Beauty & Health
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DESIGNING WITH PASSION :: THE COLORS OF VALENTINE’S DAY
I love the colors associated with Valentine’s Day. Red, garnet, blush, pink, plum — they’re all so delicious and sexy. This is a palette that seduces in design, fashion, and even nature. I suggest that you soak in the gorgeous inspiration of our post today, especially if you are spending the holiday sans sig-other. There is no balm for the soul like beauty. Well, that and a really good bottle of pinot noir and dark chocolate. HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY! ** Sources/links for the photos above can be found on our Pinterest page … along with other Valentine’s Day inspiration.
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THE AD DESIGN SHOW :: TRICIA’S 10
I spent the day at the Architectural Digest Design Show in New York on Friday. It’s always good to see what’s new, talk with vendors and “kick the tires” so to speak. Seeing the finish/scale/construction of products in person is integral to quality control and intelligent design. And, of course, it’s fun. I’ve shared ten best picks — whether it be a specific piece or an entire collection — and why each was worth a closer look. #1 Van Cronenburg I am passionate about hardware and this company is stellar. Substance and exquisite detail in every piece. #2 A Space Wall Sconce All of the products from A Space – lighting,…
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Dark and Inky
Halloween always inspires me. I relish the drama and suspense of the holiday, not to mention the excuse to go a little goth and watch scary movies. It’s always good to embrace one’s darker side, especially if you lean a little type A. So with all my clean and tailored design tendencies comes a need for what I call “dark and inky”. If you’ve worked with me or for me, you’ve heard me use this term. I am always on the quest for the perfect murky green, garnet or ebonized-blue (and of course black). Whether it’s a lacquered leather chair, a kick-ass pair of aubergine boots or a smokey eye for…
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Girl Power
I’ve had too many conversations recently with female friends and colleagues wherein I sensed a lack of self-worth from the smart, beautiful, successful woman across the table (phoneline, email). I am sure anyone who sees these women on the street would think, “Wow, she’s got it made”. So what exactly is going on? There seems to be a confidence crisis among our gender these days — it boggles my mind and breaks my heart. I am dedicating this post to the women and girls out there who are struggling, sad, lost or just not feeling good enough. Girlfriends, you are fabulous! – 10 REASONS WOMEN ARE AWESOME – 1. Love. It’s not whether…
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Broken
Breaking Bread, Breaking News, Breaking Ground, Breaking Bad. Breakthrough, Breakup, Breakdown, Breakaway. 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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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Tricia’s 10: Before & Afters
Everyone loves a makeover. It’s no wonder shows like What Not to Wear, The Biggest Loser and Extreme Makeover – Home Edition are so popular … “bettering” and “beautifying” are America’s favorite pastimes. That’s probably why interior design has such a following these days. It’s certainly the main reason I became a designer myself. There is nothing more satisfying than transforming an ugly duckling into a swan and I do it for a living. I’m a pretty lucky girl. And with this fortuitous career comes a bevy of photos recording my redesigns over the years. You can’t always get that perfect before-and-after shot, but when you do, what fun…
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Tricia’s 10: Skincare
Lately I have been giving a lot of skincare advice to friends. Most of it has been by request – which I take as a huge compliment – but I do admit to the occasional unsolicited tip as well. I really just want to be of service. I’ve spent a lifetime (and I do mean from my grammar school days) reading articles about skincare, testing products and seeking my own advice from professionals. I’m by no means a guru and I certainly don’t understand the science behind most of the products on the market, but I do know what works*. It’s taken a long time for me to find…
