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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
{ 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
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Tile Installation Aptitude (part 2)
Layout
If you are planning on a subway (stacked or staggered), checkerboard (straight or on the diagonal), or mosaic installation – your layout will be fairly obvious. Sometimes all that is needed is a conversation with your installer, a floorplan, or elevation. However, other layout patterns are available – whether traditional or something born from your own creativity. In these situations, at Huntley & Co. we generate more detailed drawings, and in some cases, even put in a bit of IRL elbow grease.
above left: Simple white and green square tiles dressed up as stripes in a powder room by Chauncey Boothby; above right: Jessica Helgerson may be the queen of historic cum modern tile installations.
below: Here I am laying out tiles piece by piece to create a Carlo Scarpa-inspired floor pattern. This was just the staging area; the tiles were later moved to the master bath.
Spacing
Spacers are available in a variety of sizes. You may choose thicker spacers for more dramatic grout lines or smaller ones for a more cohesive look. It can also be important to have greater spacing for handmade tiles that vary from piece to piece; thicker grout lines will allow space for uneven edges. Note, Clé published a fabulous and informative post called “The Art of the Grout Joint” (referenced here throughout) that I recommend bookmarking for future installations.
above: Brick pavers in a herringbone pattern with varying grout widths of 1/8″, 3/8″, and 5/8″ from left to right.
below: A clever yet simple, modern installation with Clé tiles by Cathy Hong Interiors with narrow vertical grout joints and thick horizontal grout joints.
above left: Spacers in action; above right: A diagram showing 5 different spacer sizes.
Grout Color
The color of grout has a huge impact on a tile installation and can totally transform a room. Whether you choose to coordinate or contrast your grout with your tile, it comes down to what kind of vibe and aesthetic you are trying to create.
Low Contrast Tile to Grout Ratio
above: (L) Edward Martin Graham glossy 3×6 ceramic tiles in color Clay (C) a darky and moody bath installation, (R) garnet-colored Zellige installed in my guest shower
High Contrast Tile to Grout Ratio
above : (L) Yes please to pink tile with black grout; (C) Grout dyed hot pink was an adventourous choice by Good Bones in London; (R) Montauk 4×12 black slate tiles in a herringbone pattern.
Always view grout chips with your respective tiles before making a selection. Better yet, ask your installer to apply test samples to your tile!
left: 3 Artex beige grout options on a creamy subway tile; right: Cream, beige, and dark brown grout sampled on tumbled Japanese mosaics. FYI, I chose the dark brown for my foyer floor ; )
For more ideas and resources relating to tile installations, visit my Pinterest page. I have pinned additional layouts, diagrams, and eye candy for you to bookmark — and hopefully use for your own installs. See you next week ; )
{ PS: The answer to last week’s questions is 8! }
TRICIA HUNTLEY | HUNTLEY & CO.
“The glamorous space where tradition and modernity collide.”
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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
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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!
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TRICIA HUNTLEY | HUNTLEY & CO.
“The glamorous space where tradition and modernity collide.”
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Screen Queen
I don’t tend to use the same furniture, colors, or anything really from one project to the next. Creating one-of-a-kind interiors means originality has to be a priority. There is one thing, however, that makes its way into Huntley & Co. interiors more often than not … the ever-fabulous SCREEN. New, old, folding, curved, wood, upholstered, tall, short – there is a screen to fit the bill. They can fill a corner, hide a TV, hold a wall, create privacy, complement art, and even act as a secret passageway. They can be nuanced or bold, custom or exquisitely crafted. Honestly, the screen is so epic and versatile, it should be in all of our projects!
above: A rendering of a Huntley & Co. living room with a sculptural iron and rattan screen from Cox London in the corner.
left: I designed the custom, wood veneer folding screen for this home office seating area. right: A tall, leather upholstered screen in the corner of a transitional bedroom.
A gold screen with hand-painted scenery over an antique sideboard helps create a “landing space” in a townhouse living area that lacks a true foyer.
left: A scenic mountain village is depicted on an antique screen in a bedroom. right: A sedge of cranes on a dramatic blue background helps ground this feminine dressing room.
above: A carved wood coromandel screen serves as a backdrop in a contemporary dining room.
above: A rendering of our London penthouse project with an Eileen Grey “Brick Screen” in one corner of the living room.
