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The Elegance of Etiquette
The topic of manners came up this week. It related to job site etiquette, but it’s worth revisiting as a general modus operandi. I find guidelines and rules delightful in most cases. Having a framework in place makes life easier and frees me up to “do” instead of think. I’m also a contrarian, so don’t assume I’m going to follow your rules if they irritate, offend, or don’t make sense. My 4th-grade, Catholic school teacher said this was an attitude problem; I think it’s emotional intelligence. I’m a major champion of procedures and systems (see below), but I think a healthy dose of common sense and scrutiny makes the world a better place.
Job Site Etiquette
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer to “What is proper job site etiquette?”. The size, scope, contractor, and cost are all determining factors. I share my thoughts on the subject in the following video and responded directly to the questioner, Kate, with the answer below.
Send in your questions! I answer reader’s questions weekly via our Instagram ‘Asked and Answered’ feature.
Since job sites are my happy place, it’s worth sharing how magically they transform (as seen here). It’s one of the best parts of my job – gathering with the team, talking shop with talented craftspeople, walking through the skeletons of future rooms, and of course, seeing my designs develop from plans and elevations into actual livable structures.
above (counterclockwise): The lifecycle of a Huntley & Co. job site from start to finish.
My Favorite Forms of Etiquette
How I love a code of conduct (aka, etiquette). Any situation can benefit from it. Here are three that I recommend.
Grammar
The use of proper grammar says something about the speaker. You value quality over convenience. You want your thoughts conveyed with clarity. You appreciate the beauty and nuances of y/our language. I believe there is glamour in grammar … as evidenced by my copy of Roy Peter Clark’s book.
Table Setting
Setting a table according to a particular framework isn’t about being fussy, it’s about creating order. When everything is in its place, the beauty of the meal shines through and you create a consistent experience for your guests.
Driving
This will seem like a controversial stance to those who have driven with me. Do I have a reputation for cussing while in the car, yes. Is this ladylike behavior, no. In my defense, my anger is born from my enthusiasm for rules, and I find the lack of vehicular awareness and consideration of those written and unwritten absolutely maddening. Left lane drivers, I despise you.
Stay in the right lane, pass on the left. Watch for the light to turn. Keep an eye out for your exit. And for all that is good and sensible, get off your phones!
A Rule that Pays Off
As mentioned above, I’m a champion of systems. And there is one rule, that if you implement it, you will thank yourself for down the road. Systemize your files. It may not seem critical, but trust me, it’s worthwhile. Whether it’s an exterior trim paint color from a client’s vacation home, a photo from a site visit in March of 2018, or an antique I saw in Palm Beach on a trip 10 years ago, We Can Find It. I’ve had clients call and ask the most obscure things and 9 times out of 10, I have the answer in 5 minutes. Why? Because our internal files are organized according to a standardized system from which we do not deviate. Knowing how to find anything in 18 years of data saves time, avoids stress, and makes us look like miracle workers to boot!
Here’s our secret sauce for labeling H&Co. site visit files.
Sequence:
- Site Visit (aka subject)
- Year-
- Month-
- Day
- Underscore
- Room or Leading Topic
- Underscore
- Additional details to make info easier to find
I really let my type-A shine this week!
Hey Insiders – I love hearing from you, so share your comments below!
TRICIA HUNTLEY | HUNTLEY & CO.
“The glamorous space where tradition and modernity collide.”
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Unleash Your Power!
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Unleash Your Power!
The last 24 hours have not been easy. To see a fierce, beautiful, intelligent, and accomplished woman lose to a (insert reader’s choice) has me reeling. Yet despite the shock and distress, we have seen nothing but grace from her. Typical. Just like a woman. It just proves how awe-inspiring women are. Goddam we’re fabulous. So if you have held back, stayed small, or lived in doubt – now is the time to DO YOU. Wear what you want, speak your mind, start that business, move abroad (not a bad idea). The braver, fiercer, bolder version of you is waiting. And we are here to cheer you on!
Multi-Dimensional
Contrary to a certain, popular narrative, women are not one-dimensional. A woman can be ambitious and sensitive, athletic and feminine, creative and type-A (yours truly). Case in point, the Huntley & Co. vibe. It’s a study of contrasts, eclectic and somewhat disparate. Not everyone gets it, and that’s OK. It resonates for me and feels like home.
