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Beautiful Stranger
Architectural Digest – the original grande dame of shelter magazines – is back and better than ever
with an absolutely stunning debut issue produced by new editor-in-chief, Margaret Russell. The always
polished and discerning Ms. Russell understands that true design aficionados are not interested in Joan
Rivers’ pink bedroom or Neverland Ranch. Remarkable style, storied architecture and designers at the
top of their game are the trademarks of the AD we have known and loved. As a young girl I would wait
anxiously each month for the latest issue to arrive. After studying the elegant and intoxicating images
for days, I would file away each publication in my archives (i.e. my bedroom closet) for future reference.
Those pages inspired my love for interiors and helped shape my future career as a designer.
So it is with great sincerity and fervent optimism that I say,
“Welcome back gorgeous – we’ve missed you!”
A cover to inspire the next generation of designers
featuring a New York living room by Michael S. Smith.
– STATE OF GRACE –
A traditional dining room decorated by Richard Leith Langham.
Mississippi river scenes are portrayed in the custom Gracie paper covering the walls.
– TRUE BELIEVER –
An LA bachelor pad designed for a young entrepreneur
who envisioned the renovated home as a “stylish villain’s lair”.
– RARE & REFINED –
Michael Smith's elegant and sumptuous design themes continue throughout the New York
apartment featured on the cover – as seen here in the library but in darker, richer tones.
An abstract Peter Lanyon painting hangs above an
18th century bibliothèque in the entrance hall.
– GOOD VIBRATIONS –
The living room of Sheryl Crow’s Spanish Colonial home.
And a curved, rustic staircase on the property of the Hollywood estate.
– A PEACEABLE KINGDOM –
Muriel Brandolini’s living room with large scale George Condo painting,
carpet by Fedora Design and “Smarties” cocktail table by Mattia Bonetti.
Corduroy covers the dining room walls and is hand-beaded with
abstract letters … emblematic of the designer’s risk-taking style.
If you haven’t already, pick up a copy of AD’s March issue today. Reading
a blog post doesn’t compare to flipping through the pages of an actual
magazine. I may be a blogger, but my first love will always be the real thing.
Tricia xo
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A Perfect Fit
Luxe & Lucid is hosting its first guest blogger this week. At the helm is Molly Hammond –
assistant designer, project manager, and all around go-to girl at Huntley & Co. With a unique
sense of style and impeccable writing she is sure to deliver a beautiful and memorable post.
See you all next week!
Tricia xo
Rather than going into studio art, I was steered towards interiors with the help of my older sister, also a designer.
It gives me the opportunity for practical application of principles I learned in painting, and honestly is more
suited for my personality since every day is different on this job. From time to time, I miss working with
my hands and can find infinite inspiration by studying other disciplines. All in all, there is no other work
I would rather do. One of my favorite aspects of the design process is materials selection. I want to share
the work of a few jewelers, furniture makers, and architects that have pushed the boundaries of the materials
they are composing with, have really created something magnificent out of something ordinary, and have
risen to the challenge of fabricating their designs: you may notice they are all like intricate puzzles.
– CERAMIC –
These ceramics by Solomia Zoumaras are exquisite. Some of her pieces are interlocking.
– PAPER –
Jewelry by Janna Syvanoja represented by Alternatives Gallery in Florence. The amount of precision required
to work with such a delicate material to create these ethereal forms is amazing to me. These shapes could
translate to larger scales sculptures. I have been obsessed for years and still love
these pieces as much now as when I first saw them.
– CONCRETE –
Who else but Scarpa? Its possible that just looking at these details makes me giddy.
I would love to study the original detail drawings for these.
Top two, snapshots taken in Venice at Olivetti: Bottom two, Brion Vega Cemetery
From top left: A staircase at the Palazzo Della Penna in Perugia.(which also houses a collection
of chalkboards by Joseph Beuys) Casa Dos Cubas by Embaixada Architects.
A sculpture at a private residence by Tsao & McKown
- MIXED METALS –
Two brooches in mixed metals by Stefano Marchetti. Some of his additional work is posted
on a favorite inspiration resource, Klimt 02. I am drawn to works with a combination
of sculptural, free forms realized by meticulous craftsmanship.