Wishing you and yours a peaceful and joy-filled Thanksgiving. If you are shopping on Black Friday, check out our Chairish store, GREATHOUSE. Some of my best vintage and antique finds from near and far are available. And in the not so distant future, I guarantee there will be a screen or two for sale as well – every home needs one!
TRICIA HUNTLEY | HUNTLEY & CO.
All work and projects above are by Huntley & Co.
“The glamorous space where tradition and modernity collide.”
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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
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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.
TRICIA HUNTLEY | HUNTLEY & CO.
“The glamorous space where tradition and modernity collide.”
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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!
Here’s our secret sauce for labeling H&Co. site visit files.
Sequence:
- Site Visit (aka subject)
- Year-
- Month-
- Day
- Underscore
- Room or Leading Topic
- Underscore
- Additional details to make info easier to find
I really let my type-A shine this week!
Hey Insiders – I love hearing from you, so share your comments below!
TRICIA HUNTLEY | HUNTLEY & CO.
“The glamorous space where tradition and modernity collide.”
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Unleash Your Power!
The last 24 hours have not been easy. To see a fierce, beautiful, intelligent, and accomplished woman lose to a (insert reader’s choice) has me reeling. Yet despite the shock and distress, we have seen nothing but grace from her. Typical. Just like a woman. It just proves how awe-inspiring women are. Goddam we’re fabulous. So if you have held back, stayed small, or lived in doubt – now is the time to DO YOU. Wear what you want, speak your mind, start that business, move abroad (not a bad idea). The braver, fiercer, bolder version of you is waiting. And we are here to cheer you on!
Multi-Dimensional
Contrary to a certain, popular narrative, women are not one-dimensional. A woman can be ambitious and sensitive, athletic and feminine, creative and type-A (yours truly). Case in point, the Huntley & Co. vibe. It’s a study of contrasts, eclectic and somewhat disparate. Not everyone gets it, and that’s OK. It resonates for me and feels like home.
My Secret Point of Power
Perfectly inline with this week’s topic, is one of my favorite things to use in the studio – PowerPoint. I’m not kidding. I have learned to exploit this software within an inch of its life and it always has more to give. I do create the occasional slide show, but you wouldn’t believe how many other uses there are for it.
3 Unexpected Ways I Use PowerPoint:
1. Vibe boards (e.g., like the one at top)
2 Our huntleyco “roomXroom” files:
For our projects, we collect images of furnishings, lighting, etc. and copy them into slides, sort, and label them by room. We hyperlink all of the photos and delete and replace them as the design develops.
3. 3-dimensional elevations
The room shown here was created in PowerPoint. It’s not as robust a program as SketchUp or Revit, but it’s a thousand times faster and easier … and creates beautiful results!
Screenshot(s) of the Week
Rebranding chocolate as “Wenge” is genius marketing. It didn’t need to be done, but I dig it.
I wish I could properly credit these gorgeous photos. @wittok1 is a curator, not the source.
Here is to the women who fight the good fight, stand tall, and persevere. Bravo!
Hey Insider – If you are noodling on a problem or project, I may be able to help! Share in comments.
Otherwise, I will see you next week or on social media. Links below.
TRICIA HUNTLEY | HUNTLEY & CO.
“The glamorous space where tradition and modernity collide.”
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What Will Make a Difference in Your Interior?
What Will Make a Difference in Your Interior?
I have been inside a lot of homes recently; early fall is house-tour season here in MSP. A few I visited were spectacular (bravo!), some were nicely done, and most were perfectly fine. Those that caught my attention typically had good bones, quality hardware, better finishes, and a unique point of view. The unfortunate reality is that most projects require value-engineering. Deciding how and where to uplevel makes the difference between the “perfectly fine” homes and those we remember.
Behind the Design
The photos below are behind-the-scenes shots of our cover star, the primary bedroom of our H&Co. Greenwich Village project. What decisions made a difference in this project? 1) Drenching the walls and ceiling in a similar hue/tone to minimize the impact of the bulkheads. 2) Installing custom cabinetry at the perimeter so we could eliminate furniture. Architecturally, this room has a lot going on, so it was necessary to reduce clutter and quiet the envelope. 3) Finding the vintage, hand-painted, silk folding screen and mounting it behind the bed. What an impact!
