refinement with the day-to-day realities of family life?

Function is never sacrificed for form. I’m constantly thinking about how people actually live. Pieces need to be durable, layouts need to be intuitive and storage has to work. But that doesn’t mean a space can’t also feel elevated. When something is designed both thoughtfully and beautifully, it enhances how you live in it every day.


Looking back, is there a moment, a detail or a decision in this home that you feel most proud of – something that encapsulates your design ethos?

I’m especially proud of incorporating the work of local artists and craftspeople, like the ethereal plaster lighting by Evan Sahlman. It was the perfect fit – elevated, unique and completely rooted in the space. Collaborating with makers and small businesses is one of the great joys of what I do. It adds meaning and authenticity to the work and brings a human touch to every project.