Luxe & Lucid

Broken

Breakup, Breakdown, Breakthrough, Breakaway. 

Breaking Bread, Breaking News, Breaking Ground, Breaking Bad. 

Tough Break, Flat Broke, Broken Hearted, Goin’ for Broke.

I thought I would have a little fun exploring all the ways we use the word “break” and its derivatives in our daily speak.  This because I took a bit of a spill and broke my arm two weeks ago.  I was mountain biking in Virginia and had a pretty nasty wreck – flying over the handlebars of a bike was never on my bucket list.  However, what I clearly lacked in skills, I made up for in fortitude.  I’m proud to say I finished the ride and made it all the way down the mountain, break and all.  I’ve hung up my helmet for now (and possibly forever) to refocus my attention on safer and surer things.  However, in honor of my epic tumble, I’ve decided to find the beauty in broken.

 

  

Sea Breeze light sculpture, Deborah Thomas 2013   |  still from The Sixth Sense

  

a geode split open reveals the magic inside  |  broken boulders in New Zealand

     

abandoned villa by Eva van Oosten  |  modern faceted mirror  |  glamorous rubble by Esther Watson

  

Pompeiian wall crumbling in 2014  |  a Greek wedding tradition

 

“When the Japanese mend broken objects, they aggrandize the damage by

filling the cracks with gold. They believe that when something’s suffered

damage and has a history, it becomes more beautiful.” Billie Mobayed

 

 

Tricia xo

 

Light it Up

 I enjoyed some exceptional work days last week.  I was in Charleston visiting The Urban Electric Company.  Urban Electric is a lighting company with a distinctive vision, brilliant products and a stellar team.  I have been using their light fixtures in my designs for nearly a decade.  In recent years, I started to design custom fixtures for them to produce.  In an exciting development last year, UECo chose to select one of those designs for their permanent collection.  The “Huntley” was born as a sconce for a client’s Bethesda home and can now can be found in residential and commercial projects in the US and abroad.  As part of their BEHIND THE SCENES video series, Urban Electric invited me to Charleston to discuss the Huntley, my other custom fixtures and the method behind my design process.  UECo filmed while I toured their production facility, met with craftsmen and talked with the team about what inspires me.  I’ve shared our behind-the-scene shots of Urban Electric’s headquarters and the day’s activities in the photo album below. 

 

 

A sign that embodies Urban Electric’s stylistic heritage and the spirit of their manufacturing environment.

 

     

Touring the metalworking areas with the Urban Electric team.

 

     

Learning more about each process.  Fascinating.

 

        

Lantern multiples prior to welding.  A craftsman at work.

 

  

Detailed finish work on the second floor.  Discussing the components of a custom piece.

 

  

Individual parts of The Huntley await assembly.  A finished Huntley sconce on the shelves.

 

       

Pendants and lanterns from the UECo collection hang throughout.  Speaking with visionary owner Dave Dawson during the tour.

 

Filming the interview.

 

     

Huntley sconce installations including a Huntley & Co. foyer and a London department store.

(photos at left and right c/o The Urban Electric Co.)

 

 

Many thanks to my Urban Electric hosts for their gracious southern hospitality.

Tricia xo

 

 

Related articles

Chatting with Dave Dawson from The Urban Electric Co.

Urban Electric Co. celebrates 10 years

The Alchemy of Opposites

I mentioned in my last post that I like a little “rock-n-roll with my ladylike”.  That statement describes more than just my fashion sense – it’s a personal credo, a balancing act and the foundation for how I design.  Contrasting modern with traditional, sexy with conventional and subtle with provocative allows me to enjoy all the world has to offer.  More importantly, it’s the incongruity and tension that makes a room or collection [and even a relationship] sing.

  

 

   

Huntley & Co. interiors.

  

  

 

 

Mixing pieces that seem incompatible gives an ensemble just the right edge.

   

(L) Dries Van Noten, (M) unknown (R) Christopher Kane

 

 

 

 

It’s not easy to find a car when one’s style is epitomized by dichotomy. But this weekend, I actually spotted my dream ride.

