Food and Drink
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Warm and Cozy
I have a new mantra now that the weather has turned in Minnesota – “WARM and COZY”. What I wear, where I go, what I eat and drink … all of these decisions will be subjected to the same question, “Will this make me feel warm and cozy?” Even things I love get the cold shoulder (pun intended) if they can’t cure a chill. Sayonara, sushi. Thankfully, winter brings with it a myriad of delicious opportunities.
Interiors
If you are a Huntley & Co. client, your interior will typically lean warmer. And if we start work on your project in winter, you will definintely end up with velvet, mohair, wool, and/or suede in your home. Thankfully, these materials are perennially chic.
above: A scheme devised for a Huntley & Co. home office.
Fashion
I prefer colder weather fashion. Don’t most women? The sweaters and boots and wraps and coats and …
above: A montage of F/W street fashion and 2 close-up’s of my own favorite cozy outfits.
Sustenance
Perhaps the best part of the cold weather months is THE FOOD. There is nothing like a rich, savory meal when the weather outside is frightful. Thank God for the bulkier, layered fashions above because the foods seen here are not low-cal.
L to R: Gourmet cheese and caviar on display in Beverly Hills; an English grocer with pasta that’s almost to pretty to eat; prosciutto wrapped figs
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More Confidence on the Job Site
Building a home? Have a renovation project in the works? Or are you a designer who wants to be empowered on the job site?
If you are (and are overwhelmed) I’ve created a guide that can help. Get your complimentary copy on the H&Co. website and gain control of your project!
* If you have used the guide in your project, I hope it was helpful! Share a message below if you have a comment or question.
TRICIA HUNTLEY | HUNTLEY & CO.
“The glamorous space where tradition and modernity collide.”
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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 **
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THE AD DESIGN SHOW :: TRICIA’S 10
I spent the day at the Architectural Digest Design Show in New York on Friday. It’s always good to see what’s new, talk with vendors and “kick the tires” so to speak. Seeing the finish/scale/construction of products in person is integral to quality control and intelligent design. And, of course, it’s fun. I’ve shared ten best picks — whether it be a specific piece or an entire collection — and why each was worth a closer look.
#1 Van Cronenburg
I am passionate about hardware and this company is stellar. Substance and exquisite detail in every piece.
#2 A Space Wall Sconce
All of the products from A Space – lighting, furniture, vases – are beautiful, but the Falling Star lamp was a show-stopper. It will undoubtedly make a lot of “it lists”.
#3 Archetypal
In a perfect world, Archetypal’s work would be on the floors of every home in America. A designer can dream.
#4 Jennifer Schinzing
Jennifer’s love for the natural world inspired her to learn taxidermy. She preserves small animals (many of them road kill casualties) and transforms them into art installations. The thoughtfulness and beauty of each “memorial” was remarkable. Take note world, SHE IS ONE TO WATCH.
#5 Visilek
This cabinet was perfection. The veneers, the joints, the mechanics, the proportions were all flawless. Filipe Rodrigues’ work is masterful.
#6 Brizio Faucet
The Brizio Solna faucet. It’s black, it’s functional, it’s sexy … and it’s plumbing. Gotta’ love it.
#7 Jefferson Hayman Photography
I never jumped on the gallery-style art installation bandwagon in design. Perhaps because often times it’s just a bunch of crap thrown up on the wall (yes, I just wrote that). But Jefferson Hayman’s installation at the AD Design Show was simply lovely. The collection was intimate, multi-faceted and beautifully framed. Purchasing the entire installation crossed my mind … and I think that of the gentleman in the photo (yes, I was eaves-dropping).
#8 Coral & Tusk
I’m a sucker for animal motifs, so naturally I was drawn to Coral & Tusk’s display. But what’s lovely about these goods is that the patterns are cute without being saccharine. The imagery is grounded by the quality and authenticity of the textiles. Moreover, Stephanie Housley was delightful; her enthusiasm and love for her work was evident.
#9 Joya’s F vs. S Candles
These candles may seem simple, but something about them caught my eye. They whispered [vs. shouted] sexy and luxurious — my personal sweet spot without a doubt. I inquired about an order at the show and pretty much want to purchase the whole collection of fragrances upon seeing the website.
