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!

 

District Design: Birmingham

 

I just picked up Bobby McAlpine’s new book, THE HOME WITHIN US, this week.  Besides the fact that I am a big fan of his work and am thrilled to finally have access to great photos of his architecture and interiors, his book reminds me that Alabama, his home and base of operations, is a designer destination.  I have always loved the south and have visited many of its magical cities – New Orleans, Charleston, Savannah – but I have yet to make it to Montgomery, Huntsville or Birmingham.  My old comrade and fellow designer at Solis Betancourt, Meredith Leach (now McBrearty) was from Alabama and always raved about its beauty, its charm, and of course, its shopping.  As the holiday and travel season descends upon us, what better city for “District Design” to visit than sweet home Alabama’s own Birmingham. 

 

 

 

 Bobby McAlpine's book is available in stores and online. 

 

  

 

 

 

 

WHAT'S THE CHICEST FURNISHINGS RESOURCE IN BIRMINGHAM?

Circa Interiors has amazing pieces for the home, both antiques and upholstery.  If you’re in Birmingham be sure to stop in their shop on Culver Road.

 

 

 

 

 

 

WHERE DO YOU GO TO FIND ACCESSORIES?

Table Matters and at Home in Homewood.

 

 

Alex Marshall dinnerware and Woodbury flatware set available at Table Matters.

 

 

 

 

 

  IS THERE A GREAT LINEN SHOP IN BIRMINGHAM?

Suite Dreams in Mountainbrook Village carries lines such as Matouk, Matteo, Archipelgo, Peacock Alley, and more.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

HOW DO YOU WORK YOUR FASHION LOOK INTO YOUR INTERIORS?

I love the look of layers and texture for fall.  In terms of your home, I think the more personal layers you can add, the more interesting.  Of course, like your wardrobe, knowing when to say when is important!

 

 Layered looks in both design and fashion (Cotelac and Fendi).

 

 

 

 

 

WHAT FASHION DESTINATION CAN YOU NOT LIVE WITHOUT?  WHAT STORE EMBODIES YOUR LOOK? 

I was introduced to Theodora (Anna Sui, Tracey Reese and more) in Homewood Village during college when I would go home with friends to see their families in Birmingham. Marella in Mountainbrook Village is another chic spot for dresses.  Her sister store, Carriage House is in my hometown of Decatur.

 

  

Trina Turk vest at Marella.

 

 

 

 

 

WHAT'S THE BEST KEPT SHOPPING SECRET IN BIRMINGHAM?

Betsy Prince’s annual shoe sale – when brands such as Ferragamo are up to 50% off!

An open-toe bootie at Betsy Prince.

 

 

  

 

 

WHAT BIRMINGHAM DINING SPOT DO YOU LOVE FOR BOTH ITS MENU AND ITS DECOR?

Chez FonFon in Five Points for delicious French food and authentic ambiance.  Urban Standard is a unique spot downtown.  It’s a restaurant with interesting accessories (such as taxidermied animals and magnifying glasses) and contemporary light fixtures.

 

The men behind Chez FonFon - Frank Stitt, Zoubir Tabout and Patrick J. Dunne (photo by Howard L. Puckette/Southern Accents).

 

 

 

 Thanks Mer!  Tricia xo

 

Check out www.fabulousboutiques.com for a fabulous list of Birmingham shopping destinations.  You can find examples of Meredith McBrearty’s work on her eponymous website. 

 

Chez Huntley - update 11/13

I am happy to write that the public spaces of chez Huntley are more or less complete.  Hallelujah!  And while I would love to give my readers a comprehensive 360 degree tour … it aint’ gonna happen.  Apparently divulging too much about a project on ones blog limits its exposure elsewhere, I’ve learned.  When did design get so damned complicated?!  So alas another sneak peek will have to suffice.  Hopefully the pix are enough of a fix – enjoy!   