 

 

I had never seen the Volvo 1800ES; it’s from the early 70s.  Part roadster, part wagon.  Stylized yet practical.  Sexy and a little weird.  I AM IN LOVE!

 

 

 

 

Dynamic duos – Opposites attract and are, truthfully, more interesting.

   

(L) “Portland, Oregon” blends Jack White’s tinny, rockabilly melody with Loretta Lynn’s old-school country style.

(M) Even more intriguing than Jesse and Walt’s differences on Breaking Bad are their internal dichotomies – troubled yet innocent heroine addict and conservative yet calculating high school teacher.

(R) Marilyn Monroe and Arthur Miller – the love story of a fragile seductress and brilliant playwright.

 

 

 

 

Food may be the most tangible way to enjoy nature’s complex and complementary offerings.

 

   

(L) Apricot stuffed pork shoulder with soy/honey glaze. (M) Figs and blue cheese wrapped in prosciutto. (R) Cannelini bean, salmon and caviar canapes.

 

 

 

 

Another one of nature’s delicious offerings – MEN!

     

 Polished/scruffy, strong/approachable, sexy/odd, clever/intelligent.  Mmmmm, one of each please.

 

 

 

 

Tricia xo

* You can find these photos and links on my Pinterest page *

 

NYFW

New York Fashion Week is coming to a close, and like so many, I’ve spent a significant amount of time trolling the internet looking at all the glorious goods.  I like to think I have a healthy relationship with fashion.  I’m not a slave to it, but I do enjoy pulling together my ensembles.  I love to mix styles and textures to give my look just the right amount of attitude.  Fashion is a form of expression much like interior design.  The upside is that it offers immediate gratification and I can switch up my style every day if I like to suit my mood.  That’s a nice change of pace for someone who works in an atmosphere of planning and permanence.  I’ve saved some of my looks from the past year along with a few of my favorite online fashion “clippings” for posterity.  If there’s a common thread among them, it’s contrast.  I like a little rock-n-roll with my ladylike and a bit of humble with my glam.    

  

         

        

  

 

Now for the real deal.

 

     

      

     

     

 

Tricia xo

 

Garnet & Goats

Hmmm, January.  This can be a challenging month.  The holiday sparkle has worn off, a little too much winter lies ahead and we’re all a whiter shade of pale.  I agree it’s tough to feel motivated when it’s cold and dreary outside and happiness is Haagen-Dazs and a Snuggie on Friday night.  However, I’m a January baby and a Capricorn which means I believe from problems come opportunities and there is still reason to celebrate a month as gloomy as this.  January can actually offer inspiration.  Not in an obvious way, but beneath the surface and outside the box.  As with so many things worthwhile, in January you have to dig a little deeper and work a little harder to get to the good stuff.

  

 

 

GARNET

January’s birthstone is like no other. The deep crimson is at once sophisticated and sultry. It has undeniable glamour, yet totally lacks pretention.

   

 Garnet jewelry is always dramatic.

Modern earrings by Caprichosa, antique Victorian brooch, Islamic ring,

  

  

 This look from Gucci is all about the lips. I have been saving this photo since fall with the intentions of replicating it for a glamorous night.

 

 My current garnet pedicure.

 

 

A stunning garnet velvet I used alongside pastel fabrics in a Virginia living room.

 And speaking of fabric …

 

  

 The gorgeous drape of Zac Posen on Naomi Watts at the Golden Globes. She is always red carpet perfection.

 

 

 

JANUS

 January is the month of Janus, the Roman god of gates and doorways.  As a designer and architecture buff, I photograph a lot of gates and doorways … actually more than I realized once I began combing through my files.

 

      

      

     

 - all photos from my life and travels except central image -

row 1:  Munich, Los Angeles, Hempel Hotel

row 2:  Georgetown, Melbourne residence (via est Magazine), Italy

row 3:  Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, Dubuque church, Dumbarton Oaks

 

 

 

 

THE GOAT

 Although January 19 ended Capricorn’s (i.e. the goat’s) reign, it’s never too late to have fun with die ziege.

 

 We found these darling little guys in Montreux.

 - photo by M. Hammond -

    

 

     

       If there’s one thing most of us like to do in January, it’s eat.  And Lord knows, I love me my cheese … thank you goats!  Clearly a girl who takes photos of cheese and cheese shops (as seen here) has a thing for chevre.

