Music

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • [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…

  • 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 |…

  • 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…

  • Think Pink

       In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I am saluting one of my favorite colors – pink.  This lovely hue often gets a bad rap.  People think it’s a saccharine shade that should be  reserved for little girls’ bedrooms and bubble gum.  But pink can be as versatile and sophisticated  as any color in the spectrum.  I’ve used it in dining rooms, bathrooms and living rooms.  And it’s always warm, sexy, feminine and inviting.  Now before all you modernists and men poo-poo this idea,  I’ll let you in on a little secret.  Whenever I use pink in a room, the crew on site (plumbers, electricians, millworkers, etc.) always love…

  • One

                 As of September 2010, Luxe & Lucid is one-year-old.  And what a year it’s been! To celebrate, I’m recapping some of my favorite posting moments and sending a shout-out to  all those who’ve tuned in during my inaugural year online.  Life in the blogoshpere has been an unexpected joy and labor of love (with equal emphasis on "labor" and "love").  Stay tuned for more interiors, more fashion and more adventures in year two.  Anything could happen!   Tricia xo             – SEPTEMBER 28, 2009 – The Gold Standard My first post is still one of my favorites.  And my love affair with gold is…

  • (C)happy

      I spent this past weekend on Martha’s Vineyard. Apart from several trips to Newport for hotel work a decade ago, I haven't spent any time in New England.  I tend to migrate west for family get-togethers and downtime. And being the contrarian-enthusiast that I am, I was tentative about a preppy endemic.  I.e., an island saturated with bobbed hair, lockjaws and Lily Pulitzer ad nauseam.  Oh ye of little faith (and so much paranoia)!  I didn't know what I was missing.  Pristine architecture, majestic beaches and charming shops abound.  Add world-class seafood to the mix and you have the perfect destination for a weekend getaway.        * FRIDAY…

  • Sign Language

    I’m a January baby and a proud Capricorn. I can’t say that I’m an astrology advocate, but I do get a kick out of reading my horoscope this time of year.  Besides the fact that I often find my cosmic description to be dead-on accurate, I love the idea of my life and character being written in the stars.  A very anti-Capricorn concept to say the least which is why this is a once a year indulgence.  Luxe & Lucid is a platform for celebrating what makes us unique as individuals – whatever the context.  Sign me up!       Famous Capricorns … I’m in pretty good company.  …