Luxe & Lucid

Don't Call it a Comeback

Like LL Cool J, I didn't go anywhere.  I've just been busy.  I've mentioned before that publishing L+L takes a lot of time and that I'm just not the type to half a-- it.  So I've been on a hiatus from le blog and dedicating my time to all-things Huntley & Co. (as it should be).  But that doesn't mean I've been chained to my desk these past few months.  Here's a look back at some of my adventures since December.  

 

 

 

December_Art Basel & Design Miami

      

      

Ridiculous art and mind boggling design amidst throngs of fabulous people from everywhere.

 

 

 

 

December_Park City

        


Skiing, shopping and New Year's Eve at Wahso tucked into our own private booth.

 

 

 

 

 

January_London 

     

A penthouse project on the Thames, the Dean Street Townhouse hotel and a late night of theater and live music with a client.

 

 

 

 

 

February_DC Design House

  

I'm designing the Master Bedroom Sitting Room at the 2012 DC Design House in Spring Valley.  The space is a gem and the design is going to be so chic.  Come visit - it opens to the public April 14!

 

 

 

 

More fun things to follow.  Look for another update sooner than later.

Tricia xo

 

P.S. Thanks for your emails.  It's nice to know L+L has been missed!

 

Goth & Gorgeous

I probably won’t be hired anytime soon by clients with a dark, wicked sense of style and a penchant for all things goth.  After all, I live in Washington DC.  Oh, but wouldn’t it be fun.  I said to a colleague recently that the more homogenized design becomes, the crazier I want to be – with my interiors, with fashion and in art.  And what better time to embrace the avant-garde and darker side of style than on Halloween.  It may be just a fantasy, but I would love to find some risk-taking, live-out-loud clients, throw the rule book out the window and create an irreverent, unconventional and totally goth rockstar pad.  

 

 

 

 

 

- THE CLIENTS -

 

 

I hear they are breaking up, but Jack White and Karen Elson will always be one of my favorite couples.  So unique, so dramatic.

 

 

 

 

 

 

- THE SALON -

 

A space filled with daring, sculptural pieces.

 

 

 

 

 

 

- THE DINING ROOM -

 

 

Brutalism, Bacon, Blackman-Cruz.  Throw in some vintage and Wearstler and you have one drop-dead gorgeous dining room.

 

 

 

 

 

 

- THE BOUDOIR -

 

The overall concept may lean toward hardcore, but the bedroom should still be a lair of love.  Edgy with an underlying sexy femininity.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tricia (  ^ ^  )

For more dark and delicious inspiration, check out past Luxe & Lucid Halloween posts Mad About Macabre and Diabolique.  Have a scary and scintillating Halloween!

 

 

 

 

* items above c/o 1st Dibs, Blackman Cruz, Flair, Fort Street Studio, Ironies, Jean de Merry, Ralph Pucci, The Rug Company and Usona

Mother Nature, The Original Muse

I created the inspiration board below for a client this week.  The concept of “bespoke-modern-organic” is specific to this particular project, but it’s also an underlying theme I try to channel in my work.  I often find that design is at its best when it is inspired by something true and natural.  And I don’t mean conservative.  Mother nature is not exactly bourgeoisie; she rocks some pretty crazy stuff.  She informs some of the most interesting, avant garde art and design.  She’s the perfect muse.

 

 

 

    

 

  

 

 

 

   

Samples of stone slabs and my Christmas wrapping from last year.

 

 

 

 

   

The “bloom” of the coolest plant ever, Asclepias (aka Monkey Balls).  A pillow in the new Kelly Wearstler fashion boutique at Bergdorf’s. 

 

 

 

 

   

The underside of a mushroom being prepped for dinner.  Several pleating options from a favorite textile manufacturer in the DC Donghia showroom. 

 

 

 

 

       

The ribcage of a dinosaur skeleton at the Museum of Natural History.  A sculpture at Darrell Dean in Georgetown. 

 

 

 

 

       

 A beautiful shell I found on the beach in Chappaquiddick last summer.  House of Lavande’s Seashell Cuff.

 

 

 

 

       

The incredible artist, Julie Wolfe, took this photo in the Amazon rainforest while traveling via the Art in Embassies program.  My chic, French friend Sophie wears this delicate, yet modern bracelet with flair.