 

 

     

Goatskin (often referred to as vellum or parchment) is a preferred material of designers and furniture makers both contemporary and past.  I gravitate to it myself and have selected several furniture pieces for projects over the years.  Like wood or marble, its beauty is innate and born from nature; it can’t be faked.

 Furnishings for DC, Switzerland and London Huntley & Co. projects respectively.

 

 

 

WHITES, GREYS & PALES

The colors of winter may seem a bit solemn, but they translate beautifully.

 

  

White, grey and pale works in a stark, ethereal European bedroom or in a bar/restaurant on Mallorca.

 

Moonstone and black onyx rings by Mathilde Danglade.

 

  

The concept of black and white in art stretches beyond the medium of photography.

A painting by Picasso, a photo study of a golf swing and a neon installation by Glenn Ligon.

 

 

 Perhaps the only thing that could entice me to spend an afternoon in subzero temperatures - beautiful, beguiling and utterly happy sled dogs.

 

 

Happy January.  Hopefully your new year is off to a good start!

Tricia xo

 

 

 

Seven

January 11 marked the seven year anniversary of  Huntley & Co. Interior Design.  Amazing how time flies!  In honor of my biz’s birthday, I’m sharing seven sets of seven favorites.  I typically champion quality over quantity, but it’s nice to be surrounded by inspiration – from design to television to words of wisdom – in abundance these days.  Here’s to seven years of success, a fantastic 2013 and a life filled with beauty, humor and a healthy dose of fun.

 

 

7 YEARS OF HUNTLEY & CO.

cM

 

   

 

 

   

 

7 ARTISTS

I am OBSESSED with the work of the artists below.  Need me a millionaire (or maybe billionaire) boyfriend.

 

  

   

     

 

 

 

7 ARCHITECTURAL WONDERS

 

A spectacular collection of architecture is featured in February’s issue of AD. 

Four of the structures are included below along with three photos from my own travels.

 

      

 

Perot Museum_Dallas  –  Harpa Concert Hall_Reykjavik

 

  

 

The Shard_London  –  Gardens by the Bay_Singapore

  

     

 

New York Public Library_NYC  –  Rolex Learning Center_Lausanne, Switzerland  –  steps of Siena

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7 BOOKS

 

Life, Keith Richards

A surprisingly poignant memoir from the ultimate rock star.

  

 

Gone Girl, Gillian Flynn

The best plot twist since The Sixth Sense.

 

  

Middlesex, Jeffrey Eugenides

A story spanning 3 generations of Greek-Americans and featuring a young, hermaphroditic protagonist named Calliope. 

 An epic, unorthodox Pulitzer Prize winner.

 

  

Religion for Atheists, Alain de Botton

For the open-minded, curious individual who seeks to understand all sides of an argument.

 

  

The Black Spider, Jeremias Gotthelf

A 19th century novella about a small German town infested with spiders after one of the villagers makes a pact with the devil.

 A good old-fashioned religious allegory written to inspire fear.

 

  

The World of Muriel Brandolini

I had to include one design book. Brandolini's work is completely original and worth a study.

 

  

Blood, Bones & Butter, Gabrielle Hamilton

This was just recommended to me. I can't wait to sink my teeth into it, so to speak.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7 SHOWS

 

I’m not one of those people who claims she never watches TV.

With provocative storylines, million dollar sets and brilliant characters, you’re missing out if you’re not tuning in.

 

 

 

Downton Abbey

Delicious and addictive whether you’re an aesthete or not.

 

 

  

 

Top Chef

The tenth season is as mouth-watering as ever and has been featuring some serious girl power.

 

 

 

Mad Men

Like any dashing, egocentric, womanizing man worth his salt, Don Draper still has us hooked.

 

 

 

It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia

Characters so wrong, you can't help but champion their insanity.

 

 

 

Justified

For those of us who felt robbed when Deadwood ended.

 

 

 

Walking Dead

A smart, well-crafted show about zombies. Who would have thunk it?

 

 

 

Following

A serial killer show starring Kevin Bacon and James Purefoy. I'm sold. Premieres January 21.