  

 

  

   

  

  

 

Tricia xo

Chez Huntley - update 11/07

 There has been a lot of activity at chez Huntley since my last update.  I gave myself a Thanksgiving deadline for the public spaces, so once the calendar read October I had to get my a-- in gear.  I actually like the pressure of a deadline.  It gives you clarity and forces you to be decisive.  And as I’ve mentioned before, that doesn’t come naturally when one is both the client and the designer.  There is still quite a bit of work to be done, but the next few weeks will be full of exciting developments.  For now, enjoy a sneak peek (emphasis on peek) at some of the details installed thus far.

 

      

 

   

      

    

Tricia xo

 

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

DCNY

I had a busy week. Meetings, travel, design events, etc.  A jam-packed schedule isn’t necessarily enjoyable mid-stream, but I always love the results.  I meet new people, see interesting things, get inspired, and in general, shake things up a bit.  Between DC and New York, I stumbled upon some fabulous finds this past week.  Whether it was design or fashion, food or art, it seemed that new and exciting things were available and in abundance.  Of course there is never enough time to take it all in.  It’s a good thing I am able to document it all with my trusty iphone and enjoy the fruits of my labor long after my work and the week is done.

 

 

 

 

- SOURCING RUGS & TEXTILES -

 

       

       

I love beautiful textiles and rugs.  Especially when they are assembled together in a stunning collection.  Subtle, graphic, textural or glamorous – it doesn’t really matter to me.  Gorgeous is gorgeous regardless of content or genre.

 

 

 

 

- WINDOW SHOPPING -

 

        

       

       

Fall is always a delicious time for fashion.  Even if you can’t purchase everything you see behind the glass, you can certainly draw inspiration from the displays and create new, eclectic ensembles within your existing wardrobe.  I personally am all over this season’s bold colors, layers, baggie pants and fur jackets.    

 

 

 

 

- SCOUTING FOR VINTAGE FURNISHINGS -

 

     

     

You can troll all day on the internet, but there is nothing like seeing the real thing.  I can’t get enough of unique yet elegant, statement-making furniture.  Unfortunately, I need another chair like I need a hole in the head.  It was hard to resist these stellar vintage finds.

 

 

 

 

 

- DROPPING BY AN ARTIST’S STUDIO -

 

     

     

I’m a big fan of Julie Wolfe’s work.  So to see her paintings and jewelry in-residence was quite a treat.  Plus Julie is such a cool chic –  interesting, laidback and irreverent.  The evening was hosted by George Hemphill and marked by contemporary artwork, incredible jewelry, wine and a “deconstructed food installation”.  Loved it.  

 

 

 

 

 

- BELLYING UP TO THE BAR -

 

      

     

It wasn’t my last stop this weekend, but it was definitely one of the more photogenic.  Ted’s Bulletin is a throwback to yesteryear with the style and ambiance to match.  If dining, I would stick to the burgers and shakes.  If you’re there for a cocktail, order a Jessie Clark.  Besides the delicious concoction of chamomile-infused scotch, orange marmalade and chocolate bitters, the drink is served with a perfectly round ice cube produced in seconds by The Macallan ice ball machine.  An entertaining and purposeful gadget whether you’re a scotch aficionado or not.  

 

 

Tricia xo

 

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

 

Tune Out and Turn On

 

I’m inspired as of late.  I’m finding crazy/wonderous/beautiful things everywhere I look.  It’s like I’ve snapped out of a foggy stupor.  I haven’t discovered a new vitamin or taken up Buddhism, but I have made a committed effort to unplug from the oversaturated and under-inspired world of regurgitated design.  It’s become pretty obvious lately that most of what’s online, in magazines and in the stores is the same recycled concept over and over again – i.e., a random mix of genres with the ubiquitous pop of color, pseudo-ethnic pillows and obligatory mid-century focal piece.  Bleh, enough!  In this day and age it seems that the internet has become our main source of inspiration - I think that may actually be one of the seven signs of the apocalypse – and everyone is plugged into the same circuit.  So as one who is not only guilty of this crime, but who champions the cause (yes, I realize as a blogger I am the pot calling the kettle black), I say turn off your smartphone, log off Facebook, ignore this week’s blog feed and look around you.  There is beauty in the world!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