My Secret Point of Power
Perfectly inline with this week’s topic, is one of my favorite things to use in the studio – PowerPoint. I’m not kidding. I have learned to exploit this software within an inch of its life and it always has more to give. I do create the occasional slide show, but you wouldn’t believe how many other uses there are for it.
3 Unexpected Ways I Use PowerPoint:
1. Vibe boards (e.g., like the one at top)
2 Our huntleyco “roomXroom” files:
For our projects, we collect images of furnishings, lighting, etc. and copy them into slides, sort, and label them by room. We hyperlink all of the photos and delete and replace them as the design develops.
3. 3-dimensional elevations
The room shown here was created in PowerPoint. It’s not as robust a program as SketchUp or Revit, but it’s a thousand times faster and easier … and creates beautiful results!
Screenshot(s) of the Week
Rebranding chocolate as “Wenge” is genius marketing. It didn’t need to be done, but I dig it.
I wish I could properly credit these gorgeous photos. @wittok1 is a curator, not the source.
Here is to the women who fight the good fight, stand tall, and persevere. Bravo!
Hey Insider – If you are noodling on a problem or project, I may be able to help! Share in comments.
Otherwise, I will see you next week or on social media. Links below.
TRICIA HUNTLEY | HUNTLEY & CO.
“The glamorous space where tradition and modernity collide.”
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The Elegance of Etiquette
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What Will Make a Difference in Your Interior?
What Will Make a Difference in Your Interior?
I have been inside a lot of homes recently; early fall is house-tour season here in MSP. A few I visited were spectacular (bravo!), some were nicely done, and most were perfectly fine. Those that caught my attention typically had good bones, quality hardware, better finishes, and a unique point of view. The unfortunate reality is that most projects require value-engineering. Deciding how and where to uplevel makes the difference between the “perfectly fine” homes and those we remember.
Behind the Design
The photos below are behind-the-scenes shots of our cover star, the primary bedroom of our H&Co. Greenwich Village project. What decisions made a difference in this project? 1) Drenching the walls and ceiling in a similar hue/tone to minimize the impact of the bulkheads. 2) Installing custom cabinetry at the perimeter so we could eliminate furniture. Architecturally, this room has a lot going on, so it was necessary to reduce clutter and quiet the envelope. 3) Finding the vintage, hand-painted, silk folding screen and mounting it behind the bed. What an impact!
Clockwise from upper left: (1) a better view of the cabinetry and the terrace; (2) a detail of the vanity mirror; (3) a hidden door on the bed wall leads to the bath; (4) my all-time favorite flower/plant, aka “monkey balls” found their way into the corner of the cover photo.
3 Details Worth the Investment
There are three details that I consider mandatory in a custom home. Keep an eye out for these the next time you visit, what is considered, a custom / luxury / high-end home. It should have these details, full stop.
1. LUTRON DESIGNER STYLE LIGHTING CONTROLS
The lightswitch controls at right are ganged in a screwless, satin finish plate with dimmable capabilities. Worth it.
2. CUSTOM VENT COVERS
The decorative vent cover at right has a design motif specific to the home’s vernacular, and again, no screws are visible. Worth it.
3. STONE COUNTERS
The real marble at right has veining with layered, nuanced hues and movement that is natural in its unpredictability. Worth it.
How to Prioritize Like a Type-A
Want to know a secret? Type-A’s are not born, we’re made. My love of systems and spreadsheets developed at a young age as a way to manage overwhelm. That turned out to be fortuitous since – as an interior designer – I’m responsible for overseeing, tracking, and implementing thousands of details. From problems come opportunities! I now have a multitude of procedures, and templates in my arsenal. Some are elaborate in their construction (20-column matrices, anyone?), but others are really simple – just habits really. This is one of those little tricks.
Daily Prioritizing Process
// Every morning I do a “brain dump”. I pull these to-do’s from my week’s priority list (on another page) and add anything else that comes to mind.
// To combat the paralyzing issue of priority, I do a quick run-through of the list and number each task with a #1 (must do today), a #2 (important, but not critical), or a #3 (can roll over to tomorrow, but let’s not forget about it). Suddenly, it’s no longer a laundry list of action items; I’ve essentially broken it into thirds and the first third is the only portion that needs my attention right now.
