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

 

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

[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.

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!

 

 

 

 

 

Winter Warm-Up

While at Battery Kemble Park this past weekend with Nina, I was reminded why some people love

 winter.  The sky was clear, the sun was shining and the snow was glistening in the treetops and underfoot. 

It really was magical.  I later wrote to a friend that it was a perfect day - “warm and sparkly”.  Not exactly a

scientific description, but spot-on nonetheless.  Although I don’t think I’ve ever used those exact words to describe

a project, I certainly could have.  I’ve embraced that concept a few times over the past few years.  One renovation

in particular comes to mind.  Huntley & Co. redesigned a Pennsylvania Avenue apartment for a client in 2009.  The

goal was to create an urban oasis for a chic and independent woman in her early 30s with a love of family, fashion

and fun.  We created a feminine yet spirited home pour cette femme who was (and is) warm and sparkly herself. 

The space was completely transformed, our client was thrilled and the apartment is still the dreamiest on the block. 

The perfect place, in fact, to kick back after a long winter’s day spent at the dog park.  Hmmm …

Does someone want a house guest?   

  

 

 

 

 

Pennsylvania Avenue “Jewel Box” Apartment

Huntley & Co. 2009

 

 

 

 

 

Further evidence of my love for all things "warm and sparkly".  A gorgeous chunk of

Pyrite I found at a flea market and “All Hail McQueen” polish by Butter London.

 

 

 

 

 

I could buy table settings all day long.  Especially in glimmering metals like these. 

I found these gorgeous wares on scouting trips to Pennsylvania and L.A. respectively.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A little sparkle up top does everyone some good.  A fox at Oliver Dunn in Georgetown

wears a diminutive crown while watching the foot traffic outside.  And Coco Rocha looks

every bit the queen in one of my all-time favorite Grace Coddington-styled Vogue shoots. 

 

 

 

 

  

  

  

 

The perfect combination of design elements to create the warm modern look I love – the perpetually dazzling Met

Chandelier as seen at Moss in NYC and a simple firebox with brass surround by Chakib Richani for Elie Saab. 

Simple and architectural meets complex and detailed with the common denominators of light, reflectivity and glamour.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Two women who never fail to sparkle on the red carpet.  Kate Beckinsale and Jennifer Lopez always have a beautiful,

polished, “glow from within” look about them.  It’s in their fashion choices, makeup application, jewelry and glossy hair.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Katie Lee Joel’s mirrored dressing table and accoutrements complement nicely a

Huntley & Co. foyer with luminous silk drapery panel and imported mosaic floor.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What better way to warm up mid-winter than with bubbly cocktails in a chic yet cozy setting. 

During the winter months, mon amour and I like to imbibe and nuzzle at Agaiin, Le Chat Noir and

Café Bonaparte.  To see the most glamorous cocktail hour ever recorded on film, check out the

Paris Je T’aime spread on vogue.com or watch The September Issue on video.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Be safe, stay warm and sparkle this winter season!

 

Tricia & Nina

xo 

 

 

 

 

* All professional Huntley & Co. photos by Kevin Allen Photography *

 

Eccentricia

 

In classic Tricia-style, I injured myself this week and was unable to walk for 36

hours.  Seriously, I can't make this stuff up.  And while joking with a beloved former

employee about my all too common antics, I proposed incorporating a cane into my look. 

"A stick could be part of my 'schtick'."  While in jest, the idea actually had some appeal.

I would love to be eccentric and iconic with a look that is utterly unmistakable.  I've never

thought of myself that way.  Or maybe I've just never had the guts.  As a child, I was

considerably quiet and timid (I know some of you find that hard to believe).  I didn't really

find my voice until my thirties.  Well now that I'm heading toward the big 4-0 and my life

seems to become more frenetic by the day, maybe it's time to embrace a little eccentricity. 

It may be just what the doctor ordered.  That and aforementioned stick.

  

  

 

  

- Option 1 -

BIG GLASSES

Would you recognize the famous former Vogue and New York Times

Magazine style editor, Carrie Donovan, without her enormous round

glasses?  An easy transformation and fairly noncommittal.

  

 

 

 

 

- Option 2 -

HATS

I probably don’t have the cajones of the late Isabella Blow, but I do give the girl her props.

