Food and Drink
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Don’t Call it a Comeback
Like LL Cool J, I didn’t go anywhere. I’ve just been busy. I’ve mentioned before that publishing L+L takes a lot of time and that I’m just not the type to half a– it. So I’ve been on a hiatus from le blog and dedicating my time to all-things Huntley & Co. (as it should be). But that doesn’t mean I’ve been chained to my desk these past few months. Here’s a look back at some of my adventures since December.
December_Art Basel & Design Miami
Ridiculous art and mind boggling design amidst throngs of fabulous people from everywhere.
December_Park City
Skiing, shopping and New Year’s Eve at Wahso tucked into our own private booth.
January_London
A penthouse project on the Thames, the Dean Street Townhouse hotel and a late night of theater and live music with a client.
February_DC Design House
I’m designing the Master Bedroom Sitting Room at the 2012 DC Design House in Spring Valley. The space is a gem and the design is going to be so chic. Come visit – it opens to the public April 14!
More fun things to follow. Look for another update sooner than later.
Tricia xo
P.S. Thanks for your emails. It’s nice to know L+L has been missed!
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DCNY
I had a busy week. Meetings, travel, design events, etc. A jam-packed schedule isn’t necessarily enjoyable mid-stream, but I always love the results. I meet new people, see interesting things, get inspired, and in general, shake things up a bit. Between DC and New York, I stumbled upon some fabulous finds this past week. Whether it was design or fashion, food or art, it seemed that new and exciting things were available and in abundance. Of course there is never enough time to take it all in. It’s a good thing I am able to document it all with my trusty iphone and enjoy the fruits of my labor long after my work and the week is done.
– SOURCING RUGS & TEXTILES –
I love beautiful textiles and rugs. Especially when they are assembled together in a stunning collection. Subtle, graphic, textural or glamorous – it doesn’t really matter to me. Gorgeous is gorgeous regardless of content or genre.
– WINDOW SHOPPING –
Fall is always a delicious time for fashion. Even if you can’t purchase everything you see behind the glass, you can certainly draw inspiration from the displays and create new, eclectic ensembles within your existing wardrobe. I personally am all over this season’s bold colors, layers, baggie pants and fur jackets.
– SCOUTING FOR VINTAGE FURNISHINGS –
You can troll all day on the internet, but there is nothing like seeing the real thing. I can’t get enough of unique yet elegant, statement-making furniture. Unfortunately, I need another chair like I need a hole in the head. It was hard to resist these stellar vintage finds.
– DROPPING BY AN ARTIST’S STUDIO –
I’m a big fan of Julie Wolfe’s work. So to see her paintings and jewelry in-residence was quite a treat. Plus Julie is such a cool chic – interesting, laidback and irreverent. The evening was hosted by George Hemphill and marked by contemporary artwork, incredible jewelry, wine and a “deconstructed food installation”. Loved it.
– BELLYING UP TO THE BAR –
It wasn’t my last stop this weekend, but it was definitely one of the more photogenic. Ted’s Bulletin is a throwback to yesteryear with the style and ambiance to match. If dining, I would stick to the burgers and shakes. If you’re there for a cocktail, order a Jessie Clark. Besides the delicious concoction of chamomile-infused scotch, orange marmalade and chocolate bitters, the drink is served with a perfectly round ice cube produced in seconds by The Macallan ice ball machine. An entertaining and purposeful gadget whether you’re a scotch aficionado or not.
Tricia xo
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Scenes from a Vacation – Part II (finally!)
As mentioned in my last post, I added an extra day to my northern California vacation so I could spend some time in San Francisco before heading back east. I hadn’t been to the bay area in years and had honestly forgotten what all the fuss was about. But I figured why not make a pit stop in an old stomping ground and segue a bit more gently back into life in DC. I was more than taken with the heavenly weather (68 degrees in August) and the lively urban atmosphere – crowded cafes, locals out walking their dogs and great shopping – in Pacific Heights where we spent the day. And although the word “hip” could be used to describe the area’s watering holes, shops and fashions, it didn’t smack of trends like some cities. San Francisco is like the popular kid in high school: confident and cool without even trying. And a vibe like that may as well be crack to someone like me. I couldn’t get enough. Shopping I did – and successful I was.
Thanks San Fran for sharing your mojo with me!
CIELO A store full of gorgeous, high-end European brands.
I picked up an Ann Demeulemeester blazer with chic, refined detailing …
… a scrumptious orchid-colored puffy jacket with cropped sleeves and sweet yet almost "goth" kitten-princess necklace.