// To clarify further, I will circle one (or two) #1 tasks if they are screaming for priority.
As you can see there is other coding that develops as the day goes on: checkmarks, X’s, arrows, and strikethrough’s. I will explain those details, and the other blocks of my DAP (daily action planner) for another day.
Footnote: The use of cursive is not accidental. This practice is going the way of the Dodo bird, but I will tell you nothing gets thoughts out of your head and into actionable tasks faster. I rediscovered this skill when I started my own firm and #cantlivewithout it.Asked and Answered | our new Instagram Q+A feature
We have started a new, regular feature on Instagram called Asked and Answered. I will answer interior design questions in a weekly IG post from readers/viewers who (1) follow us on Instagram, (2) sign-up for our newsletter, and (3) DM their inquiry. More details are available on IG: click the image at right and look for the 10/30 carousel post with “High Expectations?” in the first photo. Send in your questions!
Hey Insider, Luxe & Lucid will have more frequent drops moving forward, so I will see you next week!
In the meantime, I would love to connect with you via our social media platforms. Links below.
TRICIA HUNTLEY | HUNTLEY & CO.
“The glamorous space where tradition and modernity collide.”
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7 Spaces Drenched in Color
Dipping a space in outside-the-box hues may seem like a risk, but the ROI is worth it. If thoughtfully chosen and paired with the right pieces, true saturation can transform a room into an immersive experience.
Walls and Millwork
A true blue study by Steven Gambrel (top) ; A unique palette of blush, gold and chili pepper red in a dining room also by SG (middle left); Walls painted in Farrow & Ball’s India Yellow in a Huntley & Co. bath (middle right); Kelly green makes an interesting, yet, spot-on choice for this Hardenburg Designs master bath (bottom) … 4 Huntley sconces add the perfect touch!
Ceilings and Floors
Philip Gorrivan goes for high gloss sea-green in a kitchen (left); Gleaming red floors by Phillip Lantz (right)
Pink is the color of October
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, so it’s a great time to get your pink on! He Cong in Vogue China (left) The 7th space drenched in color is Guillermo Santoma’s Barcelona apartment (center); A pink door photographed in Alexandria, VA by T. Huntley (right)
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Scale Up / Scale Down
Symmetry, balance and proportion are key tenets of how I develop an interior; I was trained in classical architecture. Yet, when I get to the decorating portion of the design process, I throw Palladio’s rules out the window – especially scale. Playing with scale (blowing things up, sizing them down) is a way for me to change the vibe in a space, and therefore, how its experienced.
Go Big
There are times when you just need to go big or go home. An oversized mirror can completely change a room. And a chandelier or pendant that outsizes a dining table is pure drama. Scaling up disrupts the status quo – it wakes us up and brings a room alive.
Featured image: Shinola Hotel by Gachot Studios; Middle 4 clockwise: Bjorn Wallender, Moooi, Steven Gambrel, Huntley & Co.; Bottom: Thom Filicia
Stay Small
Sometimes making a statement means staying small. A diminutive artwork on a large wall will draw you to it. A low sofa beside tall windows will create elegant volume. A tiny light fixture over a table creates intimacy. Design isn’t always about knocking someone’s socks off. At times, it’s about creating a serene environment or eliciting an emotion.
Top: Raji RM; Middle 4 clockwise: Workstead, Billy Cotton, Huntley & Co., Rose Uniacke (?); Bottom: Laura Santos
Happy election week America. See you on the other side!
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installing Annapolis (ed. 3)
Now that wallcovering is up, it’s time to layer in the FLOORCOVERINGS at our Annapolis project. Installing carpet and rugs in a home is a sensory blanket of sorts. They reduce ambient noise, soften impact underfoot and warm up cold floors. They can also unify furniture in a large room and make stairs safer. Beauty with benefits – that’s what interior design is all about!
floorcovering installation ::
Got rugs? We do and they are ready to roll!
Installing the first set of three stairs. All three received the same runner style for continuity and balance in the home.