 

 

 

 

   

The simple beauty of a bird's nest finds its way to a handcrafted gold ring.

 

 

 

 

Thanks ma’ for all the goodies!

 

Tricia xo

 

Personal Shopper - Summer Holiday

 

I think I could be a personal shopper in another life.  It’s like my day job, but

with clothes.  And with the social calendar of summer in full swing, there are a

bevy of opportunities for crafting looks that suit the occasion.  The coming holiday

weekend alone could demand a half dozen “fashion-scapes”.  With that in mind,

I have styled four summer looks for my Luxe & Lucid readers.  And although my

own ensembles typically consist of a mix of labels and price points, each of the

outfits below has been culled from a single source or shopping district to make your

purchase all the less painless.  That’s what summer is all about – easy and breezy.

 

  

Happy 4th of July!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

- Urban Fireworks -

Look by Urban Outfitters

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

- Martha’s Vineyard Cookout -

  

  

Look by J.Crew

 

 

 

 

 

 

- Lounging in Palm Beach -

  

  

  

Look by Vivre

  

 

  

 

 

 

 

- Cocktails & Canapés -

Look by the shops of Georgetown

* Intermix, Karen Millen, Charm, Zara, Relish, Kate Spade & Hu’s Shoes *

 

 

Tricia xo

 

 

 

 

 

A Love Letter to my Mother

  

As we all know, Mothers’ Day is Sunday.  An important day despite those who chalk it

up to a Hallmark fabrication.  What could be more valuable than honoring the woman

who brought you into the world?  For me, that woman is Bonnie Dickinson Huntley. 

AKA, Bonnie Lou.  In terms of mother-daughter similarities, there aren’t many.  She is

a petite five feet tall, has dark hair, blue eyes and a sweet, effervescent demeanor.  Me,

not so much.  I’m 5’-7”, fair, brown-eyed, feisty and ambitious.  She would tell you that

comes from my father (and she’d be right).  But because of our differences, I think we have

a more dynamic perspective of each other than if we were alike.  As we grow older, that view

grows more lucid as does our appreciation (well, mine certainly), for each other.  I was just

with my parents in Arizona for the Easter holiday, and I can sum up my visit in one word:

entertaining.  My parents’ interactions and idiosyncrasies had me in stitches.  So much so

that I started taking notes.  Which got me to thinking.  Our visits are fewer and our time

together is diminishing … I should be “taking notes” more often.  But more importantly, I

should let my parents know how much I love them and value them – despite our differences.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

- Twelve Things I Love About My Mother -

 

 

 

 

1.  Her name suits her to a “T”. 

2.  She has no idea how beautiful she is.

3.  She has retained a sense of innocence and sweetness despite inconceivable losses.

4.  She worked full-time to put my father through college while having twin infant sons at home.

5.  She somehow survived the insanity of raising three wild boys and one high-strung daughter.

6.  When faced with a snarky checkout clerk at the local grocer, my mother will make the effort

to cheer her up and turn her mood around rather than returning the hostility in kind.  Of course

the people behind her in line would prefer a little more indifference and a lot less kumbaya.

 

7.  Despite being a devout Christian, she posts notes like the one below on her fridge.

 

 

8.  She found our relatives in Norway.  But not on the internet.  She flew to Trondheim, researched historical

records in a half dozen libraries, took a ferry to the island of Averoy and then knocked on doors until she

happened upon a local teacher/historian who knew my mother’s relatives.  So excited and charmed by her

efforts, the man drove my parents to the home of our second cousins and introduced my mother to her extended

Norwegian family. Our cousins have since visited us in the U.S. and many of us are connected on Facebook.

 

9.  She loves everyone and everyone loves her.

 

10.  She doesn’t swear, thought Pat Boone was cool and couldn’t care less about fashion.

Our DNA connection is definitely questionable sometimes. 

 

11.  She has always stood by me – even when I made decisions that were hard to accept or painful to watch.

  

12.  Being her only child without a child of her own, my mother asks about Nina whenever she calls

me, refers to her as her “grandpup” and always mentions her in the annual Christmas card.

 

 

 

Thanks Mom.  Happy Mothers’ Day!

 

 

 

 

Daughter xo 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

Bonnie Lou’s first mothers’ day

with her daughter (me!).

