• paint and other samples on a table in the huntley & Co. studio

    Concept Before Color

    The most common question I have been asked as an interior designer over the years is, without a doubt, “What are your favorite paint colors?” I suspect it ranks among the most popular design topics of all time. Funny thing is, I don’t have favorite paint colors (shock, awe!). I do not have a stable of SW’s BM’s, or F&B’s that I play on repeat. I liken that to a makeup artist applying the same look to a young, cherub-faced, blonde as she would a middle-aged, raven-haired woman with high cheekbones. Each home has its own architecture, light, and vibe that necessitates its own palette and specific application. How do you figure out that palette and specific application?! Start with a concept. 

    Example 1 | Delray Beach, FL

    CONCEPT

    COLORS

    RESULT

    WHO/WHERE: A beachfront, second home in Florida for empty-nesters.

    VIBE: Relaxed, soft-modern

    PALETTE: A low-contrast range of beiges and browns with accents of silvery, blue-grey

    Example 2 | Washington, DC

    CONCEPT

    COLORS

    RESULT

    WHO/WHERE: A city townhouse for a young couple and soon-to-be parents

    VIBE: Old-school formal meets youthful cool

    PALETTE: From ecru, cafe au lait, and green-grey to caramel, peacock blue, and near-blacks

    What you’ll notice is that the Delray Beach and West End palettes are not in opposite hemispheres; there is overlap. It’s the contrast, variety of hues and color temps, as well as the adjacent materials and finishes that set them apart. Both interiors may have shades of creamy-white, but we selected different versions because the light and vibe in DC varies considerably from the light and vibe in Florida. And, of course, the floors were a factor as pairing paint with white oak is worlds away from pairing it with an ebony-stain.

    Visit the Delray Beach and West End portfolios on the Huntley & Co. website for a more comprehensive view of each project (note, not all rooms are photographed). Go to Tiktok and view my companion video to this post for additional examples of the concept-color-interior throughline. I am on a quiet mission to change hearts and minds! #conceptbeforecolor

    signature of name Tricia
    { PS: Photography and online screens distort the actual colors of the samples shown above. } 

    All work and projects above are by Huntley & Co. Interior Design

  • man in green shirt, mask, and hat installing white subway tiles in a bathroom

    Tile Installation Aptitude (part1)

    Choosing tile for a project is as fun as it sounds, and yet, it’s a finessed installation that can really knock my socks off sometimes. What may seem simple at first glance is actually the integration of very specific products, planning, and talented pros. Aptitude may be just as important as aesthetics when it comes to tile.

    Fitting Tile in the Space

    Tiling a wet space, like a full bath, can be surprisingly complex. There are pieces for inside corners, outside corners, cove bases, beaks, caps, stops, etc. The bathroom below required 10 separate tile orders! Can you count how many components of the cream tile are in these 3 photos? 

    above: The walls in my guest bath are a multitude of creamy, crackle-glazed tiles. 

    Bringing Together Varying Styles

    Selecting all the bath tile from one collection wouldn’t be any fun, so you can’t forget to think about how different shapes and thicknesses (not to mention colors and finishes) will fit together in a space. Your installer will thank you.

    above: Chocolate-hue’d Zellige tiles wrap the walls of the shower while a black-and-white floral mosaic covers the main bath and shower floors. A grey marble threshold bridges the gap.

    Wait … How do I do all of that without mistakes?

    The what/where/how of a tile installation is critical, so we generate elevations and supply them to the team. This allows us to determine tile quantity, prep the installer, and firm up contractor pricing.

    Color-coding, highlights, bubbles, strikethroughs … If it isn’t obvious, work this detailed often requires a few revisions!

    Screenshot of the Week

    “What is eclectic?” was this week’s question on Asked and Answered. It’s funny because I use that term to describe my work, yet sometimes find it hard to define. Below is a Houston foyer (note the beautiful floor tile) that I think embodies the look.

    Click the photo below to see how I break down its eclecticism

    Architecture: Reagan & Andre | Construction: Erin Stetzer Homes | Interior design: Studio McGee | Photography: Lucy Call

    ***

    Next week I’ll post a Tile Installation- Part 2 and will share the answer to the quantity question at top.  If you are the first to share the correct answer in comments (before I post next week), you’ll receive a complimentary give-away from me!