   

   

    

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tricia xo

 

 

 

Chez Huntley - update 08/05

  

A great deal of progress has been made here in the past couple of weeks.  The millwork

installation – new casing, baseboards and bookshelves – is complete.  The painting has

been corrected and looks lovely.  Lighting fixtures have been installed in the foyer/living

room along with simple, modern light switches and receptacles throughout the main floor.

I’ve even styled my bookshelves and purchased a new painting for the dining room and a

pair of cast greyhounds for the front entry.  And as excited as I am to move on to the next

layer of furnishings and accessories, nothing is quite as important to good design as getting

“the envelope” right.  I use this term A LOT in my work.  Cleaning up the architecture of a

space and adding (or removing as the case may be) details is the key to a grounded and

balanced interior.  And there is something really beautiful about a well-executed space

that feels good even without any decor.  But of course, I’m an interior designer, so decor

is essential too.  Once I add the furniture, softgoods and artwork, the space will really sing.

 

 

 

 

- Projects -

 

 

 

 

I purchased this pair of deer sconces about 4 years ago and finally had the opportunity to

use them.  I … ahem, I mean we (I got a lot of help from Molly, H&C employee extraordinaire)

painted them white, so they have a more contemporary vibe appropriate for the house.

 

 

 

A major accomplishment for me: my very first lighting installation!

I was so proud.  I called my boyfriend, my parents and sent emails to friends everywhere.

 

 

 

- Millwork -

The new bookcases in my living room.  Cheap yet chic!

I kept the lines simple and wrapped the baseboard around the front for a clean, modern look.  You’ll see

that I was anxious to style the shelves with my books and accessories - I didn’t even wait to put away my tools. 

Above the shelves are the freshly painted deer sconces with extra long candle sleeves and taupe silk shades.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

- New Purchases -

 

 

This abstract oil painting circa 1960 has incredible color that almost glows.

 

I found the painting above and this pair of greyhounds at Comer & Co. in Georgetown. 

A fantastic new shop with exquisite things and wonderful service.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And speaking of dogs … I’m happy to say that Nina is feeling much better this week.

The little stinker kept pulling off her cone, so she was forced to rock this t-shirt instead.

My poor pup was quite the fashion victim last week.

 

 

Tricia xo

 

 

 

Chez Huntley - update 07/22

 

“I’m fortunate that I can document all the progress on Luxe & Lucid for posterity.”

Did I write that just last week?  Oh well.  One step forward, one step back.  We had a

major hiccup this week at chez Huntley.  Remember all those beautiful neutrals I taped

to my walls?  Remember that I selected Benjamin Moore’s Vanilla Milkshake as one of

my colors?  That turned out to be a bit of a problem.  Upon the completion of 1 – and

in many areas 2 – coats of this color, I noticed that it seemed a little off.  The rooms

appeared to be a lot more white than ecru.  I thought perhaps it was all the light that

pours into my house.  Or maybe my new downlights were brightening the space more

than before.  Alas, when I taped the paint chip back up on the wall, it just wasn’t right. 

To make a long story short, Benjamin Moore’s formula for Vanilla Milkshake #OC-59 is

simply wrong.  The real color doesn’t match the paint decks.  Moreover, Monarch Paint 

and BM corporate don’t really care.  Umm, excuse me?  As someone who has spec’d 

countless Benjamin Moore colors in her career, this is more than a little alarming.  As a

designer you can’t always be on site (or in-state or in the country) to review a test sample. 