 

True Romance

I am fortunate – especially this time of year – to have the two words above feature prominently in

 my life.  But it wasn’t always the case.  I know how lackluster single life can be regardless of how

 much one relishes his or her freedom.  Love and happiness do, no doubt, go hand in hand.  But that

doesn’t mean you can’t imbue your reality with some of the magic of romance sans sig-other.  It comes

down to simple things like finding beauty and stirring the senses.  As a designer, I do this for a living,

so I found alternate avenues to joy when I was on my own.  Below are some options for all the

fabulous “independents” out there.  Neither a significant amount of funds nor effort are required.

 

Love when it comes to you, but live well in the meantime.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

- SEE -

 

 

 

Whistler’s Peacock Room at the Freer Gallery of Art.

 

 

 

 

“I am Love” featuring Tilda Swinton and the backdrop of Milan and the Villa Necchi Campiglio.

photo courtesy of Mikado Film/Magnolia Pictures

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

- HEAR -

 

 

 

Jazz at the Kennedy Center.  Toots Thielemans & Kenny Werner play April 2.

 photo courtesy of Eddy Westveer 

 

 

 

 

Before she was the first lady of France and after she was a supermodel, Carla Bruni

released an album called Quelqu’un M’a Dit on which she sings and plays guitar.

The music is sweet but throaty – whispery and detached romanticism. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

- TASTE -

 

 

 

No prep required, but the perfect indulgent meal.

Charcuterie, truffle cheese, a baguette, fruit and a bar of Swiss chocolate.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

- TOUCH -

 

 

 

A massage may be the only acceptable substitute for you-know-what.  I’m headed to

the Lorien Spa in Old Town Alexandra with one of my best girlfriends in a few weeks.

 

 

 

 

 

Or bundle yourself in one of may favorite textiles – alpaca.

I received the dreamiest wrap from Villa de Alpacas for Christmas.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

- SMELL -

 

 

 

 

Luxe Custom Perfume Creation is the perfect “I’m treating myself” type of indulgence.

 

 

 

 

 

Tricia xo

 

 

 

 

 

 

- PS … AND LAUGH! -

 

Whether or not you are a parent or a dog-lover, I guarantee this video will bring

you an infinite amount of joy when you watch it.  Happy Valentine’s Day!

 

 

 

 

 

Stocking Stuffers a la Georgetown

 

I am fortunate enough to live in Georgetown - an urban village in DC with cobblestone streets, historic

 architecture, charming restaurants and fabulous shopping - the perfect setting for Christmas.  So

as things quiet down, I'm going to grab a latté, enjoy my city, and pick up stocking stuffers from my

favorite vendors.  Below are nine items you may want to pick up for yourself.  But buyers beware,

some of these items are one of a kind and I may have already beaten you to the punch.  ; )

  

  

 

1.  J. CREW 

3222 M Street NW

leather driving gloves

 

2.  JEWELERS’ WERK

3319 Cady’s Alley NW 

brooch by Reiko Ishiyama

  

3.  SIXTEEN FIFTYNINE 

1659 Wisconsin Avenue NW

vintage boxes

 

4.  HAPPY NAIL SALON

1607 Foxhall Road NW 

gift certificate for manicure …

or the polish itself - “Wicked” by Essie

 

5.  DEAN & DELUCA

3276 M Street NW

collection of sea salts

 

6.  SAXBY’S 

3500 O Street NW

Mistletoe coffee beans

 

7.  BLUEMERCURY

3059 M Street NW

Fresh Brown Sugar Body Polish

 

8.  OLIVER DUNN (aka Moss/Catherine Roberts)

1657 Wisconsin Avenue NW

owl Christmas ornaments

 

9.  THE LANTERN

3241 P Street NW 

vintage books on travel, art and history

 

 

 

Happy holidays to my fellow Georgetowners and Luxe & Lucid readers worldwide!

 

Tricia xo

 

 

Tip deLuxe

GIFT GIVING - HOLIDAY 2010

OK people, here it is.  Luxe & Lucid’s holiday shopping guide for 2010.  I realize it’s the

11th hour, but don’t tell me you don’t have a little shopping left to do.  If not, I hate you. 

If so, great!  Because the list below is going to get you excited and encourage more

spending.  Your wallet may not thank me, but your friends and family will. 

Happy Holidays!

  

 

 

 

 

 

THE ROMANTIC

 

You may not be a romantic yourself, but it’s awfully fun to buy for those who are.