NEST The perfect name for a boutique with a homespun yet vagabond flair.
New and vintage toys (check out the gorilla!), artwork, jewelry, furnishings and accessories.
I purchased this silkscreened tiger tote, printed cotton robe and wood handle purse … and love them all.
HEIDI SAYS SHOE SALON The sole-ful sister store of the Heidi Says fashion trifecta.
I found these flattering and totally versatile nude, patent leather wedges from Vera Wang Lavender.
ELIZABETH CHARLES A uniquely curated collection of fashions and accessories.
This boutique was uh-MA-zing! I fell in love with everything.
JONATHAN ADLER Ebullient, over-the-top fun from this eponymous shop’s designer.
CROSSROADS Vintage and consignment clothing, shoes, etc.
My [sporty, crunchy, anti-fashion] friend Lori nearly died of heart failure when I walked out of the dressing room in this get-up. Yes I bought a pair of gold lamé, parachute pants and a cropped grey hoodie. I think they’re fabulous, comfortable and totally hot.
JURLIQUE Skincare, bath and body products.
My masseuse in Sonoma recommended that I pick up a bottle of essential eucalyptus oil and add it to my morning shower to help relieve my nagging cough.
OTD Out-The-Door Vietnamese restaurant.
We recharged at Out-The-Door with noodles, dumplings and wine. Yummm!
SWIG Last stop … cocktails of course!
With a sexy vibe, live music and bar stocked to the hilt - this club was the perfect finish to a perfect day!
Tricia xosf
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Scenes from a Vacation – Part I
I just spent five days in Northern California with six girlfriends from home. We’re known
as “the nine” (I’ve mentioned them before) and were obviously short two on this trip. We
get together every summer, but this year we decided to do something extra special. To
round up that many women with husbands and careers and kids is no small task, so the
fact that we accomplish it at all is a big deal. An even bigger deal is how long we have
sustained our friendships. They date back to high school, grammar school and even pre-
school for two of us. Our longevity and stamina definitely warrant a celebration and where
better to do that than wine country USA – Sonoma and Napa. It was the perfect venue.
Gorgeous vistas, delicious food and the chance to talk, laugh and share with friends I rarely
see, but couldn’t live without. Cheers to my crazy, spirited, hilarious gaggle of girlfriends!
Night one decompressing on our deck with cocktails.
Our house was situated at the top of a mountain with views of the whole valley.
We were picked up bright and early on day two for a day of wine tasting.
That’s our driver in front leading us up a path to our first winery, Quixote.
Quixote is not your run-of-the-mill winery. The unusual architecture, incredible art
collection and one-of-a-kind wine barrels with their candy-colored hoops added to the
magical, Willy Wonka-esque atmosphere. And then of course, there was the wine.
At the second winery, Honig, I found my Napa vibe …very chiiillll.
For our third stop, we enjoyed a hillside lunch with the owners of the Frias
Family Vineyard. It was a lovely, low-key transition between wineries.
The final winery of the day was Flora Springs in St. Helena. Thank goodness for our laid-back
and tolerant guide, Travis. We were pretty pickled by that point, so you can only imagine what a
handful we were. He took it all in stride and treated us to perhaps our favorite tour of the day.
We spent day 3 in Sonoma at the spa and finished with dinner at Della Santina’s.
Our group split up on our last day in wine country. Four of us chose to go riding on the Kunde Estate.
The breathtaking views and our fantastic guide Dominic created a near perfect afternoon.
One last night of delicious wine and food at the award-winning Bistro Jeanty in Yountville – the
tomato soup in puff pastry was a big hit with the girls – and then it was back home for most of the
group. My friend Lori (far left) and I spent an extra day in San Francisco … but that’s another post.
Read about San Francisco in my next post, Scenes from a Vacation – Part II.
Tricia xo
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Spring Greens
Is there any other color on your mind this time of year besides green?
Trees are budding, the grass is coming back and we’ve just celebrated St. Patrick’s Day.
It feels like we’ve turned a corner and everyone is in higher spirits, so let’s rejoice in the one
hue that delivers a boost of happiness just when we need it most. Kelly, chartreuse, lime or
sage – whatever the shade – you are sure to find glorious greens all around you this spring.
– nature / exteriors –
“Green” buildings Ann Demeulemeester in Seoul and the Caixa Forum in Madrid.
Spanish copper wall image c/o My Life My Vibe.