 

 

 

 

 

 

7 PEARLS OF WISDOM

 

“You were born an original. Don’t die a copy.”

 

 

 

“Style is knowing who you are, what you want to say and not giving a damn.”

- Gore Vidal

 

 

“I never dreamed about success. I worked for it.”

- Estee Lauder

 

 

 

“The best love is the one that makes you a better person without changing you into someone other than yourself."

 

 

 

"It is not what you do for your children, but what you have taught them to do for themselves that will make them successful human beings.”

- Ann Landers

 

  

“I don’t know the key to success, but the key to failure is trying to please everybody.”

- Bill Cosby

 

 

“Don’t try to explain yourself to stupid people. You’re not the Jackass Whisperer.”

 

 

 

 

7 YEARS OF NINA

My other baby is seven too!

  

  

  

       

  

   

 

 

  HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Tricia xo

One Kings Lane Sale

To do list for Tuesday, November 6:

 

1. Vote

2.  Shop my Tastemaker Tag Sale on ONE KINGS LANE!

 

- starts tomorrow 8AM west coast/11AM east coast -

 

Tricia xo

Holiday House_The Reveal

After an arduous final push, I am happy to say, ze’ room is ready!  Tricia and her team worked tirelessly to pull it all together.  Now I can escape to my sumptuous and relaxed lounge with its soaring windows and glorious light whenever I am in New York.  As you can see below, the space is already set for a party – a holiday luncheon that I intend to turn into an all-night bash.  In fact, you’re all invited (through November 18).  Let’s celebrate!

 

 

 

Ahhhh, “home glamorous home”.

 

 

Chic yet comfortable seating?  Oui.

Dining table nestled between dramatic art and a chandelier dripping with porcelain fairies?  Oui.

A bar tucked in the corner and stocked to the hilt?  But of course!

 

 

Details.

Including an incredible sculpture, “Mascara” by artist Edwina Sandys.

 

 

Tricia being interviewed by the effervescent Tori Mellott …

 

and ready to party (!) with Huntley & Co. assistant-extraordinaire, Sarah Beth.

 

Auf wiedersehen, my lovelies.  It’s been fun!

M.

 

 

Special thanks to Designer Attache, Roche Bobois, Lladro, Audio Doctor, Bespoke Global and Derek Skorupski. 

* photo at top by Marco Ricca *

Holiday House_H&C in action

'Ze girls have been hard at work!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

... and tomorrow I will show you 'ze results!

Bisous, M

Holiday House 10.19.12

Our Roche Bobois furniture arrived today.  I had no idea how much work went into deliveries!  Tricia told me she prefers to keep this part of a project “behind the curtain” so her clients can enjoy the magic of transformation and not get caught up in the stress of logistics.  Zut alors!  I watched and cringed and longed for a lovely glass of single malt scotch.  Tricia’s wonderful team (including some determined and tireless manpower) worked their magic and made it happen.  Well done!  Now let’s go get that drink.

 

  

 

Ciao, M.

Holiday House 10.18.12

Hallo!  C’est Marie, Tricia’s NYC client.  Ms. Huntley is indulging me this week by handing over the reins of Luxe & Lucid.  Which is saying quite a lot because she takes this little blog of hers soooo seriously.  I just said to her, “Darling, relax.  I’ll write about the ze’ room you are designing for me, throw up a few photos each day, and we’ll all get a big kick out of it.”   Gorgeous is gorgeous.  Let’s enjoy it!

  

 

- BEFORE -

I’m not much of a white-on-white girl.  I like color – in my rooms, in my clothes, etc. – so Tricia and I decided on something a bit different for the space.

 

 

 - IN PROGRESS -

Different enough?  The walls and mouldings are being painted a high gloss oil called “Purple Nite” by Pratt & Lambert.  Dramatic, mysterious, sexy … I love it!

 

 

Until tomorrow.  Ciao!