I can understand a slight difference in value or undertone, but this so-called vanilla is just

plain white.  That means my entire first floor has to be painted again and that Tricia has

to roll up her shirtsleeves and do some of the work herself.  Because I may have been

comp’d freshly mixed (and corrected) gallons of paint for my troubles, but my painter and

his crew don’t exactly work for free.  So add to my loaded schedule and to my resume …

Tricia Huntley: Professional Interior Designer, Blogger & House Painter

 Thanks Ben!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Vanilla should be, well, vanilla.  Right?!

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

The sample that says it all.

Vanilla Milkshake as sample (on left) and in reality (on right).

 

 

 

  

 

The paint store’s work product.

 

 

 

 

A little GRRRR to go with your morning coffee today.

Hoping for a little more “progress” in next week’s progress report.

 

 

Tricia  : [

 

 

Chez Huntley - update 07/15

  

After a painful start to 2011 and an arduous renovation on the Huntley & Co. office, I

am happy to say that work has finally begun on my own home.  Phase 1 is underway!

The millwork, the hardware, the furnishings and the fabrics have all been selected.  The

subcontractors are on site and all is chugging along.  It’s a little bit surreal, in fact.  I’ve

 overseen dozens of renovation projects, but it feels a lot different in my own space.  I’m

fortunate that I can document all the progress on Luxe & Lucid for posterity.  Cheers

to progress.  Cheers to design.  And cheers to the new and improved chez Huntley!

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

- The Facade -

  

 

 

A little more groomed, but there’s still a lot of work to be done.

 

 

  

  

 

 

 

 

- The Public Rooms Scheme -

 

  

 

The fabrics and finishes for the first floor rooms have a natural yet glamorous

vibe that suit the architecture of the house as well as my own aesthetic. 

I’m sure there will be a little tweaking, but I definitely have a scheme in place.

 

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

- Paint Colors -

 

 

 

Neutrals have countless nuances, so you have to pick the value and hue that

complement your lighting, furnishings and softgoods.  So far I’ve settled on

Benjamin Moore’s Vanilla Milkshake and Sherwin William’s Windfresh White.

 

 

 

  

- Work in Progress -

 

Living Room

 

 

  

 

Living Room

 

 

 

 

Dining Room

  

 

 

 

Dining Room

 

 

 

 

 

Living Room / Dining Room / Sunroom

 

 

  

 

Stair to Master Suite

 

   

 

 

 

 

More to come – stay tuned!

 

Tricia xo

 

Tricia's 10: UHOF

 

 

       

My mother always told me, “If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all.”

 Does that maternal wisdom apply to blogs?  It probably should, but I just can’t help

 myself.  We have a folder in the Huntley & Co. files labeled “UHOF”.  The [yoo-hawf]

folder contains images of designs we find to be, ahem, aesthetically challenging.  I’ll

admit it’s a little snarky.  What can I say - my staff and I simply believe it’s irresponsible

not to document design work that dares to go beyond good taste to, um well, the …

 

- Ugly Hall of Fame -

 

 

 

 

 1.  hollywood mcmansion ½ columns do not a mansion make!

 

 

 

 

 

2.  80s bedroom ½ even the decade of decadence can’t excuse this decor

 

  

 

 

3.  one-of-a-kind stag chair ½ perfect if your house is on the island of Dr. Moreau

  

 

 

 

4.  Celine Dion wedding attire ½ “I said more crystals!”

 

 

 

 

5.  satin bedroom ensemble ½ the love child of paris hilton and cotton candy

 

 

 

 

6.  Dutch sculpture, 1972 ½ terrifying - yet sold for 13,000 EUR at auction  

 

 

 

 

7.  flatscreen tv lift½ only in America

 

 

 

  

8.  dc dressing room ½ the ceiling from hell

 

 

 

 

 9.  shower tile mural½ who needs coffee when your morning starts with this?

 

 

 

 

 

10.  album cover½ career killer, web favorite and my new screensaver

 

 

 

 

If any of the above comments offend you, lighten up.