(left) In her office I wanted pattern, but not color. This diamond pattern from Stark expands the space without looking busy. (right) I chose a classic seagrass rug in a round shape for his office. A round rug can work magic in a room. It can soften angular architecture and integrate a disparate furniture arrangement.
Speaking of round rugs, this one for the son’s bedroom is a Missoni pattern. It is spirited yet sophisticated – a style that will carry him into his teenage and young adult years.
(left) A grey and green stripe fills the expansive younger daughter’s room. (right) I chose a blue-grey ribbed style for the older daughter’s room. It marries beautifully with the wallcovering and has just enough slubs and flecking (let’s hope!) to stand up to a teenager.
(top) A view into the dining room and its new graphic but subtle area rug. (bottom) The original sample at left and the artwork for approval at right.
It took months to find the right rug for the guest bedroom. Finally, one day, I found the perfect one. It’s the correct size, style, texture and combination of colors. #needleinahaystack
Isn’t this sample lovely? It’s a custom khotan for the master bedroom. Unfortunately, it’s behind schedule – by a lot – and not on site. It was the first order we wrote for this project, so not receiving it in time was unexpected and very disappointing. We think it will be worth the wait, so we will definitely post photos on Instagram when it does arrive.
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Installing Annapolis (ed. 2)
Last week we shared a behind-the-scenes look at the lighting installation at our Bay Ridge project. This week we are focusing on the WALLCOVERING. Softening the envelope and warming up the interior was a big focus of this design. Once paper is up on the walls (and ceilings in many cases) an interior really starts to feel like a home.
wallcovering installation ::
Our PO with samples of all the papers attached for the paperhanger.
Papering a spacious room requires a ladder and teamwork. The photo at right reveals the texture of the paper.
A soothing beige-on-beige paint and paper combination in the guest bedroom.
(top to bottom) Lining up a paper’s pattern; An installation diagram we sketched for the contractor; The paper freshly hung in the younger daughter’s bedroom.
A subtle grey paper in the final stages of installation in the oldest daughter’s bedroom.
Proof that wallcovering can transform a space. This foyer has become a showstopper in this home.
Thank you Michael for all your great work! Next up is floorcoverings.
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Installing Annapolis (ed. 1)
Huntley & Co. spends months behind the scenes working on our projects. And it isn’t until the last 6 weeks or so that photos are really worth sharing – that’s when we get to the point of actually installing things in a home: lighting and wallcovering first, then floorcoverings, then furniture. We are in the installation phase now at our Bay Ridge project in Annapolis (yes!) and are seeing items that we spec’d or purchased 9+ months ago go up on the walls, ceiling, etc. During the final push, LIGHTING makes a particularly big impact. The placement, style and finish all affect the function and feel of the home. And like jewelry on a woman, it’s these fixtures that can truly ‘light up’ a house ; )
lighting installation ::
Some of the elevations we generated for the contractor and electrician.
The installation of surface mount fixtures in two daughters’ bedrooms – a pendant in the room at left and a pair of wall sconces in the room at right. And yes, sometimes one has to cut 5 (count em, 5!) holes to wire a single fixture.
Determining if/where to install a pinlight in a niche.
Chandeliers, sconces, pendants and lamps we are installing at Bay Ridge. The lighting package is a clean, modern|traditional mix that includes vintage, antiques and pieces from some of our favorite manufacturers including Ironware, Vaughan, Circa and UEco.
Inspecting a fixture’s finish now that it’s on site.
Vintage sconces in the upstairs hallway. The rest of the lighting will be installed by the end of the week.
Thank you to Bayview Builders for all your great work! Next up is wallcovering.
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Ironware’s Designer Spotlight
In an interview with Ironware International, Tricia answers all your burning questions including what inspires her, what’s on her bucket list and whether she prefers 70s soul, country music or contemporary pop (hint: all of the above).
Ironware Q&A
Who is a designer you admire and why?
Muriel Brandolini. I admire her creativity, fearlessness, passion for craftsmanship and ability to mold her very particular look into something traditional or modern.
Where is your favorite travel destination?
Italy. Rome and Florence are favorites – The Boboli Gardens particularly in Florence.
What or who has inspired your work recently.
I recently watched the documentary ‘Agnelli’ about the life of Gianni Agnelli. His style is legendary. His clothing, grooming, homes, cars, art, mannerisms—all were impeccable, incredibly glamorous, and yet, totally effortless. He embodied midcentury Italian style.