 I shy away from wearing a fedora.  This dynamo was rockin’ entire gardens atop her head!

 

  

 

 

  

- Option 3 -

DRAMATIC MAKEUP

 

The young Priscilla Presley was undeniably beautiful.  However, what made

her an icon – thanks to none other than Elvis himself – was that makeup.  She

probably went through a dozen kohl liners a year, but she had the eyes and the

complexion to pull it off.  She looked like an exotic Barbie doll and America loved it.

  

  

  

    

  

  

  

  

  

- Option 4 -

UNCONVENTIONAL WARDROBE

 

Edie Beale’s unusual fashion choices were the consequence of privilege, predicament

and necessity.  Born and bred in New York society, little Edie Beale’s early life was storybook. 

But a divorce and a delusional, headstrong mother changed her fate and her fashions.  With a closet

full of Dior, Givenchy and Hermes, but no heat or running water, her odd ensembles were ingeniously

practical and chic.  Not convinced?  See John Galliano’s Grey Gardens inspired collection below.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

- Option 5 -

EDGY HAIR

 

 

There’s only one word to describe Rhianna.  Fierce.  The girl can and does rock every

hairstyle under the sun.  The fun of it is that she usually opts for a look that is as edgy

and fearless as the artist herself.  Spiky?  Sure.  Mohawk?  Why not.  Purple and white

streaks?  Of course!  Honestly, I will never, ever  wear a mohawk.  But I have been

considering dying a few strands of my hair pink.  And since October is Breast Cancer

Awareness Month, I have the perfect excuse.  Besides, I think that shy, little girl

is finally ready to get a little funky, have a little fun and get her groove on.  Yeyah!

  

  

  

  

Tricia xo

SATC

 

Memorial Day weekend was fabulous.  Tuesday through Thursday?  Not so much.

As is so often the case, the days post-holiday are slightly brutal.  I’m wiped out and

already looking forward to the weekend.  So what better way to finish off this fatiguing

four day work week, but with four letters … S A T C.  I’m going to Sex and the City 2

on Friday with a group of girlfriends.  Über girlie and indulgent, it’s just what the doctor

ordered in these days of careers and kids and booking get-togethers six weeks out.

Bring on the fab four, the Manolo’s and all that incredible fashion.  ‘Nuff said.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 The fab four a la NYC.

 

 

 

 

 And rockin’ it in Abu Dhabi, scene of the girls’ middle eastern adventure.

 

 

 

. The film was actually shot in Morocco.  One location being the Amanjena resort in Marrakech.

 

Ladies who lunch … a glamorous Arabian picnic.

I love Carrie’s breezy pink dress and bold cuff.

 

 

 

You never know when you’ll run into an ex, so you better be dressed for the occasion.

What better to wear to the Souk than a lilac taffeta skirt, Dior tee and heels?

Crazy, but so cute!

 

SJP’s fashion choices for the whirlwind SATC press tour were impeccable. 

Au courant, colorful and lively like the fictitious Ms. Bradshaw’s wardrobe. 

But a hint more elegant – apropos for a movie star (versus an NYC sex columnist).

 

 

 

 

 

Speaking of Carrie Bradshaw’s wardrobe … check out images of Mr. and Mrs. Big’s closet!

The online photos aren’t going to cut it.  I’ll have to pick up a copy of the new book as seen below.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After the movie, celebrate with your girls with a night out on the town. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Or host the ladies at your pad and fix one of the Sex and the City inspired cocktails

as seen in The Huffington Post.  My picks?  The Carrie Cocktail and The Bitter Ex. 

 

THE CARRIE COCKTAIL

 

2 oz. SKYY Vodka
0.5 oz. fresh lemon juice
0.5 oz. fresh lime juice
1 tsp. sugar
Drop of crème de cassis

Rim a crystallized Swarovski martini glass with crème de cassis and

sugar (first dip the rim in a shallow dish filled with crème de cassis and

then into a dish of sugar). Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice.

Shake vigorously and strain into the martini glass.

Finish the cocktail with a drop of crème de cassis on top.

Until the next installment (prequel?) my fellow fashionistas and SATC fans!

