Luxe & Lucid is hosting its first guest blogger this week. At the helm is Molly Hammond –

assistant designer, project manager, and all around go-to girl at Huntley & Co.  With a unique

sense of style and impeccable writing she is sure to deliver a beautiful and memorable post. 

See you all next week!

Tricia xo

Rather than going into studio art, I was steered towards interiors with the help of my older sister, also a designer.  

It gives me the opportunity for practical application of principles I learned in painting, and honestly is more

suited for my personality since every day is different on this job. From time to time, I miss working with

   my hands and can find infinite inspiration by studying other disciplines. All in all, there is no other work

I would rather do. One of my favorite aspects of the design process is materials selection. I want to share

the work of a few jewelers, furniture makers, and architects that have pushed the boundaries of the materials

they are composing with, have really created something magnificent out of something ordinary, and have

risen to the challenge of fabricating their designs: you may notice they are all like intricate puzzles.

– CERAMIC –

These ceramics by Solomia Zoumaras are exquisite. Some of her pieces are interlocking.

– PAPER –

Jewelry by Janna Syvanoja represented by Alternatives Gallery in Florence. The amount of precision required

to work with such a delicate material to create these ethereal forms is amazing to me.  These shapes could

  translate to larger scales sculptures. I have been obsessed for years and still love

these pieces as much now as when I first saw them.

– CONCRETE –

Who else but Scarpa? Its possible that just looking at these details makes me giddy.

I would love to study the original detail drawings for these.

Top two, snapshots taken in Venice at Olivetti: Bottom two, Brion Vega Cemetery 

From top left: A staircase at the Palazzo Della Penna in Perugia.(which also houses a collection

of chalkboards by Joseph Beuys) Casa Dos Cubas by Embaixada Architects.

  A sculpture at a private residence by Tsao & McKown 

 - MIXED METALS –

Two brooches in mixed metals by Stefano Marchetti. Some of his additional work is posted

on a favorite inspiration resource, Klimt 02.  I am drawn to works with a combination

 of sculptural, free forms realized by meticulous craftsmanship.

 - STONE –

Kengo Kuma built this assembly space from Ooya Stone.

– CLOCK HANDS –

The wildcard.  I had never though of this as an agent for artistic creativity but now I know differently.

From Left. Clock by Christiaan Postma. Jewelry by Sergey Jivetin, at Jewelers Werk

  – WOOD –

Made by Meta. In awe. “38 seamlessly joined, curving facets of superbly matched Cocobolo Veneer”

– MORE PERFECT FITS –

Art & Food: an architect & a designer

Left to my own devices, I would probably spend every available weekend at a museum. So, to have

someone that it enthusiastic and knowledgeable about the same is beyond wonderful – I'm really fortunate.

A few weeks ago my fiance and I had a chance for some exploring in New York after visiting friends.

It’s surprising what you can fit into one afternoon, even upstate. We didn’t leave the city until noon,

but still managed a 1 hour drive up the Hudson on a sunny day, time to bask in the almost-unimaginable-

expansiveness of the Dia Beacon, a quick tour of downtown Beacon’s antique shops, and the most delicious

dinner of my life.  It’s a very feasible outing and a memorable experience: keep in mind for the next time

you are in the area! My highest recommendation.

At the Dia Beacon. Top: John Chamberlain.  Bottom: Michael Heizer, North, East, South, West.

Richard Serra. The Dia is located directly on the Hudson,

so it gets incredible light like I haven’t seen anywhere else.

 Blue Hill at Stone Barns.  I am still having dreams about this place. Every detail is accounted for.

(Architecture by Peter Guzy of Asfour Guzy Architects) We intended to dine in for lunch, but

got wrapped up at the Dia so we made it for dinner instead. Getting a table on a Saturday night

without a reservation is impossible, so dinner was served at the bar after enjoying expertly blended

cocktails by the fireplace.  These bartenders know more about what they do than I may ever know

 about design, and having their company for dinner was half the fun.  A five course “Farmers Feast”  

was actually more like 8 courses and the whisky tasting alongside the meal was another bonus.

      My first time having Rip Van Winkle Bourbon … as much for the name and packaging as the flavor.

I had to hold back from gasping at every presentation. Vegetables served on

spikes (!), potato chips woven with sage leaves, and I even wanted to take

home the gorgeous bread basket.  And those are just the appetizers.

Thank you for letting me take over this week, Tricia.

Hopefully you all enjoy – and hopefully I’ll be back again :)

– Molly