Clockwise from upper left: (1) a better view of the cabinetry and the terrace; (2) a detail of the vanity mirror; (3) a hidden door on the bed wall leads to the bath; (4) my all-time favorite flower/plant, aka “monkey balls” found their way into the corner of the cover photo.
3 Details Worth the Investment
There are three details that I consider mandatory in a custom home. Keep an eye out for these the next time you visit, what is considered, a custom / luxury / high-end home. It should have these details, full stop.
1. LUTRON DESIGNER STYLE LIGHTING CONTROLS
The lightswitch controls at right are ganged in a screwless, satin finish plate with dimmable capabilities. Worth it.
2. CUSTOM VENT COVERS
The decorative vent cover at right has a design motif specific to the home’s vernacular, and again, no screws are visible. Worth it.
3. STONE COUNTERS
The real marble at right has veining with layered, nuanced hues and movement that is natural in its unpredictability. Worth it.
How to Prioritize Like a Type-A
Want to know a secret? Type-A’s are not born, we’re made. My love of systems and spreadsheets developed at a young age as a way to manage overwhelm. That turned out to be fortuitous since – as an interior designer – I’m responsible for overseeing, tracking, and implementing thousands of details. From problems come opportunities! I now have a multitude of procedures, and templates in my arsenal. Some are elaborate in their construction (20-column matrices, anyone?), but others are really simple – just habits really. This is one of those little tricks.
Daily Prioritizing Process
// Every morning I do a “brain dump”. I pull these to-do’s from my week’s priority list (on another page) and add anything else that comes to mind.
// To combat the paralyzing issue of priority, I do a quick run-through of the list and number each task with a #1 (must do today), a #2 (important, but not critical), or a #3 (can roll over to tomorrow, but let’s not forget about it). Suddenly, it’s no longer a laundry list of action items; I’ve essentially broken it into thirds and the first third is the only portion that needs my attention right now.
// To clarify further, I will circle one (or two) #1 tasks if they are screaming for priority.
As you can see there is other coding that develops as the day goes on: checkmarks, X’s, arrows, and strikethrough’s. I will explain those details, and the other blocks of my DAP (daily action planner) for another day.
Footnote: The use of cursive is not accidental. This practice is going the way of the Dodo bird, but I will tell you nothing gets thoughts out of your head and into actionable tasks faster. I rediscovered this skill when I started my own firm and #cantlivewithout it.Asked and Answered | our new Instagram Q+A feature
We have started a new, regular feature on Instagram called Asked and Answered. I will answer interior design questions in a weekly IG post from readers/viewers who (1) follow us on Instagram, (2) sign-up for our newsletter, and (3) DM their inquiry. More details are available on IG: click the image at right and look for the 10/30 carousel post with “High Expectations?” in the first photo. Send in your questions!
Hey Insider, Luxe & Lucid will have more frequent drops moving forward, so I will see you next week!
In the meantime, I would love to connect with you via our social media platforms. Links below.
TRICIA HUNTLEY | HUNTLEY & CO.
“The glamorous space where tradition and modernity collide.”
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Scale Up / Scale Down
Symmetry, balance and proportion are key tenets of how I develop an interior; I was trained in classical architecture. Yet, when I get to the decorating portion of the design process, I throw Palladio’s rules out the window – especially scale. Playing with scale (blowing things up, sizing them down) is a way for me to change the vibe in a space, and therefore, how its experienced.
Go Big
There are times when you just need to go big or go home. An oversized mirror can completely change a room. And a chandelier or pendant that outsizes a dining table is pure drama. Scaling up disrupts the status quo – it wakes us up and brings a room alive.
Featured image: Shinola Hotel by Gachot Studios; Middle 4 clockwise: Bjorn Wallender, Moooi, Steven Gambrel, Huntley & Co.; Bottom: Thom Filicia
Stay Small
Sometimes making a statement means staying small. A diminutive artwork on a large wall will draw you to it. A low sofa beside tall windows will create elegant volume. A tiny light fixture over a table creates intimacy. Design isn’t always about knocking someone’s socks off. At times, it’s about creating a serene environment or eliciting an emotion.
Top: Raji RM; Middle 4 clockwise: Workstead, Billy Cotton, Huntley & Co., Rose Uniacke (?); Bottom: Laura Santos
Happy election week America. See you on the other side!
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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 ::
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.
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.
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
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.
THE MUSINGS OF DESIGNER TRICIA HUNTLEY
