Lucy Henry-Hicks doesn’t do loud. She does layers. Texture over trend. Form over fuss. Her Brisbane home – a serene, sculptural escape designed with Tigmi Trading’s in-house interiors team – is an extension of that ethos. No loud colour bursts, no maximalist moments. Just quiet luxury, sharp lines and a palette so calming you’ll want to lie down and stay awhile. “Warm, layered, textured,” is how she describes it.
As the CEO of fashion brand Dissh, Henry-Hicks is no stranger to aesthetics. But home was never meant to be a showroom, it was designed as a retreat. “We live inner-city, so it was really important that the house feel like a sanctuary,” she says. “A lot of thought went into the architectural landscape design and how we could use nature to provide privacy but also a sense of calm and equanimity.”
That vision began at blueprint stage with Brisbane architect Shaun Lockyer, and was brought to life in collaboration with Tigmi – known for their curated, earthy-meets-elevated approach to interiors.
The result? A home that feels like it’s fully relaxed. There are oversized windows framing lush greenery like gallery art, a neutral base grounded by bouclé, timber and travertine and a layout that flows like summer linen. “From the outset, we had a clear vision for a modern Californian-Mediterranean aesthetic, and this intention flowed through to every interior detail,” explains Henry-Hicks. The Nara modular sofa from Tigmi was where it all began. “As a central piece in the main living space, the sofa set the tone perfectly,” she explains.
“It’s the definition of old meets new, with its tactile – almost vintage – woven fabric paired with a modern, sculptural form.” From there, everything else followed suit: vintage timber here, rope detailing there, marble surfaces that catch the light just so. It’s a carefully curated dance between soft and hard, raw and refined. The overall effect is, of course, very chic and unbelievably calm. “I’ve learnt not to rush,” says Henry-Hicks. “Spaces need to evolve with you.”
That same mindset shapes her work at Dissh, where she’s built a brand known for timeless fashion staples. “The creative process [for interiors] is actually really similar [to fashion],” she explains. “You start with a feeling and build piece by piece.” Fashion, she says, taught her to trust her instincts: “I either feel it or I don’t and I use that instinct to guide all of my decision-making.”
Feeling is key. It’s how Henry-Hicks chooses art (slowly, intentionally and usually after some “healthy debate” with her husband, Mitchell Lau), how she styles each room and how she knows when something’s right. “We haven’t introduced much art into the house yet,” she says. “For us, the focus has been on the architecture and the way natural light moves through the space. The large floor-to-ceiling windows feel like art in themselves, framing the outdoors and drawing nature in. We’re also enjoying letting the space breathe before layering more into it.”
While art isn’t everywhere, texture is. Bouclé, wool, rope, stone: a mix that could feel chaotic in the wrong hands, but here it’s executed flawlessly thanks to Henry-Hicks’ unerring eye for balance. “I’m naturally drawn to grounding, organic materials that bring a sense of warmth and tactility,” she says. “Bouclé and wool offer softness and comfort, while travertine and marble bring an elevated and refined finish. I also love incorporating vintage timber pieces with timeless character. For me, it’s important things feel slightly undone,” she adds.
“There’s a real beauty in imperfection. Effortless luxury is about beauty with ease. It’s not overdone. It’s thoughtful and considered but still feels natural. Comfort is just as important as aesthetic, and the pieces in our home are chosen not just for how they look but for how they make us feel.” It’s also a family home – Henry-Hicks and Lau have two young children – so while it may look picture perfect, it’s designed to be lived in. Upstairs, the master bedroom is connected to a rooftop garden and is full of natural light.
“It has this calm, grounding energy,” explains Henry-Hicks. “It’s where my day begins, with cuddles with my babies. There’s a moment of stillness before everything gets busy.” Morning routines include meditation or breathwork in the home gym, followed by tea in the garden with the children. “We talk about fairies and all the wonderful little creatures that live under the rocks and in the trees,” she shares. “The garden is a perfect space to spark little people’s imaginations.”
Her office, by contrast, is all clarity and focus: the creative hub where ideas for Dissh are dreamed up and then refined. “My office was designed intentionally to give me a space to think, to ideate,” she says. “But I also needed boundaries, so there’s no laptops in the living areas – those are sacred family zones.” That push-pull of work and home life has become more challenging since motherhood. “Motherhood has changed me in every sense of the word,” she says.
“I say it birthed me, and I really believe that. I have become very discerning with how I use my time and energy … I’m crystal clear on what my priorities are and what’s important to me. This makes saying no and having boundaries much easier.” From a work and creativity standpoint, she says, “I usually need to block time aside and disconnect from the children for a few hours or a day to connect with myself and create.”
This clarity plays into every decision, from leadership to interiors. “At Dissh, I lead with purpose,” she explains. “At home, I lead with presence.” Her approach for both is authentic and intentional. “I try to set an example and cultivate a culture that’s inclusive, supportive and truly empowering – especially for women. It’s embedded in everything we do at Dissh.”
With regards to success, Henry-Hicks’ definition has shifted in recent times. “It’s much more about how I feel about myself and how I’m contributing to the world and my family than external measures of success,” she reflects. “While I value personal growth and love the exciting opportunities and new experiences the business allows me, there is no career achievement or material object that will make me feel successful or change the way I feel about myself.”
As for mistakes, Henry-Hicks is also the first to admit past design missteps. “I’ve chased trends before and regretted it,” she reveals. “Now I focus on quality and pieces I really love. They’re worth waiting for.” Her advice to anyone styling their first home? “Invest in a few timeless pieces that you genuinely love. Be intentional with layering texture rather than relying on colours. And, most importantly, let the space evolve – don’t rush it. A home should grow with you.”
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