If you can’t get enough, click on these websites for more snarky fun:

 

www.uglyhousephotos.com

www.salamitsunami.com

www.uglypersianhouses.com

www.worstalbumcovers.org

www.gofugyourself.com

 

 

 

Tricia ; )

Tricia's 10: The Find

 

  

Depending on what type of designer (or consumer) you are, the thrill of decorating

can be found in various stages of the process.  If you are the inquisitive type, then

“the hunt” probably tops your list.  Scouring dusty secondhand stores, upscale

antique shops and the multitude of online resources is time-consuming, but almost

always exciting.  And to find that special something you need patience, focus and

a dose of good luck.  Below are ten great “finds”  from the Huntley & Co. archives. 

Some of the items required a substantial amount of research.  Others were a matter

of serendipity.  In either case, they all have one thing in common.  Finding the right

piece is just leg work.  What you do with it is what really counts.  Happy hunting!

  

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

1.  shell-encrusted torchiere ½ lounge

 

 

 

2.  early 19th c. English bookcase ½ den

 

 

 

3.  vintage faux tortoiseshell table ½ den

 

 

 

 4.  1940s leather bench ½ office

 

 

 

5.  vintage print duck illustrations ½ sunroom

 

 

  

6.  antique octagonal clock ½ foyer

  

  

  

7.  hand-painted silk screen ½ bedroom

  

 

 

8.  marble-topped metal quatrefoil table ½ living room

 

 

 

9.  1950s Italian wall lanterns ½ dining room

 

 

 

10.  antique giltwood mirror ½ bedroom

 

 

 

 

 

Tricia xo

 

* photos by Kevin Allen, Tricia Huntley & P.Cole

 

Tricia's 10: Before & Afters

 

 Everyone loves a makeover.  It’s no wonder shows like What Not to Wear, The

Biggest Loser and Extreme Makeover - Home Edition are so popular … “bettering”

and “beautifying” are America’s favorite pastimes.  That’s probably why interior design

has such a following these days.  It’s certainly the main reason I became a designer

myself.  There is nothing more satisfying than transforming an ugly duckling into a

swan and I do it for a living.  I’m a pretty lucky girl.  And with this fortuitous career

comes a bevy of photos recording my redesigns over the years.  You can’t always

get that perfect before-and-after shot, but when you do, what fun it is to see!

 

 

  

 

 

 

1.  Powder Room ½ Washington Design Center Showhouse

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

2.  Foyer ½ Arizona Retreat

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3.  Den ½ Arizona Retreat

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

4.  Foyer ½ Georgetown Pied-à-Terre

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5.  Kitchen ½Georgetown Pied-à-Terre

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6.  Living & Dining ½ Penn Quarter

  

  

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7.  Dressing Room ½ Harbor Penthouse

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8.  Dining Room ½ Virginia Manor

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

9.  Foyer ½ Maryland Countryside

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

10.  Family Room ½ Maryland Countryside

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Tricia xo

 

* photos by Kevin Allen and Tricia Huntley

Lighten Up

 

I had a few inches chopped from my mane this week.  My hair usually reaches the middle of

my back, so now that it’s skimming my collarbone, I feel lighter, brighter, better.  I’ve embraced all

things cumbersome the last several years – heavy fabrics, chunky jewelry, pattern on pattern – and I

think I’ve had enough.  I’m ready to streamline and elevate my fashions, my interiors, my entire sense

of style.  The layering, the eccentric colors; I’ve loved it all.  But it may be time to move on … for now. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

Tricia xo

 

 

 

row one: Mathias Dahlgren, Aerin Lauder, Hotel Claude Passart, Plaza Tower Atlanta

row two: Loop Candelabra, Katie Leede & Company, Chris Benz resort 2011, Sills Huniford

row three: Lady Grey, Loewe Fall 2010, Nestor Santa-Cruz, Koton Fall 2010

 

 

 

Branded

 

