Luxe & Lucid

Garnet & Goats

2013-01-28T05:30:00-08:00

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

2013-01-12T14:34:43-08:00

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.

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

2012-11-05T10:50:34-08:00

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

2012-10-28T20:59:50-07:00

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!

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

2012-10-25T16:47:58-07:00

'Ze girls have been hard at work!

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

Bisous, M

Holiday House 10.19.12

2012-10-19T05:30:00-07:00

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

2012-10-18T06:00:00-07:00

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

2012-10-11T06:00:00-07:00

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

2012-03-12T23:36:37-07:00

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

2011-11-28T22:48:09-08:00

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

2011-11-13T15:18:36-08:00

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

2011-11-03T16:56:59-07:00

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