furniture
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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
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West End Process :: Furnishings
Bespoke, turn-key interiors are a signature of Huntley & Co. First, the architectural envelope and materials are perfected. Next, we turn our process to furnishings and softgoods that complement the space and the client and are unique to the project. Lots of love and labor goes into the design, drawing and specification of these goods.
| FURNISHINGS |
// Living Room channel-back chairs
We custom designed a pair of channel back lounge chairs to maximize flow, circulation and style. Visits to the workroom gave us the opportunity to make adjustments to the design, layout fabric and to monitor progress.
L to R: Leg finish selections; our chair frame gets mocked up in muslin; laying out the large scale fabric.
// Living Room armoire
We source a lot of antique and vintage furnishings for our projects. Sometimes, however, these pieces need modifications to “fit”. This armoire was the perfect scale for the open concept living area and provided much needed storage, but modification to the finish and interior were necessary. New hardware and shirred curtains turned this beauty into functional storage.
L to R: Removing the old finish; specifying all the new details; installation in progress.
// Master Bedroom canopy bed
Each project has its share of logistical challenges – and we love a good challenge because it inspires us to get extra creative. Our process never leaves things to guesswork. When we discovered that the bed, as originally designed, could not be brought up the stairs or through the windows, we had to go back to the drawing board (literally) to custom design a version that would fit.
L to R: Verifying stairwell and doorway dimensions; studio drawing of the custom pieces and parts; Ironware‘s workshop with assembly pre-shipment.
| SOFTGOODS |
// Master Bedroom roman shades & softgoods
Tailored, functional, bespoke. We designed the window treatments and pillows to complement the quietly sophisticated scheme in the master bedroom. Troubleshooting tricky corners and sourcing one-of-a-kind details makes all the difference.
Top: Detailed site measures and schematic review; finished product! Bottom: A pillow workorder; a treasure chest of trim; a well-styled bed.
Stay tuned — Next week we’ll bring this project full circle and share our install with you! And in case you missed the other West End posts, check them out here and here.
xo, Huntley & Co.
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show-house // faux-client :: the reveal!
We know you and our fabulous faux clients have been waiting for our big reveal. The design process is nothing, if not, an exercise in patience. From concept to installation, interior design requires vision, tenacity and know-how. It’s a labor of love, but labor nonetheless. So when the time finally comes to present our clients with their dream home, our excitement is hard to contain. This particular dream home is ‘faux show’, but the thrill of the reveal remains the same … So without further ado!
— THE 2016 FAUX HOUSE REVEAL —
[ Our clients seem pleased ]
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— DESIGNER Q&A —
Our Huntley & Co. clients and room may have been crafted from imagination,
but they do speak to the real methodology and design vernacular of our firm’s work.
Here, principal Tricia Huntley, opens up about her influences, the importance
of breaking the rules and the best song to get a party started.
1. What are some of the things that influence you, aside from furniture and décor?
Museums, music, fashion, history, parks/nature, architecture, poetry … those things that are thoughtful, provocative, moving. I like to start with a feeling or mood before I pivot to the tangible aspect of things.
2. What qualities of a room do you most admire?
Substantial hardware and appropriate, expertly executed millwork. I would rather live in an empty house with those two qualities than a shoddy new-build with the best furniture.
3. Design rule you love to break?
Symmetry. I was classically trained so I believe in building a space according to the rules of symmetry. But I also believe that breaking that symmetry in clever, nuanced ways is what brings a room to life.
4. You know these clients will be having many a fete, what’s a good hostess gift?
I love to give sophisticated, unusual candles and fragrances. Aedes de Venustas, Joya and Santa Maria Novella all offer intriguing scents in stunning vessels. And of course, good booze and wine never go out of style. Add a beautiful ribbon with a handwritten tag and you’re done.
5. Rapid Fire!
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It’s been fun, but we need to dash! Our clients told us to get out so they can enjoy their new home ; )
If you want another glimpse at the process, simply click on posts Part I, Part II and/or Part III. And special thanks to our “faux clients” Justin O’Shea and Veronika Heilbrunner. They are the coolest couple on the planet and dream clients fo sho!
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SHOW-HOUSE // FAUX-CLIENT :: part II
Like the early stages of a romance, the onset of a new design project brings lots of excitement, energy and anticipation. Now that we’ve “gotten to know” our Faux Clients better and have defined a visual narrative for their space, we are ready to start deep-diving the design. It’s time to measure the room, pull our materials and find our gorgeous furnishings — let’s show this showhouse what we’re made of!
Prep Work______________________________
Preparation and foresight are the secret weapons behind a good design. We always arrive well-prepped for site visits and measures. Camera? Check. Tape measure? Check. Comfortable shoes? Definitely check.
Scouting for Furnishings____________________
Scouting for hidden treasure is one of design’s greatest thrills. Fortunately, we are blessed to have access to a rich variety of vendors and shops from which to source our goods. We let serendipity play a part in our work, so it’s usually one or two really special discoveries that drives our designs. This part of the process is not about “shopping”; it’s about having an informed concept, an open mind and a great eye. Our goal at Huntley & Co. is always to curate an interior that is both timeless and forward-thinking — to evoke an emotional response that inspires and nourishes the spirit of the client.
Pulling Together the Scheme_________________
Besides hunting for furnishings during this phase, we pour through our office library for fabrics and finishes. We strive to use materials that enhance a home’s architecture and complement the lifestyle of our clients. A thoughtfully selected mix of light and dark, textural and refined, beautiful and odd are what make a room interesting and livable.
