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SHOW-HOUSE // FAUX-CLIENT :: part II
Like the early stages of a romance, the onset of a new design project brings lots of excitement, energy and anticipation. Now that we’ve “gotten to know” our Faux Clients better and have defined a visual narrative for their space, we are ready to start deep-diving the design. It’s time to measure the room, pull our materials and find our gorgeous furnishings — let’s show this showhouse what we’re made of!
Prep Work______________________________
Preparation and foresight are the secret weapons behind a good design. We always arrive well-prepped for site visits and measures. Camera? Check. Tape measure? Check. Comfortable shoes? Definitely check.
Scouting for Furnishings____________________
Scouting for hidden treasure is one of design’s greatest thrills. Fortunately, we are blessed to have access to a rich variety of vendors and shops from which to source our goods. We let serendipity play a part in our work, so it’s usually one or two really special discoveries that drives our designs. This part of the process is not about “shopping”; it’s about having an informed concept, an open mind and a great eye. Our goal at Huntley & Co. is always to curate an interior that is both timeless and forward-thinking — to evoke an emotional response that inspires and nourishes the spirit of the client.
Pulling Together the Scheme_________________
Besides hunting for furnishings during this phase, we pour through our office library for fabrics and finishes. We strive to use materials that enhance a home’s architecture and complement the lifestyle of our clients. A thoughtfully selected mix of light and dark, textural and refined, beautiful and odd are what make a room interesting and livable.
Next week we’ll bring you Part III of our Show-house/Faux-client series where we’ll dive into the technical aspects (drawings!) of the project. Subscribe to our newsletter or find us on Bloglovin’ to stay tuned.
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SHOW-HOUSE // FAUX-CLIENT
A showhouse is unique in that it provides a designer with the freedom to create a space that is bound only by her innovation and talent. With a project that lacks a scope of work and a flesh-and-blood client, we find it important to invent a narrative to guide our design concept. At Huntley & Co. we create a “faux client” to serve as muse during the showhouse process. We have been blessed with some pretty wonderful clients throughout the years, but our Faux Clients 2016 definitely have us crushing hard!
dc interior designer
Concept Development______________
Washington DC is a city filled with people of varied and interesting backgrounds. Our Huntley & Co. “clients” are an art dealer wife with an international childhood (thanks to a father who was Ambassador to Peru) and a west coast-born husband with a Renaissance spirit. The couple shares a love of art, music and philanthropy. Both travel frequently to New York, California, Europe and South America. With that in mind, our goal for these busy and passionate entrepreneurs was to create a true LIVING space that reflects their personal histories and nurtures the lifestyle of their young family.
Already inspired? Fantastic! Because Huntley & Co. will be sharing more insights into our showhouse process as well as a final ‘reveal’ in forthcoming Luxe & Lucid posts. Subscribe to our feed or follow us on Bloglovin to stay tuned!
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HARDWARE – THE ESSENTIAL ACCESSORY
Those who won in Rio can be found post-games posing with their hard-earned medals (gold, silver and/or bronze) at news conferences, talk shows and celebrity events. Olympic hardware is pretty delicious — and not just because the athletes like to take a playful chomp during photo-ops — the heft and quality of the medals is obvious. That’s why hardware is one of my favorite elements in design. Well-crafted hardware not only looks good, if feels good. Handling a door knob or drawer pull that’s cast and detailed to perfection is like nothing else. Install beautiful, substantial hardware throughout a residence and the home will have guaranteed gravitas and soul.
Make an Entrance
Door hardware is often one of the first impressions a home can make; it’s an introduction to the story inside … and an opportunity to have a little fun!
(left) antique fish knocker from Comer & Co. (center) beautifully handcrafted and complex set via Tumblr and (right) vintage brass door hardware with starburst escutcheons via Pinterest
The Finishing Touch to Cabinetry
A lot of care goes into the design of millwork, so we want to honor the craftsmanship with the right choice of hardware. Whether it’s nickel or bronze, knob or pull, ornate or simple — all depends on the vernacular of the residence.
(above) We settled on this hardware collection for a Florida master suite because it has a rustic and organic elegance, a perfect fit for the casual but sophisticated beach-side residence.
(clockwise from top left) The following hardware styles – traditional in Darnestown, contemporary in Delray Beach, transitional in Bethesda, and Colonial in Arlington – installed in Huntley & Co. projects.
Jewelry for Furniture
Sometimes the success of a furniture piece depends on the hardware. This handcrafted gold pull wholly represents our credo of modern glamour and was just the magic this custom H&Co. console required.
Gold ‘Branche’ pull by Objet Insolite glows against the grey shagreen finish of the console.