Tricia xo

 

 

Crushing It

COLIN FIRTH

Last week - the Oscars.  This week - Vanity Fair.  Every week deserves a dose

of Mr. Firth.  Handsome and elegant with disarming British wit, this talented and

considerate actor is the picture of perfection.  As a designer, aesthete and woman

I can’t get enough.  After all, a girl cannot live on interiors and fashion alone.

Ladies beware, you too may be crushing on Colin before this post is through.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SOME OF MY FAVORITE FIRTH FILMWORK:

Apartment Zero

Valmont

Pride and Prejudice

The English Patient

Shakespeare in Love

Bridget Jones's Diary

Girl with a Pearl Earring

Love Actually

Trauma

Then She Found Me

A Single Man

Purple Reign

It's over.

I'm not a guy, I'm not a jock and I haven't lived in Minnesota for twenty years.

But I do have three brothers and a father who are die-hard Vikings fans.  So despite 

the fact that I'm a fashion-loving, bauble-wearing, design-obsessed girlie-girl, I was

truly crushed by Sunday's loss.  In honor of my home team and those who love them,

Luxe & Lucid is featuring all things purple this week.  Who knew football could be so inspiring? 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The power of purple brought to life by artist Mark Rothko.

 

 

 

Emma Watson in Teen Vogue - darling.  And check out her ride!

 

 

 

Saipua, a florist in Brooklyn, has the lushest, most incredible arrangements I have ever seen.

 

 

 

I’ve been on a bit of a fragrance kick lately.  YSL’s Parisienne has notes of blackberry, rose and sandalwood.

 

 

 

 

 

Kelly Wearstler’s new book HUE (I have a signed copy!) and photos of her home office.

 

 

 

 

 

I loved Gucci’s 2009 spring/summer ad campaign.

Only girls this gorgeous could rock intense violet eye shadow.

 

 

 

 

I became fascinated by the work of Josef Albers as a fine arts major in college.

The German artist was a color theorist whose “Homage to the Square”

series illustrated the relationship and interaction of adjacent colors.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Incredible!  A pair of amethyst cufflinks from Kimberly Klosterman.

 

 

 

 

 

Two rooms by Solis Betancourt – my mentors and professional heroes – both featured in Southern Accents.

 

 

 

 

 This aubergine clutch from Anya Hindmarch is insanely chic.

 

 

 

 

 

 Louboutin’s signature red heel gives this ladylike lilac pump a little va va voom.

 

 

 

 

 

 Aerin Lauder’s dining room in Elle Decor showcases the sexy sophistication of purple.

 

 

 

 

Speaking of glamorous, successful, New York women.

Plum Sykes wearing, well, plum … and violet, raspberry, etc.

 

 

 

 

A vignette of lilacs, reds and creams in the Virginia living room of a Huntley & Co. client.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And an ottoman upholstered in an orchid-hued moiré in another client’s Pennsylvania Avenue pad.

 

 

 

One of Reese Witherspoon’s best red carpet moments.

Her deep purple ombré Nina Ricci gown was a stunner.

 

 

 

And because I'm always looking for an excuse to Google Colin Firth ...

Only a man as handsome as this Oscar-contender could rock a lavender ascot and look dashing.

 

 

 

 

- Professional Huntley & Co. photos by Kevin Allen Photography -

Sign Language

I’m a January baby and a proud Capricorn.

I can’t say that I’m an astrology advocate, but I do get a kick out of reading my horoscope this

time of year.  Besides the fact that I often find my cosmic description to be dead-on accurate,

I love the idea of my life and character being written in the stars.  A very anti-Capricorn concept

to say the least which is why this is a once a year indulgence.  Luxe & Lucid is a platform for

celebrating what makes us unique as individuals - whatever the context.  Sign me up!

 

 

 

Famous Capricorns … I’m in pretty good company.

 

 

 

 

This pair of ram’s head bookends from Sjae Alexandre is so good-looking, it almost makes me want to be an Aries.

 

 

 

 

A candle from Soular Therapy’s Astrological Aromatherapy collection.

Cancer’s keynotes are Jasmine and White Rose.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Astrology has even inspired a company as traditional as Wedgwood to produce a zodiac collection.