Next week we’ll bring you Part III of our Show-house/Faux-client series where we’ll dive into the technical aspects (drawings!) of the project. Subscribe to our newsletter or find us on Bloglovin’ to stay tuned.
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HARDWARE – THE ESSENTIAL ACCESSORY
Those who won in Rio can be found post-games posing with their hard-earned medals (gold, silver and/or bronze) at news conferences, talk shows and celebrity events. Olympic hardware is pretty delicious — and not just because the athletes like to take a playful chomp during photo-ops — the heft and quality of the medals is obvious. That’s why hardware is one of my favorite elements in design. Well-crafted hardware not only looks good, if feels good. Handling a door knob or drawer pull that’s cast and detailed to perfection is like nothing else. Install beautiful, substantial hardware throughout a residence and the home will have guaranteed gravitas and soul.
Make an Entrance
Door hardware is often one of the first impressions a home can make; it’s an introduction to the story inside … and an opportunity to have a little fun!
(left) antique fish knocker from Comer & Co. (center) beautifully handcrafted and complex set via Tumblr and (right) vintage brass door hardware with starburst escutcheons via Pinterest
The Finishing Touch to Cabinetry
A lot of care goes into the design of millwork, so we want to honor the craftsmanship with the right choice of hardware. Whether it’s nickel or bronze, knob or pull, ornate or simple — all depends on the vernacular of the residence.
(above) We settled on this hardware collection for a Florida master suite because it has a rustic and organic elegance, a perfect fit for the casual but sophisticated beach-side residence.
(clockwise from top left) The following hardware styles – traditional in Darnestown, contemporary in Delray Beach, transitional in Bethesda, and Colonial in Arlington – installed in Huntley & Co. projects.
Jewelry for Furniture
Sometimes the success of a furniture piece depends on the hardware. This handcrafted gold pull wholly represents our credo of modern glamour and was just the magic this custom H&Co. console required.
Gold ‘Branche’ pull by Objet Insolite glows against the grey shagreen finish of the console.
Designing from Scratch
Hardware is always essential, but in some cases, it is actually at the heart of the design – as it was in the case of this custom H&Co. trunk. The antique brass English plate handle was integral to the design process and chosen specifically for our Irish client. From inspiration, to drawings, to fabrication — no detail was left behind!
(above) The selection process.
(below) Detailed drawings for our fabricator; (bottom right) the finished upholstered trunk with plate handles, nailheads, pop-up lid and concealed drop-down door.
On the Road Discoveries
These are the kind of photos I download from my trips. Forget tourist traps and lounging on the beach. No, my idea of heaven is snapping shots of door hardware and cabinet knobs. Can you say #designaddict?
(left) egg knobs and chicken wire at the Marlton Hotel; (center) Incredible Van Cronenburg at the AD Design Show; (center) selecting horn pulls at Ochre
I could easily post a hundred more photos of hardware. Instead, go to Luxe & Lucid’s “interior architecture+details” page on Pinterest. This much great hardware will make you a #designaddict too!
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THE BEST OF LA // DESIGN
I was in LA recently. It’s the perfect getaway and has everything my heart desires — a warm climate, a cool vibe, a lush and luxurious urban landscape and all the shopping a girl could want. It’s not called the “city of angels” for nothin’ people. For designers, the LA scene offers gorgeous settings, lovely laidback staff and some of the best furnishings in the US. Key streets are Highland, Beverly Blvd, La Cienega, Melrose Ave and Melrose Place. Head to Blackman Cruz, JF Chen, The Window, Harbinger, Hollyhock, Nicky Kehoe, Kelly Wearstler, Galerie Half, Garde, Lief … to name just a few. The east coast is unseasonably cold and Legends of La Cienega is on the horizon, so book your ticket for tinseltown today!
Blackman Cruz
JF Chen
Galerie Half
Nicky Kehoe
Leif
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And, of course, a little R&R is in store after pounding the pavement all day. One night I met up with a pair of stylish LA friends at Estrella on Sunset to cocktail, nosh and chat about east coast vs. west coast life, business and girlpower. The night ended with an impromptu manager-guided tour through the speakeasy-esque lounges and private screening room. Fabulous.
Estrella
Another night was spent at Wally’s in Beverly Hills reminiscing with a beloved sorority sister. A chic, casual yet elegant vibe with a stellar wine list, amazing menu and, of course, the occasional short-skirted, silicone-injected woman in the corner snapping selfies. Only in LA.
Wally’s
There are so many gorgeous hotels in LA. But for this trip, I wanted to stay in the heart of West Hollywood. The London was a fantastic choice. Nestled at the corner of Sunset and San Vicente; it’s the perfect urbanite location with beautiful décor and superb service and amenities to boot.
![30277746-H1-080611_LWH_ENTRANCE_SHELBY_F3[1]](https://luxeandlucidblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/30277746-H1-080611_LWH_ENTRANCE_SHELBY_F31-1024x683.jpg)
London West Hollywood
OTHER LUXE & LUCID FAVES TO ADD TO YOUR LIST
HOTELS: Hollywood Roosevelt, Chamberlain, Huntley Hotel, Palihouse, Hotel Bel Air
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DINING: Lucques, Fig & Olive, Joan’s on Third, Son of a Gun, Norah (a must!)
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COFFEE: Alfred and Urrth in WH, Nespresso in BH
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HIKES: Runyon Canyon Loop, Topanga State Park
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GALLERIES: Honor Fraser, Blum & Poe
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CULTURAL: Huntington Botanical Gardens, Getty Center & Gardens, The Getty Villa
** LA = LOVE AFFAIR and THE BEST OF LA // FASHION offer additional itinerary ideas **
