Holiday
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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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POM POMS
You wouldn’t think there would be any commonality among design, fashion and a dog’s tail. Pardon? My beloved pup had surgery on her tail recently and her gorgeous, fluffy appendage turned into something of a pom pom. Sad? Yes. Adorable? Absolutely. It reminded me of how delightful pom poms are. It’s something about a shape so perfectly simple encased in fluff. Whether it’s a detail on shoes, trim on drapes or something more unexpected – pom poms just make me happy. The indefatigable Iris Apfel gets it. (L) Rebecca de Ravenel wearing her celebrated Les Bonbons earrings; (C) a fanciful canopy by Olive Juice Interior Design; (R) happy yellow Billy Button flowers c/o…
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The Truth About Romance
Romance for me is all about atmosphere. It’s not necessarily defined by luxury and indulgence (although that works too). It’s more about a warmth that is at once alluring and thoughtful. And it can be found anywhere … Listening to a sexy mix on Pandora; alone on a cold night next to a roaring fire; at a breathtaking art exhibit; overlooking a misty river; in a tiny shop tucked away in a gritty part of London; or, of course, cozied up with your loved one in a hotel suite for the weekend. The misconception about romance is that it’s exclusive to those with a black Amex or a wedding band. It may smack a bit of “personal…
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Thanksgiving and the beauty of home
Like so many, I love Thanksgiving. So many wonderful things come together — decorating, family, food! — on one glorious, indulgent day. I’ve designed quite a few dining rooms for clients throughout the years and it’s always exciting to see these spaces come to life on Thanksgiving. Décor isn’t the reason for the season, but sharing beauty and joy with loved ones is. Eclectic, tailored and dramatic is just the right vibe in a dining room. For me, design is about expression. The dining spaces below are in Maryland, DC, New York and Arizona respectively. Each is a signature of a particular home, lifestyle and client. Details are a key part of the…
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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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Gifting
Shopping for Christmas (Hanukkah, etc.) can be a blast when you find just the right gift for your special someone. I’m sharing some of my best finds for those of you who are still on the hunt. Happy holidays! * Scroll to the bottom for LUXE & LUCID gifts that give back * | FOR THE AESTHETE | Male or female, the key to buying a gift for this type is finding a functional object that is executed beautifully. Shagreen matchstriker (L); custom knife from Rockin’ One Knives (C); UrbanEars headphones (R) | FOR YOUR MAN | He is no doubt handsome, but with these accessories, he will…
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Holiday House_The Reveal
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…
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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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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…
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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…