There is one question I receive more than any other from prospective clients, writers, editors, vendors and

the public-at-large.  “What’s Your Style?”  Simple enough I suppose.  After all, most designers and novice

decorators have a catch phrase … “edited elegance”, “shabby chic”, “retro glam”, etcetera.  The funny thing

is that despite having worked as an interior designer for fifteen years and having my own firm for five, I’ve never

been able to provide a nice neat answer to that all-important question.  I guess I found it difficult to sum up all

of my professional passions and aspirations into a few choice words.  And perhaps subconsciously I realized

that I needed to soak up as much as I could from the talented pool of designers, architects and artisans around

me before attaching myself to a specific slogan.  Or maybe I’m just a knucklehead.  Whatever the reason, in this

era of branding, I think it’s time to find a trademark for TRICIA HUNTLEY INC. and certainly for HUNTLEY & CO.

I believe I have a contender, so I’m hoping the Luxe & Lucid audience will help me with my decision.  Based on

the cues below, let me know if I’m on target.  I welcome comments and suggestions from my clever readers.

 

 

 

 

 

- Influential Designers -

 

 

  

 

Sills Huniford (now parted), Jeffrey Bilhuber & Solis Betancourt (top to bottom),

Three stellar firms that deliver genius with every project.  Of course, I may be a little partial to SB

since it is headed by my former bosses who happen to be the nicest, most gracious men on earth.

 

 

 

 

- The Glamour Found in Nature -

 

       

     

I love me a manicured hedge and a nice hunk of rock.

Jacques Garcia temple photo c/o World of Interiors

 

 

 

 

- Gorgeous, Dramatic Art -

 

 

 

 

   

 

  

 

 John Singer Sargent, Elliott Puckette, Francisco Goya & Giacometti (top to bottom).

 

 

 

 

- Sexy, Laid-Back, All-American Fashion -

 

 

Tory Burch, Gwyneth Paltrow and one of my favorite looks -  skinny jeans, flats and a [faux] fur coat. 

 

  

 

 

 

- My Collected Thoughts-

 

 

 

 

 

This scrapbook is a collection of images I have pulled because they are beautiful

and inspiring, regardless of context.  I started this “stream of consciousness” project

to help me with the idea of branding and to jump start the design for my own house.

 

 

 

 

 

 

- My Own Work -

 

 

 

Whether I’m working on a modern apartment or sprawling traditional home, there are always

three elements key to my interiors; they need to be beautiful, original and unpretentious.  Not 

only do I want them to reflect the spirit and lifestyle of my clients, but I want them to be livable.

 

  

  

  

  

 

  

  So taking all of the above into consideration, I think the best way to describe my style is …

 

 

 

 

“NATURAL GLAMOUR”

 

 

 

 

  Wacha’ think?  Tricia xo

 

 

 

* Refer to blog posts Designer DNA and Wuzzup?

as well as the Huntley & Co. website for more info.

  

 

 

 

Much Ado About Nothing

  

I had my heart set on a particular feature this week, but I can’t find the key image.  And although I

have 30 or so folders containing potential posts stocked away in my computer, I’m just not feeling

it for any of them right now.  The truth for lifestyle bloggers is that we do feel the need to deliver

something meaningful and beautiful and somewhat original to our audience.  And as a practicing

designer with my own firm, I feel a particular obligation to perform.  Excellence in design is my

professional pursuit – churning out or championing mediocrity does not hold particular appeal. 

So with that in mind, I offer you a list of some of my favorite resources to provide you with the

 inspiration that so clearly escapes me this week.  Hopefully I’ll be back on my game next week.

 

... And I’ll have found that !@%$#% picture!

