Luxe & Lucid

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

 

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

 

 

 

Scenes from a Vacation - Part II (finally!)

 

As mentioned in my last post, I added an extra day to my northern California vacation so I could spend some time in San Francisco before heading back east. I hadn’t been to the bay area in years and had honestly forgotten what all the fuss was about. But I figured why not make a pit stop in an old stomping ground and segue a bit more gently back into life in DC. I was more than taken with the heavenly weather (68 degrees in August) and the lively urban atmosphere – crowded cafes, locals out walking their dogs and great shopping – in Pacific Heights where we spent the day. And although the word “hip” could be used to describe the area’s watering holes, shops and fashions, it didn’t smack of trends like some cities. San Francisco is like the popular kid in high school: confident and cool without even trying. And a vibe like that may as well be crack to someone like me. I couldn’t get enough. Shopping I did - and successful I was. 

 Thanks San Fran for sharing your mojo with me!

 

 

 

 

CIELO   A store full of gorgeous, high-end European brands.

 

I picked up an Ann Demeulemeester blazer with chic, refined detailing …

… a scrumptious orchid-colored puffy jacket with cropped sleeves and sweet yet almost "goth" kitten-princess necklace.

 

 

 

 

 

NEST   The perfect name for a boutique with a homespun yet vagabond flair.

 

New and vintage toys (check out the gorilla!), artwork, jewelry, furnishings and accessories.

I purchased this silkscreened tiger tote, printed cotton robe and wood handle purse … and love them all.

   

 

 

 

 

HEIDI SAYS SHOE SALON   The sole-ful sister store of the Heidi Says fashion trifecta.

 

 

 I found these flattering and totally versatile nude, patent leather wedges from Vera Wang Lavender.

 

 

 

 

ELIZABETH CHARLES   A uniquely curated collection of fashions and accessories.

 

This boutique was uh-MA-zing!  I fell in love with everything.

 

 

 

 

JONATHAN ADLER   Ebullient, over-the-top fun from this eponymous shop’s designer.

 

 

 

 

 

CROSSROADS    Vintage and consignment clothing, shoes, etc.

 

My [sporty, crunchy, anti-fashion] friend Lori nearly died of heart failure when I walked out of the dressing room in this get-up.  Yes I bought a pair of gold lamé, parachute pants and a cropped grey hoodie. I think they’re fabulous, comfortable and totally hot.  

 

 

 

 

JURLIQUE   Skincare, bath and body products.

 

My masseuse in Sonoma recommended that I pick up a bottle of essential eucalyptus oil and add it to my morning shower to help relieve my nagging cough.

 

 

 

 

OTD   Out-The-Door Vietnamese restaurant.

 

We recharged at Out-The-Door with noodles, dumplings and wine.  Yummm!

 

 

 

 

SWIG   Last stop ... cocktails of course!

 

 

 

 With a sexy vibe, live music and bar stocked to the hilt - this club was the perfect finish to a perfect day!

 

 

Tricia xosf

 

 

M.I.A.

Not exactly. 

I actually have a fabulous post ready to go.  I just can't seem to publish the damn thing.  Too many photos, too many megabytes.  I've tried to upload it about forty times over the last five days and nothing seems to work.  I am more than a little suspicious that Verizon - and our ridiculously slow internet speed - is the culprit.  That company is the devil!  Unfortunately that means "Scenes from a Vacation - part II" won't be seen for a few more days ... until I can make it over to my boyfriend's house and borrow his computer.

Sorry all.  What can I say?  Sometimes this side venture is a little less luxe & lucid and a lot more luxe & looney!

 

 

Tricia  ; )

Scenes from a Vacation - Part I

  

I just spent five days in Northern California with six girlfriends from home.  We’re known

as “the nine” (I’ve mentioned them before) and were obviously short two on this trip.  We

get together every summer, but this year we decided to do something extra special.  To

round up that many women with husbands and careers and kids is no small task, so the

fact that we accomplish it at all is a big deal.  An even bigger deal is how long we have

sustained our friendships.  They date back to high school, grammar school and even pre-

school for two of us.  Our longevity and stamina definitely warrant a celebration and where

better to do that than wine country USA – Sonoma and Napa. It was the perfect venue. 