Is there a special detail you always add to your projects?
Bespoke furnishings. We always create custom furniture, lighting and/or softgoods for our projects.
What is the most common mistake you see in interiors?
Uninspired art. Seeing a well-executed interior with art that’s decorative or pedestrian is soul-crushing. An artwork collection should be a mix of genres and price points; some should be thoughtfully curated pieces, others should be “finds” from vacations and flea markets. It shouldn’t be too perfect, too much of the same or purchased based on what your friends own.
What is most exciting to you in your career at this moment?
The landscape of our industry is constantly shifting and it’s become an ongoing challenge for designers. The good news is that I love a challenge. I never thought I would have to explain or defend my professional value at this point in my career, but I’ve come to realize that it ups my game in many ways. I continually pursue new levels of excellence in design and business. That keeps my job exciting and interesting.
How would you best describe your style?
Eclectic yet edited. I like unexpected pairings and a bit of tension wrapped in a thoughtful, comfortable envelope.
Describe a favorite piece in your personal home
I purchased a vintage coromandel screen last year and installed it in my dining room. It has a rich warm wood finish with slightly colored carvings. It has great scale and is both very elegant and a bit weird. It’s flanked by crystal Swedish sconces with my dining table, pink leather chairs and brutalist chandelier completing the arrangement.
What are three (or four!) things you can’t live without besides family, faith and friends?
Comedy radio, cursive handwriting, my Swell water bottle and Nina, my beloved Norwegian Elkhound.
Name something on your bucket list
Going on safari in Africa.
What music are you listening to right now?
70s soul, country and the Sia station on Pandora.
Why do you choose Ironware for your projects?
Ironware has substance. Playing the textural and sculptural against clean lines is part of what makes a Huntley & Co. interior. Ironware is the perfect counterpoint to more tailored furnishings.Ironware x Huntley
(L to R): the Alicia table in an Annapolis project; the Huntley-designed Celine pendant; a master bedroom features the Diego bed. The Celine pendant and a multitude of other gorgeous light fixtures, furnishings and accessories are available to-the-trade on the Ironware International website. HUNTLEYCODESIGN loves IRONWARE!
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West End :: The Reveal
This reveal has been a long time coming. Not because it was only just installed, but because Luxe & Lucid was tied up in a parallel universe after we moved the Huntley & Co. website to another platform. The technical side of small business is the gift that keeps on giving. So we thank you for your patience, and without further ado, we reveal our West End project installation!
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Making it Move-In Ready
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Obviously before our clients can move in, we have to install carpet, light fixtures, wallcovering and window treatments. Then, with our backdrop complete, our team is ready to bring in the furniture and accessories.
(top L to R) Living room chandelier install; Master bedroom carpeting in progress; Wallpaper in the third floor den; Installation of master bedroom roman shades.
(bottom L to R) The crew unloading the truck; Opening artwork; Vintage Italian barcart.
(L to R) Setting the stage with flowers and accessories; Paper template for a tricky mirror install; Preparing a vintage music montage for the dining room.
Welcome Home!
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Alas, our vision for a classic interior full of cosmopolitan flair has come to life. This is, hands down, our favorite part of the process!
(top to bottom) A custom dining table paired with vintage chairs; Mixed materials in the entryway; A bespoke vanity in a teeny tiny powder room; Unexpected lighting in the kitchen; Dining room details; A chic Italian sofa with lyrical curves anchors the living room.
(top to bottom) Master bath wrapped in handmade tiles and featuring vintage lighting; An engaging mix of pattern and texture in the third floor den; Bespoke linens in the master bedroom – how luxe!
And That’s a Wrap
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A big thank you to our wonderful West End collaborators. We hate to say goodbye, but we’re off to design more beautiful spaces …
Tricia gives the resident pup, Barney, a tour of his new home.
To see the gorgeous professional photos of the West End project, visit the Huntley & Co. portfolio. Or take it one step further and help us win a Luxe RED award by voting for this project! Voting closes January 25.
xo huntleycodesign
LUXE AND LUCID
THE MUSINGS OF DESIGNER TRICIA HUNTLEY
