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mad for plaid
I was talking with a girlfriend recently about her upcoming wedding. “I’m thinking about incorporating tartan,” she said. “I know that’s probably not your thing as a designer.” Au contraire! I can’t get enough of checks and plaids. Everything about them appeals to me — the geometry, the endless color combinations, the nod to Midwest traditionalism. I have incorporated a check or plaid in nearly every Huntley & Co. project and have plenty of it in my closet as well. The evidence of my ongoing love affair can be seen below. You don’t have to be Scottish, traditional, Midwestern or preppy to love these patterns … fall is upon us, so embrace the opportunity to go mad for plaid!
* All images are (c) Huntley & Co. or (c) Tricia Huntley files except 11-16. Links to these sources can be found on the Luxe & Lucid Pinterest board.
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East Wing Inspiration
I was hungry for some inspiration this past week and decided to break from my routine, play hooky and hit a local museum. I walked through the National Gallery’s East Wing on Wednesday – one of the many world class museums that just happen to be in my ‘hood – and soaked up the amazing collection of modern sculpture they have on display. Giacometti, Calder, Bertoia … delicious.
An enormous mobile by Calder hovers above the light filled central space.
Artist Richard Long assembled rough cut blocks of slate to form an elegant circle on the main floor. A guard stands watch for those visitors tempted to disturb the work.
Diana and a Hound realized in bronze by Paul Manship in 1925.
A view of Ursula von Rydingsvard’s work Five Cones from afar … and up close.
A massive, seemingly lightweight sculpture perched on a ledge.
The Invisible Object (Hands Holding the Void) by Giacometti. Brilliant, always.
Basalt sculpture by Isamu Noguchi.
Bertoia – the famous furniture designer started as a sculptor.
An installation creates drama through the repetition of hundreds of photograph-like plaster pieces.
Moisture as sculpture. Incredible.
Three Motives Against Wall, Number 1
Henry Moore, 1958
Capricorn by Max Ernst
A massive, somewhat monstrous interpretation of family and sexual politics by the German artist.
Another Giacometti takes stride on the mezzanine.
The perfect departure from the east wing — via moving walkway surrounded by a complex, pulsating light sculpture.
Multiverse, by American Artist Leo Villareal
Tricia xo
* Please note, the East Wing is currently under renovation and sections of the museum are closed to the public.
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THE BEST OF LA // DESIGN
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Mother Nature, The Original Muse
I created the inspiration board below for a client this week. The concept of “bespoke-modern-organic” is specific to this particular project, but it’s also an underlying theme I try to channel in my work. I often find that design is at its best when it is inspired by something true and natural. And I don’t mean conservative. Mother nature is not exactly bourgeoisie; she rocks some pretty crazy stuff. She informs some of the most interesting, avant garde art and design. She’s the perfect muse.
Samples of stone slabs and my Christmas wrapping from last year.
The “bloom” of the coolest plant ever, Asclepias (aka Monkey Balls). A pillow in the new Kelly Wearstler fashion boutique at Bergdorf’s.
The underside of a mushroom being prepped for dinner. Several pleating options from a favorite textile manufacturer in the DC Donghia showroom.
The ribcage of a dinosaur skeleton at the Museum of Natural History. A sculpture at Darrell Dean in Georgetown.
A beautiful shell I found on the beach in Chappaquiddick last summer. House of Lavande’s Seashell Cuff.
The incredible artist, Julie Wolfe, took this photo in the Amazon rainforest while traveling via the Art in Embassies program. My chic, French friend Sophie wears this delicate, yet modern bracelet with flair.
The simple beauty of a bird’s nest finds its way to a handcrafted gold ring.
Thanks ma’ for all the goodies!
Tricia xo
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Chez Huntley – update 08/05
A great deal of progress has been made here in the past couple of weeks. The millwork
installation – new casing, baseboards and bookshelves – is complete. The painting has
been corrected and looks lovely. Lighting fixtures have been installed in the foyer/living
room along with simple, modern light switches and receptacles throughout the main floor.