Gorgeous vistas, delicious food and the chance to talk, laugh and share with friends I rarely

see, but couldn’t live without.  Cheers to my crazy, spirited, hilarious gaggle of girlfriends! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Night one decompressing on our deck with cocktails.

Our house was situated at the top of a mountain with views of the whole valley.

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 We were picked up bright and early on day two for a day of wine tasting.

That’s our driver in front leading us up a path to our first winery, Quixote.

 

 

 

 Quixote is not your run-of-the-mill winery.  The unusual architecture, incredible art

collection and one-of-a-kind wine barrels with their candy-colored hoops added to the

magical, Willy Wonka-esque atmosphere.  And then of course, there was the wine.

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

At the second winery, Honig, I found my Napa vibe …very chiiillll.

 

 

 

 

 

For our third stop, we enjoyed a hillside lunch with the owners of the Frias

Family Vineyard.  It was a lovely, low-key transition between wineries.

 

 

 

  

 

  

 

 

 

 

The final winery of the day was Flora Springs in St. Helena.  Thank goodness for our laid-back

 and tolerant guide, Travis.  We were pretty pickled by that point, so you can only imagine what a

handful we were.  He took it all in stride and treated us to perhaps our favorite tour of the day.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

We spent day 3 in Sonoma at the spa and finished with dinner at Della Santina’s.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our group split up on our last day in wine country.  Four of us chose to go riding on the Kunde Estate.

The breathtaking views and our fantastic guide Dominic created a near perfect afternoon. 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 One last night of delicious wine and food at the award-winning Bistro Jeanty in Yountville – the

tomato soup in puff pastry was a big hit with the girls – and then it was back home for most of the

group.  My friend Lori (far left) and I spent an extra day in San Francisco … but that’s another post.

 

 

  

 

 

 

Read about San Francisco in my next post, Scenes from a Vacation – Part II.

 

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

 

 

 

Puppy Love

 

Some of you will understand this and some of you won’t.  But I am totally

and completely in love with my dog.  Nina, my Norwegian Elkhound, is the

love of my life.  This truth can be attributed to two things: (1) my never-ending

 affection and sensitivity for animals and (2) the fact that I don’t have children.

Nina is my kid … my canine kid.  I spend more time with her than any other

living creature on the planet, her personality is as complex as any human’s and

when she’s hurt, my heart breaks.  And since she had a medical procedure at

the vet today that left her drugged, in pain and wearing one of those shameful

cones, I thought it time that I dedicate a blog to her.  All other posts can wait. 

 

I love you Nina!

 

 

 

 

 

 

- Nina Feeling Poorly -

 

My poor, doped-up baby wearing the bonnet of shame. 

 

 

 

 

 

- Nina the Pup -

  

Sooooo cute!

 

 

 

 

 

- Nina at Work -

 

Helping select fabric samples at Huntley & Co.

 

 

 

 

 

- Nina at Play -

 

In the grass …

 

… and in the snow.

 

 

    

 

 

- Nina at Rest -

 

At the foot of my desk snuggling with her bear and bone.

 

On the bed … and under it.

 

In her “superman” pose cooling her belly at the A/C vent.

 

 

 

 

  

- Nina & Her Momma -

 

In good times and in bad.

 

 

 

 

 

 

To the dog days of summer and all our beloved animal companions.

Tricia & Nina xoxo

 

 

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

 

Personal Shopper - Summer Holiday

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

  

Happy 4th of July!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

- Urban Fireworks -

Look by Urban Outfitters

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

- Martha’s Vineyard Cookout -

  

  

Look by J.Crew

 

 

 

 

 

 

- Lounging in Palm Beach -

  

  

  

Look by Vivre

  

 

  

 

 

 

 

- Cocktails & Canapés -

Look by the shops of Georgetown

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

 

 

Tricia xo

 

 

 

 

 

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