![porcelain-joya[1]](https://luxeandlucidblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/porcelain-joya11-1024x808.jpg)
#10 C&B at Dining by Design
Believe it or not, I am including Crate & Barrell in this list. Their dining room for DIFFA included a brilliant wall “art” installation. How many plates were broken to create this I don’t know. But what fun and how tongue-in-cheek. Kudos C&B.
*All photos are my own save the two that are hyperlinked. Thank you for sharing your beautiful images with our readers.
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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.
![KAP_9868[1] - Copy2 cropped](https://luxeandlucidblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/KAP_98681-Copy2-cropped.jpg "Huntley & Co. Interior Design // www.huntleyandcompany.com")
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 magic when entertaining for the holidays and year-round.
Sometimes simplicity is all the drama a space needs. Traditional in Virginia and modern in Florida.
The dining room below is one of my favorites. The sophisticated color scheme creates a room that sings.
Happy Thanksgiving from Huntley & Co.
And a special thanks to our clients who make these images possible and our work lives so rich.
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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 evening – it just doesn’t get any sexier than dark and inky.
Links and sources for these images and others can be found on the Luxe & Lucid Pinterest board. Happy Halloween!
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Shark!
Sharks are certainly newsworthy these days. Shark Week is in full swing on Discovery, JAWS just celebrated the 40th anniversary of its release, and on a less inviting note, Carcharhinus have made the Outer Banks their summer vacation destination. Yikes! Surprising as it may seem, I am loving every minute of it. Despite my lifelong fear of sharks, I am obsessed with the movie Jaws. I admit this seems a bit odd for a land lover, professional aesthete and enthusiast of all things cute and fuzzy. First, I love a good thriller. Second, the cast is perfection. Third, the cinematography (Spielberg, of course) is inventive yet convincing. And fourth, the dialog makes it one of the most quotable films of all time. Yes, I could go on and on. As a creative person, I believe a piece of art is worth celebrating, regardless of the medium or subject. So without further ado, here’s to the most fascinating and freakin’ scariest fish in the sea.
Rihanna, Bruce (aka Jaws) and Harper’s Bazaar magazine. Has their ever been a better magazine cover?!
Quint, Brody and Hooper (Robert Shaw, Roy Scheider and Richard Dreyfuss respectively). Arguably the best ensemble on film.
clockwise from top left: (1) electron microphoto of sharkskin, (2) Peter Benchley’s book cover, (3) a shark tattoo, (4) Givenchy’s shark tooth bracelet and (5) Miles Teller in a sharkskin suit.
clockwise from top left: (1) shark belly button ring, (2) Givenchy Antigona sharksin-effect bag, (3) marble Squalo Sharkfin doorstops by James Irvine and (4) a 5th century Etruscan amulet with shark’s tooth.
clockwise from top left: (1) Sharkie Heels from TaylorSays – so crazy I almost want a pair, (2) Sharkskin paint by Benjamin Moore, (3) the incredibly sexy Chevy Mako Shark II and (4) the perfect cupcakes for a Jaws-themed party.
clockwise from top left: (1) Ruhlmann amboyna wood desk with sharkskin inlay, (2) Sharkfin pie – yes please, (3) SunSwimPlay grey Sharkie hat for baby and (4) sharkfin cookie molds/cutters.
Links to these and other shark-themed items as well as JAWS film stills and movie quotes can be found on the Shark! Pinterest board.
~~~~~~~^~~ Tricia
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Time for Reflection
The end of the year is indeed a time of reflection for many. But rather than wax poetic about 2014 and all it meant and what we learned (blah, blah, blah), I choose to look back in a more literal and playful manner. Using mirrors, and the magic of reflection, is one of the most beautiful and effective tools in my designer bag-of-tricks. Regardless of shape, size, provenance or patina – mirrors bounce light, enlarge a space and add a hint of enchantment to any room. So let’s say goodbye to 2014 not with regret or melancholy, but with anticipation for the year ahead and all that 2015 has in store for us … while taking one last glance in the mirror and congratulating ourselves for all that we accomplished this year ; )
| HUNTLEY & CO. REFLECTIONS |
(photography by Kevin Allen, Angie Seckinger & Tricia Huntley)
Wishing everyone a festive new year’s eve!
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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 easy to find a car when one’s style is epitomized by dichotomy. But this weekend, I actually spotted my dream ride.
I had never seen the Volvo 1800ES; it’s from the early 70s. Part roadster, part wagon. Stylized yet practical. Sexy and a little weird. I AM IN LOVE!
Dynamic duos – Opposites attract and are, truthfully, more interesting.