 

 

 

 

Vivre -  catalog

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Isabel Lopez-Quesada – designer website

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lonny – e|zine

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Thoughtful Eye – blog 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Saipua – website, blog

 

 

 

 

 

 

AD España  – magazine

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bijoux and Boheme – blog

 

 

 

 

 

 

How To Spend It – Financial Times magazine

 

 

  

 

 

… I think I may feel inspired again  ; )

 

Tricia

 

 

 

 

Spring Greens

  

Is there any other color on your mind this time of year besides green?  

Trees are budding, the grass is coming back and we’ve just celebrated St. Patrick’s Day.

It feels like we’ve turned a corner and everyone is in higher spirits, so let’s rejoice in the one

hue that delivers a boost of happiness just when we need it most.  Kelly, chartreuse, lime or

sage – whatever the shade – you are sure to find glorious greens all around you this spring.

 

 

 

 

- nature / exteriors -

“Green” buildings Ann Demeulemeester in Seoul and the Caixa Forum in Madrid.  

Spanish copper wall image c/o My Life My Vibe.

Porch by Boxwood Home & Interiors.

Iguana photo c/o Trek Nature.

 

 

 

 

 

 - interiors -

 

Interiors by Sills Huniford, Geoffrey Bradfield, Steven Gambrel and Jeffrey Bilhuber.

 

 

 

 

 

- art -

 

Art by David Drebin, Salvador Dali, John Singer Sargent,  

Thomas Wilmer Dewing, Modern House Art,

Robert Motherwell and Brad Bannister.

 

 

 

 

 

- textiles & finishes -

Samples from the Huntley & Co. library.

 

 

 

 

 

- fashion & beauty -

Shoes by Lanvin.  

Clutch and cuff available through Vivre.

Gucci and Costume National runway photos.

 

 

 

 

 

- tricia ; )  -

 

 

Happy spring!

 

Tricia xo  

  

 

 

 

 

Tidy House Tidy Mind

  

Some people dread the due diligence of home ownership, but for me, organizing and caring for

 one’s home is one of life’s simple joys.  That’s not to say I don’t suffer from a messy garage like

everyone else, but given limitless time and resources, I would trick out my garage until it looked like

 a feature in Martha Stewart Living magazine.  Honestly, I think being organized is a lifeline to sanity.

Sometimes, in fact, when my life gets too chaotic and I feel like I’m losing control, I find one small

 project – like organizing the kitchen junk drawer – and suddenly life feels much more manageable. 

It seems I’ve been tackling a lot of small projects lately.  Upon the completed renovation of the new

Huntley & Co. office space, we were besieged by three floods in 6 weeks.  Furniture was damaged,

walls warped and the carpet had to be ripped out and replaced on all three occasions.  2011 has

certainly been a bit stressful thus far.  The silver lining?  I have the most organized design studio in

the city.  Every container and every drawer is labeled.  The office supplies are sorted, the tools are

sorted, the light bulbs and cables are sorted.  We even created thumbnail “cheat sheets” for the

boxes containing our accessories.  Aaahhh.  Type A?  Definitely.  A little neurotic?  Probably. 

I may have gone a little “Martha”  in the past few months, but it’s better than going postal!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The aforementioned – and now organized – kitchen junk drawer.

 

 

 

 

What woman doesn’t want her beauty supplies in order?  My new house came

equipped with a long vanity and lots of drawers in my master bath – a rarity for

many residences in Georgetown.  I delighted in sorting and organizing my products

after years of stashing them away in closets and in baskets under the sink.

 

 

 

 

 The Huntley & Co. library is much more pared down these days because we

do so much work on the internet, but there is still a lot to keep organized.  Elfa

shelving, storage boxes, magazine caddies and plenty of hooks make it possible.

 

 

 

 

The “handyman” storage area in my office complete with tool belt, drill, toolboxes, light bulbs and cords.

 

 

 

 

Love me my toolbox.

