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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.
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| 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.
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.
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.
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 // Playful, witty and adventurous. L to R: Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels; Amélie; The Man From U.N.C.L.E.
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 // Classic, all-American cool c/o Vince, J. Crew and Celine.
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.
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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.
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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!
THE MUSINGS OF DESIGNER TRICIA HUNTLEY
