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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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Genius at Work – Darrell Dean
Washington is a strong city for design.
Incredible architecture, international influences and award winning talent.
But to the larger audience, we're seen as conservative and predictable.
Sure we don't have the inventory of New York or the edginess of LA, but take a
closer look and you'll find innovators, risk-takers and geniuses in their fields.
One of those virtuosos is Darrell Dean of the eponymous antique store on
Wisconsin Avenue in Georgetown. His finds are always fresh and striking and
completely original. The man is brilliant. His shop is a constant source of
product and inspiration. If I could, I would buy the entire cache. Where is that
generous benefactor?! Thank God for trusting clients and interesting projects. I
stopped in Darrell Dean this weekend and was blown away as usual. I shot 40+
photos while browsing the two levels. Interior designers far-and-wide, take note!
The store front on Wisconsin Avenue at P Street.
Perfectly situated between Cherry and Café Bonaparte.
A pair of brightly upholstered mid-century swivel chairs.
These would be sick if recovered in a buttery beige kidskin.
This glass-topped, faux parchment table is a show-stopper.
How did I describe Darrell’s inventory … “striking and completely original”?
Case in point. A nautically inspired, zoomorphic chair
I have been eyeing these crystal encrusted lamps for a looong time.
… As well as this 1970s faux tortoise, multi-faceted table.
I think I’m going to place it in the Huntley & Co. Lake Geneva project in Switzerland.
One reason I love Darrell’s pieces is that they are often graphic and sculptural.
Like this table – both the top and the base are interesting
These lamps are actually quite large, and with the stripes, very striking in person.
It’s hard to find a good planter these days. This one is the right
size and glamorous without being over the top. Tempting.
Speaking of glamour. A pair of white leather and brass armchairs from the 50s.
And don’t they look comfortable?!
A pair of patchwork, salvaged wood obelisks. Love!
Darrell Dean epitomized. Dramatic and unique, but not too perfect.
One last shot before I leave and then across the street to Puro Café for lunch.
Another relaxing, fun-filled weekend while Nina is at boot camp. Two more weeks!
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1524 Wisconsin Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20007
(202) 333-6330
THE MUSINGS OF DESIGNER TRICIA HUNTLEY