I’ve even styled my bookshelves and purchased a new painting for the dining room and a
pair of cast greyhounds for the front entry. And as excited as I am to move on to the next
layer of furnishings and accessories, nothing is quite as important to good design as getting
“the envelope” right. I use this term A LOT in my work. Cleaning up the architecture of a
space and adding (or removing as the case may be) details is the key to a grounded and
balanced interior. And there is something really beautiful about a well-executed space
that feels good even without any decor. But of course, I’m an interior designer, so decor
is essential too. Once I add the furniture, softgoods and artwork, the space will really sing.
– Projects –
I purchased this pair of deer sconces about 4 years ago and finally had the opportunity to
use them. I … ahem, I mean we (I got a lot of help from Molly, H&C employee extraordinaire)
painted them white, so they have a more contemporary vibe appropriate for the house.
A major accomplishment for me: my very first lighting installation!
I was so proud. I called my boyfriend, my parents and sent emails to friends everywhere.
– Millwork –
The new bookcases in my living room. Cheap yet chic!
I kept the lines simple and wrapped the baseboard around the front for a clean, modern look. You’ll see
that I was anxious to style the shelves with my books and accessories – I didn’t even wait to put away my tools.
Above the shelves are the freshly painted deer sconces with extra long candle sleeves and taupe silk shades.
– New Purchases –
This abstract oil painting circa 1960 has incredible color that almost glows.
I found the painting above and this pair of greyhounds at Comer & Co. in Georgetown.
A fantastic new shop with exquisite things and wonderful service.
And speaking of dogs … I’m happy to say that Nina is feeling much better this week.
The little stinker kept pulling off her cone, so she was forced to rock this t-shirt instead.
My poor pup was quite the fashion victim last week.
Tricia xo
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Personal Shopper – Summer Holiday
I think I could be a personal shopper in another life. It’s like my day job, but
with clothes. And with the social calendar of summer in full swing, there are a
bevy of opportunities for crafting looks that suit the occasion. The coming holiday
weekend alone could demand a half dozen “fashion-scapes”. With that in mind,
I have styled four summer looks for my Luxe & Lucid readers. And although my
own ensembles typically consist of a mix of labels and price points, each of the
outfits below has been culled from a single source or shopping district to make your
purchase all the less painless. That’s what summer is all about – easy and breezy.
Happy 4th of July!
– Urban Fireworks –
Look by Urban Outfitters
– Martha’s Vineyard Cookout –
Look by J.Crew
– Lounging in Palm Beach –
Look by Vivre
– Cocktails & Canapés –
Look by the shops of Georgetown
* Intermix, Karen Millen, Charm, Zara, Relish, Kate Spade & Hu’s Shoes *
Tricia xo
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Tricia’s 10: Before & Afters
Everyone loves a makeover. It’s no wonder shows like What Not to Wear, The
Biggest Loser and Extreme Makeover – Home Edition are so popular … “bettering”
and “beautifying” are America’s favorite pastimes. That’s probably why interior design
has such a following these days. It’s certainly the main reason I became a designer
myself. There is nothing more satisfying than transforming an ugly duckling into a
swan and I do it for a living. I’m a pretty lucky girl. And with this fortuitous career
comes a bevy of photos recording my redesigns over the years. You can’t always
get that perfect before-and-after shot, but when you do, what fun it is to see!
1. Powder Room | Washington Design Center Showhouse
2. Foyer | Arizona Retreat
3. Den | Arizona Retreat
4. Foyer | Georgetown Pied-à-Terre
5. Kitchen | Georgetown Pied-à-Terre
6. Living & Dining | Penn Quarter
7. Dressing Room | Harbor Penthouse
8. Dining Room | Virginia Manor
9. Foyer | Maryland Countryside
10. Family Room | Maryland Countryside
Tricia xo
* photos by Kevin Allen and Tricia Huntley
THE MUSINGS OF DESIGNER TRICIA HUNTLEY
