Its been said that a friend in need is a friend indeed. If that reliable friend happens to be in-demand interior designer Joe Lucas, even better. So, when a flair for help shot up over Los Feliz, its no surprise the Los Angelesbased designer answered the call without hesitation. Theyre two of our best friends, Lucas says about homeowners JP Richards and Michael Elder, who landed an incredible 6,100-square-foot Spanish Revival property hidden at the end of a cul-de-sac. JP grew up in Los Angeles and had always dreamed about having a big Spanish house in the hills.Karyn MilletThis was actually the room we did last because it was such a beastit could have taken up the budget for an entire house, A custom rounded sofa from Harbinger, a pair of chairs from Soho Home, and two live-edge wood cocktail tabletops found in France create a layered conversation area.Built in 1928, the five-bedroom, four full- and two half-bathroom property, dubbed Casa Vista, offers sweeping views from Pasadena all the way to Santa Monica but, on the inside, required Lucass design savvy to make the homeowners dream a reality. When they moved in, it needed a lot of love, recalls Lucas, who founded his eponymous firm in 2005 and, three years later, opened the first of two Harbinger design showrooms. The kitchen was out of date and the bathrooms were a wreck, but the bones were really goodand the views! It had been left somewhat dilapidated and poorly renovated in 60s and 70s, and almost completely stripped of what made it so special, adds Richards, an entertainment industry executive currently helming Lionsgates worldwide marketing division. We really wanted to bring it back to its former glory. Karyn MilletIn the entry, the table is from Obsolete, the ceramic vessels were found at Lawson-Fenning, and the lighting above the staircase is from Apparatus. The sculptural piece underneath the railing was found on one of the groups excursions to France.The first order of business was to refinish the floors and slap a fresh coat of white paint on the walls throughout the three-level manse. After that, they just lived there trying to figure out whether theyd want to spend more time on one side of the house or the other, Lucas says.Once the homes optimal flow was figured out, the designer enlisted award-winning architect Tim Barber to redesign several spaces, including the kitchen and dining room, and immediately got to work himself outfitting the hillside residence. Karyn MilletThis seating area includes a table from Lawson-Fenning and a set of vintage chairs that belonged to the homeowners. The carpet is from Stark.The couple also joined Lucas on a few European buying trips for his showroom where, occasionally, the designer had to lay some ground rules. Id say, Remember I have first right of refusal for Harbinger, otherwise, if you like something, we can buy it for your place, Lucas says with a laugh. Actually, theyre constantly shopping for the house on their ownwhich is usually a designers worst nightmarebut thankfully they have really good taste!Karyn MilletJP Richards and Michael Elder with their twins, Jack and Vivian, and three dogs. This house wouldnt be this house without Joe, says Elder.In the midst of outfitting the home, Lucass friends announced plans for another expansionone that would entail the addition of a nursery. Through the help of a surrogate, and after many heart-pounding months of planning, the couple became first-time parents to twins Jack and Vivian. From the beginning, they definitely saw the house as a place to raise kids, shares Lucas. Now, a year and a half into parenthoodwith three dogs to round out the householdthe young family is embracing life at Casa Vista thanks to a little help from their friend. This house wouldnt be this house without Joe, says Elder.Step Inside This Breathtaking Los Feliz Home