    ***

    signature of name Tricia

    TRICIA HUNTLEY  |  HUNTLEY & CO.

    “The glamorous space where tradition and modernity collide.”

  • A masculine, warm, and cozy bedroom with a low profile bed, tapestry with mirror behind it, and a wood dresser in the window bay

    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

    * * *

    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.
    signature of name Tricia

    TRICIA HUNTLEY  |  HUNTLEY & CO.

    “The glamorous space where tradition and modernity collide.”

  • cropped W Mag cover of woman being poured a glass of wine at a formal dining table in a dark room

    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!

    clip art file folder with a screenshot of actual computer files added on top

    Here’s our secret sauce for labeling H&Co. site visit files.

    Sequence:

    1. Site Visit (aka subject)
    2. Year-
    3. Month-
    4. Day
    5. Underscore
    6. Room or Leading Topic
    7. Underscore
    8. Additional details to make info easier to find 

    I really let my type-A shine this week!

    signature of name Tricia

    Hey Insiders – I love hearing from you, so share your comments below!

    TRICIA HUNTLEY  |  HUNTLEY & CO.

    “The glamorous space where tradition and modernity collide.”

  • stair runner installation huntley & co. interior design

    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 ::
    rugs ready to be installed at huntley & co. bay ridge project

    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.

    huntley & co. installs missoni area rug in annapolis

    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.

    floorcovering in a huntley & co. annapolis guest bedroom

    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

    custom khotan rug floorcovering

    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.

    tricia huntley
  • Huntley & Co. paper installation

    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 ::
    Huntley & Co. Interior Design

    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.

    Phillip Jeffries paper in a Huntley & Co. guest bedroom

    A soothing beige-on-beige paint and paper combination in the guest bedroom.

    Lindsay Cowles paper in an Annapolis project by Huntley & Co.
    Huntley & Co. drawing
    Huntley & Co. girl's 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.

    Huntley & Co. bedroom in Annapolis

    A subtle grey paper in the final stages of installation in the oldest daughter’s bedroom.

    Fornasetti paper in a Huntley & Co. foyer

    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.

     

    tricia huntley
  • sconces in H&Co. Bay Ridge MBR

    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 ::

    Huntley & Co. Interior Design elevations

    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.

    tricia huntley at annapolis project

    Determining if/where to install a pinlight in a niche.

    huntleycodesign lighting package for bay ridge project

    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.

    tricia huntley

  • 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.

    workroom process

    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.

    huntley & co furnishings process

    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.

    custom furnishings process

    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.

    huntley & co softgoods

    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.

    Subscribe to our newsletter or find us on Bloglovin’ and you won’t miss a thing ; )

  • west end process huntley & co.

    West End Process :: Envelope

    For Huntley & Co., the first and foremost concern in design development is the “envelope”.  TH can’t talk about it enough!  Getting the envelope right – spacial relationships, interior architecture, materials and finishes – means a thoughtful, comfortable home that needs less stuff to look good

     CONFIGURING THE SPACE  |

    Reconfiguring an interior is a process – it requires a lot of drawings and plenty of site meetings.  It’s important to be as technical and thorough as possible while understanding there will likely be a few surprises and adjustments along the way.  

    drawing set Huntley autocad

    construction site Huntley & Co.    dc interior designer huntley     construction site Huntley design

    Top photo:  One of the pages in the H&Co. drawing set.  Bottom L to R:  Meeting with the contractor; a study of the circulation in a tight area; drywall in progress.

     MILLWORK  |

    Millwork is one of the most impactful aspects of an interior.  When it’s done well, it can make the house.  When it’s done cheaply, it’s like bad teeth – it doesn’t matter how pretty the face is.  With this project, our main focus was to reconcile the incongruous architectural details throughout the home and create a more finessed envelope.  This included doors, crown, paneling and custom mantels as shown below.  

    white box lp

    millwork details tricia huntley design

    custom mantle dwg tricia huntley     custom mantle tricia huntley

    The mantels were designed to complement adjacent millwork for a quieter, more elegant presentation.