 

 

 

Holiday House

I’m participating in a showhouse (yes, another one!) later this month, in New York.  This particular event, the “Holiday House” benefits the Breast Cancer Foundation founded by Evelyn Lauder and is held at the Academy Mansion – an incredible upper east side property that left me speechless upon my first visit.  Auspicious location?  Check.  Worthy charity?  Check.  Client?  Hmm, not so much.  As with all showhouses, that particular detail is missing.  And with no real client, that means I have to invent one so that I have a jumping off point for my design and a concept to fall back on when I’m flooded with options.  Keeping in mind the grandeur of the spaces and the impetus for the event, it seemed a strong-willed, yet feminine muse fit the persona of my would-be client.  And who fits that description better than the legend herself, Marie Antoinette; the original “hostess with the mostest” with the backdrop to match.  Our room will become a lounge space complete with sofas, dining area and bar, so our modern-day M.A. can wine and dine her patrons and groupies in style.  We begin the installation next week, so here’s a sneak peek at some of the inspiration behind the upcoming transformation.

 

       

   

     

   

 

HOLIDAY HOUSE 2012

October 25 - November 18

2 East 63rd Street, NYC

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!

 

[Re]defining Beauty

I made a long overdue trip to the nail salon this weekend for a mani/pedi. And while scanning the assortment of possible nail colors from which to choose, I stumbled upon a stunning shade of peacock blue. It's one of my favorite colors in general - rich, complex, almost regal - so the thought of it on my fingertips was titillating. Sure enough, I love it. Not only do I think the shade of blue is absolutely stunning, but in a strange way, I think it complements my skin tone. It's funny then that some of the conservative loved ones in my life don't share my enthusiasm. Don't they see what I see? What's not to like? Some people think pretty is synonymous with conventional. But I think some of the prettiest things are those that are actually unconventional. I'm not talking about anything bizarre or distasteful. I mean looking beyond labels and stereotypes and thinking about what makes something beautiful ... the confidence with which a man carries himself, the complex ideas behind an abstract painting, the texture of an unusual plant. Of course, what's stunning will always catch our eye, but sometimes beauty and substance wear an unexpected guise.

 

 

 

 

 

My peacock blue manicure.

 

 

 

 

 

 

A study for “Woman Pulling Up Her Stocking” and “Salon in the Rue Des Moulins”.

Henri De Toulouse-Lautrec found inspiration in bars and brothels. Unseemly venues perhaps, but the artist found warmth and vivid color in these unlikely spectacles.

Felicity Brown’s 2010 collection was inspired by Toulouse-Lautrec’s work.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tilda Swinton is a chameleon on and off-screen. She can look ethereal, severe or aristocratic.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Some people don’t like modern art or furniture. It’s hard to understand with gorgeous, sculptural shapes likes these.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Who needs gold or diamonds? Dahlia Kloss’ necklace is a showstopper without precious metals or stones.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Although two of the world’s deadliest snakes, the Rosy Boa and Malayan Coral Snake are also two of the most beautiful.

 

 

 

 

 

 

John Hawkes, Mick Jagger & Adrian Brody.

The talent and swagger of these men makes their unconventional looks incredibly sexy.

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

 

The Apple that Changed the World

We lost a visionary this week.  Steve Jobs died at the age of 56.  I grew up listening to stories about Steve Jobs (my father was in the tech industry*) and watched as his products developed over the decades and changed our world.  Anyone my age or older has seen a remarkable transformation in technology since our youth.  And with the death of Jobs, the enormity of those changes becomes impressively clear.  He took a medium that was once tedious and cumbersome and turned it into a thing of style, beauty and finesse.  Moreover, he did it from the inside out – his technology informed his designs.  Farewell to a renegade, an artist, a pioneer and a true titan of our time.

 

 

  

 

 

 

* An Apple Anecdote

My father’s career was in the disk drive business.  He met with Steve Wozniak (Jobs’ partner, upper right) in the late 70’s when they were still working out of a small house in Silicon Valley.  For a half hour or so, Wozniak walked my father around the house and discussed the Apple “kits” they were selling and franchising opportunities - all while other members of the Apple team built boards and soldered components in the background.  Afterwards, my father thanked Mr. Wozniak for his time, caught a plane back home and reported to his boss in the morning.  His recommendation?

“Those guys are going no place.  Forget that idea.”

Oh well.  Tricia  ; )

 

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