All 12 signs including Pisces shown here are available through replacements.com.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Russian Vogue’s take on Aries, Capricorn and Gemini respectively.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Silver Zodiac Cufflinks by artist Michele Delville.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A mid-century mirrored zodiac clock from Flessas Design in New York.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And a large-scale wall sculpture also from Sjae Alexandre in Los Angeles.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Asha by ADM’s gold and mother of pearl Sagittarius ring.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kris Kristofferson would probably cringe knowing I've included him in a blog about horoscopes.    

How could I resist when he has an album titled Jesus was a Capricorn?   Mr. Kristofferson is one of

my heroes.  And it's a short list.  He is a true renaissance man with, in my opinion, the coolest resumé

of the 20th century: Rhodes Scholar, Oxford graduate, helicopter pilot, Nashville legend, movie star. 

If you don't know anything about this über-brilliant and eternally cool Everyman, it's time to find out.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A feature on Capricorn from the blog Love Smacked & Starstruck.  So accurate it’s scary!

Check out what’s in store for your sign in the months to come.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Happy birthday to all my fellow January babes! 

 

 

 

Tricia xo

Find Your Anthem

2009 dealt out a lot of heartbreak to a lot of people.  And since the answers to our problems are often hazy at best,

sometimes the most we can hope for is a little enlightenment.  Nothing moves me like music.  A really great song 

can raise your heartbeat and your spirits.  So as we step into 2010, let’s lift our heads and turn up the music.

It’s time to turn this !@%$#% thing around!

 

 

 

- WHAT YOU WAITING FOR? -

Even a rock star like my girl Gwen can get held-up by her fears.  This track from her

debut album spoke to me when I was nervous about taking the next step in my career. 

It was the adrenalin push I needed to get on with it already! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

- HUSTLE AND FLOW (IT AINT OVER) -

So you’re not a pimp from Memphis.

If you’re feeling stuck, lost or left behind, you’ll find meaning in this song’s hook.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

- I WILL SURVIVE -

A classic shout-out to all the ladies who are moving out and moving on!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

- PRAISE YOU -

There are only four real lines in this song, but the title and chorus of Fatboy Slim’s track are so

catchy, we don’t care.  Who doesn’t want to hear the words “praise you” 25 times in a song? 

- BITTERSWEET SYMPHONY -

Honest, aching lyrics strung into a beautiful melody by one of the coolest bands ever.

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

- YOU GET WHAT YOU GIVE -

This song was released in the late 90s and directed at generation-Y, but would

be an appropriate wake-up call for adult America in the new millennium. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

- DREAM ON -

I remember this song blowing my mind when I was in grammar school.

It still has meaning for me and Aerosmith still rocks 30 years later. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

- LOSE YOURSELF -

The rhythm and momentum of this song raise your blood pressure and pull you into a specific moment.

Anxiety, fear and hope are so tightly woven in both the music and lyrics of this song, it’s palpable.  Brilliant.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

- THAT’S LIFE -

Sinatra’s smooth crooning and upbeat tempo bring elegance to an otherwise melancholy song.

Only the “chairman of the board” could pull the rug out from under you and leave you smiling.

 

 

 

 

* Favorite music sources:  Pandora, itunes, Shazam and Metro Lyrics *

 

Happy new year from Luxe & Lucid!

Tricia xo

 

 

 

 

 

Tip deLuxe

STEALING BEAUTY

We’re embarking on a new year (a new decade actually!) and you’re ready to make some changes

to chez vous.  Where to start?  Everyone, even professional interior designers, need a jumping off point,

a focus, a raison d’être.  It’s called inspiration.  And without it, you’ll spend the next six months going around

and around in circles trying to figure out “what’s my style???”  So take a little time during this holiday break,

grab a stack of magazines (remember those?) and start tearing.  Don’t think about it, just rip out what you like.

Fashion layouts, jewelry ads, interiors, food features … whatever speaks to you.  When you’re done, pull aside

the two or three that say “THIS IS ME!” and file the rest away.  Yes, steal some beauty and allons-y!

 

 

 

 

 

Dolce & Gabbana’s Fall ‘09 campaign and a beautiful Payard feature from Town & Country Travel magazine.

Confectionary images to inspire the interiors of the girly-girls out there.

 

A room by designer Anne Coyle.