     MATERIALS  |

    Material selection – wood, stone, tile, metal finishes – sets the tone for the home’s atmosphere and lays the groundwork for decorative elements.  When selecting a material, we keep everything else in mind.  In a bathroom for instance:  Are the windows facing north?  What type of glass do the vintage sconces have?  How white is the tub?  These details are part of the “conversation” and influence what marble slab I approve and tile colors I select.

         huntley & co. marble slabs  huntley & co. finishes  wood finish huntley & co. library

    tricia huntley behind the sceneswhite box lp

    Top L to R:  Slab for a fireplace surround; master bath materials, final wood selection for the library.

    Bottom:  The tile layout for the master bath was a hands-on (and ugh, thighs and knees) process that took several hours.  Click photo for a video of the legendary H&Co. attention to detail.

    * * *

    We hope you’ll join us next week when we’ll share more about the process of specifying furnishings and softgoods!  Or take another look at our Concept: West End post to see how this project began. 

    xo Huntley & Co.

  • West End Process :: Concept

    One of our favorite Huntley & Co. projects this year was for a young couple who hired us to design and renovate their newly purchased townhouse in the West End neighborhood of Washington.  Much to our delight, the duo brought a combination of sophistication and excitement to the endeavor.  Translating that into a concept and then into a finished product was a multi-step process — and worth every minute.  

    * * *

    THE CONCEPT  |

    Our clients inspired a decidedly cosmopolitan aesthetic.  Accordingly, we imagined an eclectic mix of vintage and antique furnishings, unexpected stone and tile, and layers of complex colors and tones.  As shown below, the mood board we created conveyed our idea of an elevated yet spirited home – a true classic that’s never boring.

    huntley & co. west end concept

    Selected photos clockwise from top left: Cartier Tank watch via Goop; Timothy Corrigan vignette; a crisp Madrid living room by Isabel Lopez-Quesada; a bedroom from Architectural Digest; a corner of Sandra Nunnerley’s home featuring “Diamond” artwork by Kenneth Noland; an austere and elegant marble bathroom.

    HOW WE GOT THERE  |

    The start of a project is full of excitement and potential.  Before diving into design, we take time to fully understand both the space and the client.  On the technical side, we site measure the building and generate CAD drawings for study and revision.  On the conceptual side, we issue a questionnaire and cull images related to our clients’ answers.  The questions range from pedestrian to abstract and are intended to give us practical information as well as insight into their lifestyle and aesthetic.  

              // Question & Answer

                    A two page questionnaire sheds light on what’s important.

    huntley and company interior design concept

    The client questionnaire is a key part of our initial survey and analysis.

              // Pulling Together a Visual Story

                    We pull images that reference our clients’ feedback … and they share photos as well.

    places and travel concept

     

    TRAVEL // From a honeymoon spot to favorites in Paris and NYC, these hotels topped our client’s list.  L to R: Royal Mansour Marrakesh; George V in Paris; The NoMad Hotel in NYC.

    film concept

    FILM // Playful, witty and adventurous.  L to R: Lock, Stock and Two Smoking BarrelsAmélie; The Man From U.N.C.L.E.

    music and mood concept huntley and co interior design

    MUSIC // Eclectic and soulful music that bridges time and genres including the Hamilton soundtrack and Carla Bruni’s album, Quelqu’un m’a dit.

    fashion concept

    FASHION // Classic, all-American cool c/o Vince, J. Crew and Celine.

    fixtures and furnishings concept huntley & co interior design

    INTERIORS // Rich and sleek.  Warm and bright.  Tailored and organic.  L to R: Interior by Joseph Dirand includes works by Anish Kapoor, Pierre Jeanneret and Paavo Tynell;  Patricia Urquiola collection for Georg Jensen; a sculptural Alvar Aalto chair; master suite cabinetry seen on Pinterest.

    * * *

     

    We love the conceptual stage of a project.  Engaging in a thorough deep dive to excavate both the practical and the magical is the difference between a good project and a great one.  Stay tuned for our next post where we transition into design development and project management — when we make the concept a reality.

    xo, Huntley & Co.