(L) “Portland, Oregon” blends Jack White’s tinny, rockabilly melody with Loretta Lynn’s old-school country style.
(M) Even more intriguing than Jesse and Walt’s differences on Breaking Bad are their internal dichotomies – troubled yet innocent heroine addict and conservative yet calculating high school teacher.
(R) Marilyn Monroe and Arthur Miller – the love story of a fragile seductress and brilliant playwright.
Food may be the most tangible way to enjoy nature’s complex and complementary offerings.
(L) Apricot stuffed pork shoulder with soy/honey glaze. (M) Figs and blue cheese wrapped in prosciutto. (R) Cannelini bean, salmon and caviar canapes.
Another one of nature’s delicious offerings – MEN!
Polished/scruffy, strong/approachable, sexy/odd, clever/intelligent. Mmmmm, one of each please.
Tricia xo
* You can find these photos and links on my Pinterest page *
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Garnet & Goats
Hmmm, January. This can be a challenging month. The holiday sparkle has worn off, a little too much winter lies ahead and we’re all a whiter shade of pale. I agree it’s tough to feel motivated when it’s cold and dreary outside and happiness is Haagen-Dazs and a Snuggie on Friday night. However, I’m a January baby and a Capricorn which means I believe from problems come opportunities and there is still reason to celebrate a month as gloomy as this. January can actually offer inspiration. Not in an obvious way, but beneath the surface and outside the box. As with so many things worthwhile, in January you have to dig a little deeper and work a little harder to get to the good stuff.
GARNET
January’s birthstone is like no other. The deep crimson is at once sophisticated and sultry. It has undeniable glamour, yet totally lacks pretention.
Garnet jewelry is always dramatic.
Modern earrings by Caprichosa, antique Victorian brooch, Islamic ring,
This look from Gucci is all about the lips. I have been saving this photo since fall with the intentions of replicating it for a glamorous night.
My current garnet pedicure.
A stunning garnet velvet I used alongside pastel fabrics in a Virginia living room.
And speaking of fabric …
The gorgeous drape of Zac Posen on Naomi Watts at the Golden Globes. She is always red carpet perfection.
JANUS
January is the month of Janus, the Roman god of gates and doorways. As a designer and architecture buff, I photograph a lot of gates and doorways … actually more than I realized once I began combing through my files.
– all photos from my life and travels except central image –
row 1: Munich, Los Angeles, Hempel Hotel
row 2: Georgetown, Melbourne residence (via est Magazine), Italy
row 3: Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, Dubuque church, Dumbarton Oaks
THE GOAT
Although January 19 ended Capricorn’s (i.e. the goat’s) reign, it’s never too late to have fun with die ziege.
We found these darling little guys in Montreux.
If there’s one thing most of us like to do in January, it’s eat. And Lord knows, I love me my cheese … thank you goats! Clearly a girl who takes photos of cheese and cheese shops (as seen here) has a thing for chevre.
Goatskin (often referred to as vellum or parchment) is a preferred material of designers and furniture makers both contemporary and past. I gravitate to it myself and have selected several furniture pieces for projects over the years. Like wood or marble, its beauty is innate and born from nature; it can’t be faked.
Furnishings for DC, Switzerland and London Huntley & Co. projects respectively.
WHITES, GREYS & PALES
The colors of winter may seem a bit solemn, but they translate beautifully.
White, grey and pale works in a stark, ethereal European bedroom or in a bar/restaurant on Mallorca.
Moonstone and black onyx rings by Mathilde Danglade.
The concept of black and white in art stretches beyond the medium of photography.
A painting by Picasso, a photo study of a golf swing and a neon installation by Glenn Ligon.
Perhaps the only thing that could entice me to spend an afternoon in subzero temperatures – beautiful, beguiling and utterly happy sled dogs.
Happy January. Hopefully your new year is off to a good start!
Tricia xo
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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 grandeur of the spaces and the impetus for the event, it seemed a strong-willed, yet feminine muse fit the persona of my would-be client. And who fits that description better than the legend herself, Marie Antoinette; the original “hostess with the mostest” with the backdrop to match. Our room will become a lounge space complete with sofas, dining area and bar, so our modern-day M.A. can wine and dine her patrons and groupies in style. We begin the installation next week, so here’s a sneak peek at some of the inspiration behind the upcoming transformation.
October 25 – November 18
2 East 63rd Street, NYC
