• 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 dining room with deep plum walls, an antique Asian folding screen and crystal chandelier is set for a formal dinner at a log, stained wood table surrounded by English chairs.

    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.
    The corner of a transitional-styled bedroom with brown, satin loveseat, tall leather folding screen, sheer drapery and a simple modern fireplace.
    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!

    signature of name Tricia

    TRICIA HUNTLEY  |  HUNTLEY & CO.

    All work and projects above are by 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.”

  • 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.

     

    A static 3D design of a room (den) with dark walls, a fireplace, furniture, lighting, and rugs designed by Huntley & Co.

    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!

    signature of name Tricia

    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.”

    Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.

  • 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

    two photos of 2 types of lightswitch plates with arrow between

    The lightswitch controls at right are ganged in a screwless, satin finish plate with dimmable capabilities. Worth it.

    2. CUSTOM VENT COVERS

    comparison of two types of vent covers - a commercial version at left and a custom style at right

    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

    stone types

    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 planner page showing handwritten notes of to-do's, schedule, and piorities
    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!

     

    signature of name Tricia

    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.”

  • 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
  • celine pendant by tricia huntley

    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

    celine pendant designed by tricia 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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