Designing from Scratch
Hardware is always essential, but in some cases, it is actually at the heart of the design – as it was in the case of this custom H&Co. trunk. The antique brass English plate handle was integral to the design process and chosen specifically for our Irish client. From inspiration, to drawings, to fabrication — no detail was left behind!
(above) The selection process.
(below) Detailed drawings for our fabricator; (bottom right) the finished upholstered trunk with plate handles, nailheads, pop-up lid and concealed drop-down door.
On the Road Discoveries
These are the kind of photos I download from my trips. Forget tourist traps and lounging on the beach. No, my idea of heaven is snapping shots of door hardware and cabinet knobs. Can you say #designaddict?
(left) egg knobs and chicken wire at the Marlton Hotel; (center) Incredible Van Cronenburg at the AD Design Show; (center) selecting horn pulls at Ochre
I could easily post a hundred more photos of hardware. Instead, go to Luxe & Lucid’s “interior architecture+details” page on Pinterest. This much great hardware will make you a #designaddict too!
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The Floors Beneath our Feet
Like a painter preps his canvas, a good designer attends to the bones of a room before honing in on its decorative elements. We make strategic shifts in proportion, tone, and detail, both subtle and grandiose, when thoughtfully designing a space. A beautiful wood floor is one such essential element that has the power to really make our rooms sing. We’re always told to “look up” or “look forward”, as a kind of mantra to mindfulness, happiness and all things good. Well, I say “look down” because there’s beauty and inspiration to be had at your feet!
Our design studio becomes a laboratory for deep diving, where we work elbows deep in samples to determine the best tone for the wood floors. We consider location, use, and material adjacencies when making our recommendations. Ultimately, we outfitted a Georgetown residence with rich, classic patterned parquet in a deep and luxurious tone.
Material and tone are carefully considered for each client.
(left): We installed subtly hand hewn floor boards in soft, neutral tones to be bright but forgiving for a young family. (center): This grand PA home called for rich tones that complimented adjacent materials and the scale of the space. (right): We were inspired by sandy textures in this beachside retreat when we chose these soft, washed, waxy tones of warm brown.
(left): We gave the existing parquet flooring of a pre-war Manhattan apartment new life with a lighter stain – showing off the beautiful pattern and brightening the small space. (right): New french oak flooring in an Alexandria townhouse has been pickled, adding much needed warmth and texture to a once incohesive collection of different vinyl flooring.
Inspiration at its finest. (left): Jeffrey Bilhuber (right): Hillwood Estate (bottom): Archetypal Floors
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Tableaux
There are only two things in this world of which I will never tire. One, cute animals. And two, vignettes. It’s true, nothing snaps me out of a bad mood faster than a cleverly styled tabletop or an otter eating lettuce on Youtube. Vignettes I love because they can be pulled together in minutes. I love them because everyday things – a branch from the yard, a child’s toy, a vintage teacup – always make them more interesting. I love them because they have personality. I love them because they’re artistic and inspirational. I love them because they make me happy … even sans otter.
A favorite vignette from my LA trip this spring.
Richard Holley | McAlpine, Booth & Ferrier
Lorenzo Castillo
Huntley & Co. (L&R) | Peter Vitale (center)
Huntley & Co. | Ellen DeGeneres
Jean-Louis Deniot
Huntley & Co. (L&R) | Elle Décor (center)
Elsie de Wolfe | David Hicks
Alexandra Kidd
Huntley & Co. | Ernesto Pigni
Sunday morning at chez Huntley | The National Museum of American History in DC
Darryl Carter | Lucinda Wharton | Horsch Interiors
Best tableau ever by A. Shaw Antiques at Highpoint.
Drop by the Luxe & Lucid Pinterest page for dozens of other gorgeous, brilliant vignettes.
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The Truth About Romance
Romance for me is all about atmosphere. It’s not necessarily defined by luxury and indulgence (although that works too). It’s more about a warmth that is at once alluring and thoughtful. And it can be found anywhere … Listening to a sexy mix on Pandora; alone on a cold night next to a roaring fire; at a breathtaking art exhibit; overlooking a misty river; in a tiny shop tucked away in a gritty part of London; or, of course, cozied up with your loved one in a hotel suite for the weekend. The misconception about romance is that it’s exclusive to those with a black Amex or a wedding band. It may smack a bit of “personal growth”, but romance is everywhere. We just have to recognize it when it’s in front of us.
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Happy Valentine’s Day from Luxe & Lucid, XO
* All photos c/o T. Huntley save row 3, image 3. Thank you Paola Kudacki & husband James Penfold for being the sexiest, most inspiring couple on the planet.
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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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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
THE MUSINGS OF DESIGNER TRICIA HUNTLEY
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