 

 

 

 

We can’t keep everything in our toolbox, nor do we need to.  This

2-tier drawer caddy sorts all the miscellany in our designer bag of tricks.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This 8-drawer Bisley cabinet is great for sorting small and/or thin items

that can get lost on a shelf – labels, stamps, file folders, photo sleeves, etc.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The label maker.  Whether you love or hate this machine will tell you a lot about

what kind of person you are.  Perhaps a good litmus test for potential hires?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For my own office, it’s important that things are organized, but I also need the

space to be bright and cheery with personal touches that have meaning for me.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And perhaps the biggest challenge of all – my desk.  I like to have things visible and at

my fingertips, but my desktop can become cluttered quickly.  I rely on a vertical file divider,

small dishes and bowls for small items, and the all-important tray to contain the chaos. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

While in my sort-file-purge mode, I’ve clipped several articles and made note of other ways I can keep 

the “Martha-train” going and fine tune it even more.  Check out the resources below for helpful tips. 

 

 

- MARCH, TIME TO PUT YOUR HOUSE IN ORDER -

article, The Washington Post

 

 

- PAPER: FILE THIS STORY UNDER ‘GETTING ORGANIZED’ -

article, The Washington Post

 

  

- RACHEL STRISIK, LIFE STYLIST -

daily deal, Living Social

I just purchased a 2-hour professional organizing session for my boyfriend

as a gift.  Check out Rachel’s website to see what services she offers.

 

 

- A PLACE FOR EVERYTHING: ORGANIZING THE STUFF OF LIFE -

- REAL SIMPLE: THE ORGANIZED HOME -

 books

I own these two books and love to flip through them for clever ideas.  Both

offer stylized solutions for a simplified, beautified home/office/garage, etc.

 

 

 

Good luck and happy organizing!

 Tricia xo

Beautiful Stranger

  

Architectural Digest - the original grande dame of shelter magazines – is back and better than ever

with an absolutely stunning debut issue produced by new editor-in-chief, Margaret Russell.  The always

polished and discerning Ms. Russell understands that true design aficionados are not interested in Joan

Rivers’ pink bedroom or Neverland Ranch.  Remarkable style, storied architecture and designers at the

 top of their game are the trademarks of the AD we have known and loved.  As a young girl I would wait

anxiously each month for the latest issue to arrive.  After studying the elegant and intoxicating images

 for days, I would file away each publication in my archives (i.e. my bedroom closet) for future reference.

Those pages inspired my love for interiors and helped shape my future career as a designer. 

So it is with great sincerity and fervent optimism that I say,

  

“Welcome back gorgeous – we’ve missed you!”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

  

A cover to inspire the next generation of designers

 featuring a New York living room by Michael S. Smith.

 

 

 

- STATE OF GRACE -

A traditional dining room decorated by Richard Leith Langham.

Mississippi river scenes are portrayed in the custom Gracie paper covering the walls.

 

 

 

- TRUE BELIEVER -

An LA bachelor pad designed for a young entrepreneur

who envisioned the renovated home as a “stylish villain’s lair”.

 

 

 

- RARE & REFINED -

Michael Smith's elegant and sumptuous design themes continue throughout the New York

apartment featured on the cover - as seen here in the library but in darker, richer tones.

  

 

An abstract Peter Lanyon painting hangs above an

18th century bibliothèque in the entrance hall.

 

 

 

- GOOD VIBRATIONS -

The living room of Sheryl Crow’s Spanish Colonial home.

 

 

And a curved, rustic staircase on the property of the Hollywood estate.

 

 

 

- A PEACEABLE KINGDOM -

Muriel Brandolini’s living room with large scale George Condo painting,

carpet by Fedora Design and “Smarties” cocktail table by Mattia Bonetti.

 

 

Corduroy covers the dining room walls and is hand-beaded with

abstract letters … emblematic of the designer’s risk-taking style.

 

 

 

 

 

If you haven’t already, pick up a copy of AD’s March issue today.  Reading

a blog post doesn’t compare to flipping through the pages of an actual

magazine.  I may be a blogger, but my first love will always be the real thing.

 

 

Tricia xo