Look for dramatic and drop dead gorgeous items.

  

  

 

Versailles’ Hall of Mirrors photographed by Rebecca Plotnick.

 

 

 

  

Coro cameo earrings

 

 

 

 

Alice in Wonderland vintage-style place cards

 

 

 

 

 

 

LE NAUTIQUE

 

 

Nautical gifts are often fairly cliché.  It’s challenging to find a unique and sophisticated

gift for a loved one who lives for the water.  You know who you are. Here are some options

that are a lot less expected and perhaps even chic enough for the land-lovers among us. 

 

 

 

Thomas Paul Octopus throw woven of baby alpaca.  See more on that below ; )

 

 

 

 

Blue coral stationary found at blissthink on Etsy.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Verdigris seahorse lamps based on a 1940s design.

 

 

 

 

Paperweights/ornaments available through www.ropewright.com.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

THE TYPE A

 

People are intimidated by the Type A.  But this superhuman couldn’t

be easier to buy for … just look for things that make the world a better, more

perfect place in which to live.  Yes on a superficial level, but you get the idea.

 

 

 

Elsa Peretti candle snuffer

 

 

 

 

Ribbon dispenser box

 

 

 

 

So simple.  I wish I had invented these hangers.

 

 

 

 

 

Slip this handbag organizer into her purse and you just saved

her 5-10 minutes every day.  The gift of time … ahhhh.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

THE VAGABOND

 

S/he loves travel, foreign movies, red wine and French rap music.

Think original, textural, natural - all with a story to tell. 

 

 

 

 

A vintage pottery beads necklace found in a Tokyo flea market.

 

 

 

 

 

A vintage satchel in mint condition.  A great find that would make a great gift.

 

 

 

 

Assorted lip balms in natural scents.

 

 

 

 

Samuel 5x7 leather bound journal from American Book Arts.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

THE PREPSTER

 

I’m not preppy myself, but I get it.  It’s a look that’s fun, fresh, pretty and happy.

What’s not to love about a combo like that?  Bring on the florals, bright colors,

graphic prints and monograms.  I’m feeling p[r]eppier already.

 

 

 

 

Chevron print personalized notecards

 

 

 

If she doesn’t have it already, this is a library must-have

for preps and Domino-lovers (i.e. pretty much everyone!).

 

 

 

Frances guest towels from Leontine Linens.

 

 

Seda France Pagoda Candles can be found at A Mano in Georgetown.

 

 

 

 

THE ANIMAL LOVER

 

Oh, where to start?  Pet clothes, pet portraits, animal-inspired jewelry,

tableware and linens, books, artwork, etc. etc.  As a professed and devoted

animal-lover myself, I can’t get enough of this stuff.  Feline, canine, cute or

costly - there is something to satisfy every creature-enthusiast’s obsession.

 

 

 

 

Vintage stacking hedgehog ashtrays.  So cute!

 

 

 

 

Winter Kitty perfume oil.  A natural fragrance inspired by “felines,

fireplaces, and snowflakes”.  I’ve been intrigued for months and

December may be just the time to sample this unusual scent. 

 

 

 

 

Two dog beds that are so good-looking, you won’t be upset if Fido decides

that he prefers the floor.  Beds by Dransfield & Ross above, Fleabag Bed below.  

 

 

 

 

Polar Bear Exiting Deyrolle, 2005

William Curtis Rolf

 

 

 

 

An original charcoal drawing by Bob Kimball.  So lovely

it’s worthy of your beloved feline or canine companion.

 

 

 

 

Vintage Italian brass Osprey box.  

 

 

 

 

 

Afteil is one of the beautiful female alpacas available for sale at

Island Alpaca on Martha’s Vineyard.  Such gentle, gorgeous creatures.

I would own one in a hot second if I could.  Look at that face!

 

 

GIFTS THAT GIVE BACK

 

This holiday season as in all seasons, remember to give to those who need it most.

Countless charities hope and wait for caring, generous individuals to make a difference in the lives

of the homeless, hungry and abused.  For every donation you make to one of the organizations

below*, Luxe & Lucid will make one in kind.  Blessings to you and yours this season.

 

Tricia xo

 

* World Vision, The Washington Humane Society and the IOCP Sleep Out.

Please email Luxe & Lucid for more information.