Film
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West End Process :: Concept
One of our favorite Huntley & Co. projects this year was for a young couple who hired us to design and renovate their newly purchased townhouse in the West End neighborhood of Washington. Much to our delight, the duo brought a combination of sophistication and excitement to the endeavor. Translating that into a concept and then into a finished product was a multi-step process — and worth every minute. * * * | THE CONCEPT | Our clients inspired a decidedly cosmopolitan aesthetic. Accordingly, we imagined an eclectic mix of vintage and antique furnishings, unexpected stone and tile, and layers of complex colors and tones. As shown below, the mood board we created conveyed our idea of an elevated yet spirited home…
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Shark!
Sharks are certainly newsworthy these days. Shark Week is in full swing on Discovery, JAWS just celebrated the 40th anniversary of its release, and on a less inviting note, Carcharhinus have made the Outer Banks their summer vacation destination. Yikes! Surprising as it may seem, I am loving every minute of it. Despite my lifelong fear of sharks, I am obsessed with the movie Jaws. I admit this seems a bit odd for a land lover, professional aesthete and enthusiast of all things cute and fuzzy. First, I love a good thriller. Second, the cast is perfection. Third, the cinematography (Spielberg, of course) is inventive yet convincing. And fourth, the…
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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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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…
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[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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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West End Process :: Concept
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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…