- STONE –
Kengo Kuma built this assembly space from Ooya Stone.
– CLOCK HANDS –
The wildcard. I had never though of this as an agent for artistic creativity but now I know differently.
From Left. Clock by Christiaan Postma. Jewelry by Sergey Jivetin, at Jewelers Werk
– WOOD –
Made by Meta. In awe. “38 seamlessly joined, curving facets of superbly matched Cocobolo Veneer”
– MORE PERFECT FITS –
Art & Food: an architect & a designer
Left to my own devices, I would probably spend every available weekend at a museum. So, to have
someone that it enthusiastic and knowledgeable about the same is beyond wonderful – I'm really fortunate.
A few weeks ago my fiance and I had a chance for some exploring in New York after visiting friends.
It’s surprising what you can fit into one afternoon, even upstate. We didn’t leave the city until noon,
but still managed a 1 hour drive up the Hudson on a sunny day, time to bask in the almost-unimaginable-
expansiveness of the Dia Beacon, a quick tour of downtown Beacon’s antique shops, and the most delicious
dinner of my life. It’s a very feasible outing and a memorable experience: keep in mind for the next time
you are in the area! My highest recommendation.
At the Dia Beacon. Top: John Chamberlain. Bottom: Michael Heizer, North, East, South, West.
Richard Serra. The Dia is located directly on the Hudson,
so it gets incredible light like I haven’t seen anywhere else.
Blue Hill at Stone Barns. I am still having dreams about this place. Every detail is accounted for.
(Architecture by Peter Guzy of Asfour Guzy Architects) We intended to dine in for lunch, but
got wrapped up at the Dia so we made it for dinner instead. Getting a table on a Saturday night
without a reservation is impossible, so dinner was served at the bar after enjoying expertly blended
cocktails by the fireplace. These bartenders know more about what they do than I may ever know
about design, and having their company for dinner was half the fun. A five course “Farmers Feast”
was actually more like 8 courses and the whisky tasting alongside the meal was another bonus.
My first time having Rip Van Winkle Bourbon … as much for the name and packaging as the flavor.
I had to hold back from gasping at every presentation. Vegetables served on
spikes (!), potato chips woven with sage leaves, and I even wanted to take
home the gorgeous bread basket. And those are just the appetizers.
Thank you for letting me take over this week, Tricia.
Hopefully you all enjoy – and hopefully I’ll be back again :)
– Molly
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Winter Warm-Up
While at Battery Kemble Park this past weekend with Nina, I was reminded why some people love
winter. The sky was clear, the sun was shining and the snow was glistening in the treetops and underfoot.
It really was magical. I later wrote to a friend that it was a perfect day – “warm and sparkly”. Not exactly a
scientific description, but spot-on nonetheless. Although I don’t think I’ve ever used those exact words to describe
a project, I certainly could have. I’ve embraced that concept a few times over the past few years. One renovation
in particular comes to mind. Huntley & Co. redesigned a Pennsylvania Avenue apartment for a client in 2009. The
goal was to create an urban oasis for a chic and independent woman in her early 30s with a love of family, fashion
and fun. We created a feminine yet spirited home pour cette femme who was (and is) warm and sparkly herself.
The space was completely transformed, our client was thrilled and the apartment is still the dreamiest on the block.
The perfect place, in fact, to kick back after a long winter’s day spent at the dog park. Hmmm …
Does someone want a house guest?
Pennsylvania Avenue “Jewel Box” Apartment
Huntley & Co. 2009
Further evidence of my love for all things "warm and sparkly". A gorgeous chunk of
Pyrite I found at a flea market and “All Hail McQueen” polish by Butter London.
I could buy table settings all day long. Especially in glimmering metals like these.
I found these gorgeous wares on scouting trips to Pennsylvania and L.A. respectively.
A little sparkle up top does everyone some good. A fox at Oliver Dunn in Georgetown
wears a diminutive crown while watching the foot traffic outside. And Coco Rocha looks
every bit the queen in one of my all-time favorite Grace Coddington-styled Vogue shoots.
