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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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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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Wuzzup?
I’ve received several requests from readers (colleagues, friends, etc.) for an
update on chez Huntley. I wish I could say things were further along, however, I am
happy to report the purchase of a few fabulous items that I’m dying to put in place.
All were great deals, but more importantly, they all have a Tricia-esque sensibility
and suit the house beautifully. If I survive the renovations (God willing), I may just
have one rock star pad to blog about. Keep your fingers crossed and stay tuned!
A general inspiration board for the public spaces.
My first purchase for the house. I stumbled upon this pair of
Platner chairs at a flea market in Pennsylvania in September.
A vintage Brutalist chandelier for the dining room (or guest room or ???).
I actually purchased this Louis XVI-style lit de repose years ago, but
always had it in storage. It’s finally found a home in my living room.
What a find. This Paul Evans style coffee table is sick!
These chairs will be gorgeous once I reupholster them.
I’m planning to use them as conference chairs in the H&C studio.
Simple, tailored and comfortable – my criteria for all sofas – whether traditional or modern.
I have scoured the floorcovering world for a funky, graphic, asymmetrical stair runner.
Apparently they don’t exist. At least not in available materials and colors that will
stand up to the paws of my canine kid. This is my best find so far. I’ll buy five or so,
cut them to fit the stair, seam them together and bind in a contrasting tape. Voila!
The ceilings in the new H&C studio are über low, but I still want a decorative
fixture at the entrance for impact. This unusual “chandelier” is just the piece.
Another hidden gem I unearthed from the POD. This little Lucite martini
table was a gift from my former boss, Paul Sherrill, from Solis Betancourt. *
Not exactly a critical element to the interior, but a great find nonetheless.
I visited the workshop of Katherine Hackl while in Princeton over Thanksgiving and
purchased several pieces of pottery. This bowl is in a different vein than her typical
work and reminds me of Mirό. It’s sitting on my dining room table and looks amazing.
Hopefully I’ll have more images to share over the next few months
… and won’t have lost my mind along the way.
Tricia xo
*postscript*
My beloved former bosses at Solis Betancourt have just published their first book, Essential Elegance.
It’s filled with their stunning work and should be on everyone’s Christmas list. Paul and José are
doing several book signings, including one this Thursday evening 12/9 at Bulthaup in Georgetown.
Head down to Cady’s Alley to get a signed copy and to meet these two brilliant, charming men.
THE MUSINGS OF DESIGNER TRICIA HUNTLEY