 

If you could live inside the Fall Gucci campaign or the latest Gorsuch catalog then you

respond to texture, layering and luxury and should book a trip to St. Moritz immediately.

Tom Scheerer’s Kip’s Bay Showhouse bedroom.

 

 

 

 

 

Maybe you’re a traditionalist with a saucy side.  Like these ladies captured by Kate Spade and Slim Aarons. 

Think vivid colors, floral prints and vintage accents with a little leather thrown in.

 

 

A Miles Redd bedroom from Domino.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Are you drawn to sleek, sexy, fashionable images?

Then let David Bowie and Marni’s 2008 collection be your inspiration.

A Chicago installation by Kara Mann.

 

 

 

 

Let the dark side of life be your muse.  Like these images from 1992's Dracula and the blog Tedore.

The current vampire craze could inform a dark, dramatic space.

Anthony Gianacakos’ East Harlem bedroom from Lonny magazine.

Mad About Macabre

 Although it may not be very “PC”, the creepy, scary side of life can be pretty titillating at times. 

CSI and Twilight have millions of fans for a reason - the macabre is fascinating.  It's fun to 

dive into the dark side of life, especially for the straight-laced among us.  Sure, we like our 

structured, polished lives.  But something about the morbid and sinister gets the skin tingling. 

So here’s to being a little naughty at least once a year.  Go ahead, get your freak on! 

 

 

 

 
Blackman Cruz is an L.A. based firm that specializes in eccentric objects and furniture. 

The Bronze Skull lamp is one of their original and most famous designs.  It was the

frontrunner of what became the skull trend pandemic of the last several years. 

Their bronze Bat Incense Burner below is even more unconventional.

 

 
  

 

 

 

Taxidermy - cute or creepy?  This little fella is an antique rabbit from London.   

He has a happy home at And Beige in Adams Morgan.  

 

  

 

   
  

Baker furniture is currently reproducing several pieces from the collection of the

incomparable Tony Duquette.  The Gold Toad was one of his most intriguing designs -

a cast skeletal sculpture plated in 24K gold.  The 2009 version doesn't have emerald (!) 

eyes like the original, but it's still just as coveted.  In fact, Gold Toads have been

stolen from showrooms in both DC and New York.  Tony would be shocked!

 

 

 

 

  

Yes, spooky and chic can go hand in hand. 

Spider Cuffs by Jessica Kagan Cushman  and Jet Drop Skull Earrings by Bettina Louise.

.

 

 

 

I discovered the work of Jim Fiscus because I'm a fan of Dexter (see more on that below).  His photography

is both irreverent and flawless - an unusual combination that makes for gorgeous, intoxicating images.

 

 

 

 

 

I saw a powerful exhibit titled "Art, Genius and Madness" at the Santa Maria

della Scala museum in Siena this summer.  It explored the connection

between artistic genius and insanity and featured a collection of paintings,

drawings and sculptures spanning 300 years.  Beautiful, provocative and

often disturbing, the exhibit was like nothing I have ever seen.

 

 

 

 

A haunting painting by Enrico Colombotto Rosso. 

 

 

  

"Concert in an Egg"  (1550) by Hieronymus Bosch.  The Dutch artist's

paintings are recognizable for their bizarre and disturbing subject matter.

.  
  

 

 

 Busts by Franz Xaver Messerschmidt from his "character heads"

series (1770) depicting contorted facial expresssions.

 

 

   

  Not included in the Siena exhibit, but a painting that always frightens me.
 "Saturn Devouring His Son" by the Spanish artist Francisco Goya (1819).
  
  
  

  

 

My favorite macabre activity is watching scary movies.  I can't get enough.  And when better to sit down,

 dim the lights and curl up with a terrifying flick than Halloween?  Below are ten of my favorite fright fests. 

Psycho (1960)

The Birds (1963)

Excorcist (1973)

Jaws (1975)

Alien (1979)

Poltergeist (1982)

Aliens (1986)

The Ring (2002)

Hostel (2005)

The Strangers (2008)

And for those of us who like to get our regular fix of brilliant gore, there's Dexter. 

The series is smart, humorous and completely addictive.  If you don't subscribe to

Showtime, you can download episodes instantly through Netflix.

  

 

 

HAPPY HALLOWEEN FROM LUXE & LUCID!