Porch by Boxwood Home & Interiors.
Iguana photo c/o Trek Nature.
– interiors –
Interiors by Sills Huniford, Geoffrey Bradfield, Steven Gambrel and Jeffrey Bilhuber.
– art –
Art by David Drebin, Salvador Dali, John Singer Sargent,
Thomas Wilmer Dewing, Modern House Art,
Robert Motherwell and Brad Bannister.
– textiles & finishes –
Samples from the Huntley & Co. library.
– fashion & beauty –
Shoes by Lanvin.
Clutch and cuff available through Vivre.
Gucci and Costume National runway photos.
– tricia ; ) –
Happy spring!
Tricia xo
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A Perfect Fit
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
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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 some options for all the
fabulous “independents” out there. Neither a significant amount of funds nor effort are required.
Love when it comes to you, but live well in the meantime.
– SEE –
Whistler’s Peacock Room at the Freer Gallery of Art.
“I am Love” featuring Tilda Swinton and the backdrop of Milan and the Villa Necchi Campiglio.
photo courtesy of Mikado Film/Magnolia Pictures
– HEAR –
Jazz at the Kennedy Center. Toots Thielemans & Kenny Werner play April 2.
photo courtesy of Eddy Westveer
Before she was the first lady of France and after she was a supermodel, Carla Bruni
released an album called Quelqu’un M’a Dit on which she sings and plays guitar.
The music is sweet but throaty – whispery and detached romanticism.
– TASTE –
No prep required, but the perfect indulgent meal.
Charcuterie, truffle cheese, a baguette, fruit and a bar of Swiss chocolate.
– TOUCH –
A massage may be the only acceptable substitute for you-know-what. I’m headed to
the Lorien Spa in Old Town Alexandra with one of my best girlfriends in a few weeks.
Or bundle yourself in one of may favorite textiles – alpaca.
I received the dreamiest wrap from Villa de Alpacas for Christmas.
– SMELL –
Luxe Custom Perfume Creation is the perfect “I’m treating myself” type of indulgence.
Tricia xo
– PS … AND LAUGH! –
Whether or not you are a parent or a dog-lover, I guarantee this video will bring
you an infinite amount of joy when you watch it. Happy Valentine’s Day!
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Winter Warm-Up
While at Battery Kemble Park this past weekend with Nina, I was reminded why some people love
winter. The sky was clear, the sun was shining and the snow was glistening in the treetops and underfoot.
It really was magical. I later wrote to a friend that it was a perfect day – “warm and sparkly”. Not exactly a
scientific description, but spot-on nonetheless. Although I don’t think I’ve ever used those exact words to describe
a project, I certainly could have. I’ve embraced that concept a few times over the past few years. One renovation
in particular comes to mind. Huntley & Co. redesigned a Pennsylvania Avenue apartment for a client in 2009. The
goal was to create an urban oasis for a chic and independent woman in her early 30s with a love of family, fashion
and fun. We created a feminine yet spirited home pour cette femme who was (and is) warm and sparkly herself.
The space was completely transformed, our client was thrilled and the apartment is still the dreamiest on the block.
The perfect place, in fact, to kick back after a long winter’s day spent at the dog park. Hmmm …
Does someone want a house guest?
Pennsylvania Avenue “Jewel Box” Apartment
Huntley & Co. 2009
Further evidence of my love for all things "warm and sparkly". A gorgeous chunk of
Pyrite I found at a flea market and “All Hail McQueen” polish by Butter London.
I could buy table settings all day long. Especially in glimmering metals like these.
I found these gorgeous wares on scouting trips to Pennsylvania and L.A. respectively.
A little sparkle up top does everyone some good. A fox at Oliver Dunn in Georgetown
wears a diminutive crown while watching the foot traffic outside. And Coco Rocha looks
every bit the queen in one of my all-time favorite Grace Coddington-styled Vogue shoots.
The perfect combination of design elements to create the warm modern look I love – the perpetually dazzling Met
Chandelier as seen at Moss in NYC and a simple firebox with brass surround by Chakib Richani for Elie Saab.
Simple and architectural meets complex and detailed with the common denominators of light, reflectivity and glamour.
Two women who never fail to sparkle on the red carpet. Kate Beckinsale and Jennifer Lopez always have a beautiful,
polished, “glow from within” look about them. It’s in their fashion choices, makeup application, jewelry and glossy hair.
Katie Lee Joel’s mirrored dressing table and accoutrements complement nicely a
Huntley & Co. foyer with luminous silk drapery panel and imported mosaic floor.
What better way to warm up mid-winter than with bubbly cocktails in a chic yet cozy setting.
During the winter months, mon amour and I like to imbibe and nuzzle at Agaiin, Le Chat Noir and
Café Bonaparte. To see the most glamorous cocktail hour ever recorded on film, check out the
Paris Je T’aime spread on vogue.com or watch The September Issue on video.
Be safe, stay warm and sparkle this winter season!
Tricia & Nina
xo
* All professional Huntley & Co. photos by Kevin Allen Photography *
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one-five-eleven
January 2011 is a big month for me.
Huntley & Co. celebrates its fifth year, mon amour and I mark our 1-year anniversary, and [gulp] I turn the big 4-0!
I’m more excited than anxious about this milestone. I actually like getting older, believe it or not. With every year
I feel stronger, more in control, more the woman I am meant to be. But just because I like getting older doesn’t
mean I like feeling older. And it’s tough not to when one’s birthday is in January. Without a ten-day respite in
Bora Bora or a major cosmetic overhaul, it’s pretty difficult to look good this time of year. So this next week I’m
going to do a little cleansing, running, scrubbing and shopping to whittle away some of time’s and winter’s ill-effects.
Hopefully by 01/05 I’ll realize that I’m not getting older, I’m getting better!
The last thing I want to do in the winter is workout. But luckily DC is sans snow right
now, so I can hit my favorite parks with Nina, get some fresh air and burn a few calories.
What I don’t burn off, I’ll scrub off. Not really, but polishing the bod couldn’t hurt.
My ethnic heritage is Norwegian, German, English and Irish – the European jackpot for
pale skin. Because of my fairness, I’ve avoided sun worship for the last twenty years. It’s made
a huge difference in my skin, but come January I’m as pale as a ghost. Thank goodness for
spray tans. This is a great pick-me-up for winter or any time of year if you avoid the sun like I do.
None of the above would make a bit of difference without a trip to the salon.
Hair can make or break a look (unless you’re Natalie Portman) and I’m
terribly overdue for a cut and highlight. Brennan, get your a– back from vacation!
I could use a real vitamin boost – for color, energy, etc. – so I’m considering going
hardcore and downing a wheatgrass shot every day for the next week. I have a pretty weak
constitution, so it could get ugly. Worth it? We’ll see. If I can’t stomach the wheatgrass
shots, I do have Jillian Michaels’ Detox & Cleanse system. Pills seem a lot more palatable.
If I do manage to choke down aforementioned wheatgrass shots (bleh!), I think
I deserve a little something pretty. I spotted these dresses at Barney’s Co-op
in Georgetown last week. Perfect for a romantic birthday dinner with Le Beau.
After Barney’s I can head over to Bluemercury and pick up a couple of
products to improve my pout. My lips are chapped and cracked from the
dry winter air. And a little color on my lips is always a good thing. After all ….
I expect 40 birthday kisses!
Tricia xo
Happy birthday to all my fellow Capricorns!
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Stocking Stuffers a la Georgetown
I am fortunate enough to live in Georgetown – an urban village in DC with cobblestone streets, historic
architecture, charming restaurants and fabulous shopping – the perfect setting for Christmas. So
as things quiet down, I'm going to grab a latté, enjoy my city, and pick up stocking stuffers from my
favorite vendors. Below are nine items you may want to pick up for yourself. But buyers beware,
some of these items are one of a kind and I may have already beaten you to the punch. ; )
1. J. CREW
3222 M Street NW
leather driving gloves
2. JEWELERS’ WERK
3319 Cady’s Alley NW
brooch by Reiko Ishiyama
3. SIXTEEN FIFTYNINE
1659 Wisconsin Avenue NW
vintage boxes
4. HAPPY NAIL SALON
1607 Foxhall Road NW
gift certificate for manicure …
or the polish itself – “Wicked” by Essie
5. DEAN & DELUCA
3276 M Street NW
collection of sea salts
6. SAXBY’S
3500 O Street NW
Mistletoe coffee beans
7. BLUEMERCURY
3059 M Street NW
Fresh Brown Sugar Body Polish
8. OLIVER DUNN (aka Moss/Catherine Roberts)
1657 Wisconsin Avenue NW
owl Christmas ornaments
9. THE LANTERN
3241 P Street NW
vintage books on travel, art and history
Happy holidays to my fellow Georgetowners and Luxe & Lucid readers worldwide!
Tricia xo