The perfect combination of design elements to create the warm modern look I love – the perpetually dazzling Met
Chandelier as seen at Moss in NYC and a simple firebox with brass surround by Chakib Richani for Elie Saab.
Simple and architectural meets complex and detailed with the common denominators of light, reflectivity and glamour.
Two women who never fail to sparkle on the red carpet. Kate Beckinsale and Jennifer Lopez always have a beautiful,
polished, “glow from within” look about them. It’s in their fashion choices, makeup application, jewelry and glossy hair.
Katie Lee Joel’s mirrored dressing table and accoutrements complement nicely a
Huntley & Co. foyer with luminous silk drapery panel and imported mosaic floor.
What better way to warm up mid-winter than with bubbly cocktails in a chic yet cozy setting.
During the winter months, mon amour and I like to imbibe and nuzzle at Agaiin, Le Chat Noir and
Café Bonaparte. To see the most glamorous cocktail hour ever recorded on film, check out the
Paris Je T’aime spread on vogue.com or watch The September Issue on video.
Be safe, stay warm and sparkle this winter season!
Tricia & Nina
xo
* All professional Huntley & Co. photos by Kevin Allen Photography *
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T.H.
Yes, those are my initials, but I’m talking about another T.H. Tommy Hilfiger.
I’ve never thought much about this brand, despite the fact that its logo could often double as a monogram.
However, last week while running errands in Georgetown, I found myself in front of the store’s M Street window
drooling over several ensembles. Once inside, things got even better. Not only did I find myself a pair of wool short
shorts, a petal pink silk top with gold beading and some über flattering leggings with ruching at the ankles, but the
dressing area had such a warm and eclectic vibe that I documented the scheme for future reference. The perfect blend
of traditional and modern, its edgy “town and country” look could be translated beautifully into a twenty-something’s
bachelor pad or a townhouse on P Street. Chic duds and inspiration in my pocket – now that’s a successful pit stop!
An ad from the Hilfiger Fall/Winter 2010-11 campaign …
I know I’m always writing about how not preppy I am, but the Jeep
Wagonmaster (aka “woody”) is truly my favorite vehicle of all time. Maybe
Tommy Hilfiger will loan me this one with the signature “H” on the door.
The purchases from my fortuitous M Street pit stop.
The dressing hall with black painted millwork, ebonized floors and purple/grey walls. The
pendants, artwork and Oriental runner add a balancing punch of warmth and color to the space.
A detail of the mirrored dressing room doors.
.
Inside the dressing room. The leather chair and gold mirror and sconces
help create a sexy little space that’s both masculine and feminine.
I love the contrast of this tall, traditional chest of drawers against the room’s
bold, unusual colors. That’s what I think of as modern today – the unexpected.
Tricia (“TH” ) xo
Advertisement photos c/o Tommy Hilfiger.
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Buried Treasure
Moving is rarely enjoyable. Packing, unpacking, cleaning, misplacing items, schlepping things around,
cleaning again … and so on. But if there is a silver lining, it’s discovering those things you had forgotten
about. And since I have had personal items packed away in storage between anywhere from five to fifteen
years, it feels like Christmas all over again now that I’m tackling the dozens of boxes in my house. It’s pretty
exciting to unwrap a nondescript package and find a vintage shagreen cigarette case I purchased twelve years
ago. Does it get any better? And since the renovation of my new pad could take awhile, accessorizing gives
me a little instant gratification. I can personalize my rooms with signature touches and vignettes that showcase
the objets d’art I’ve collected over the years. But more importantly, I turn a house into a home by infusing it
with personality and soul … something I do for all my clients, but even more meaningful now that it’s for me.
These cut glass and silver candlesticks were a Christmas gift in 1995.
I haven’t seen them in some time and love their patina and residual wax.
I purchased this sculpture in Munich in 2005, but had packed it away for the last
three years. It now wears a vintage necklace and greets people in my foyer.
I think it was eight years ago that I found this chaise online. It’s hard to remember
because I put it in storage right away. And people say I’m not patient!
Doesn’t everyone find Fortuny when they unpack?
And a chandelier? I know, it’s crazy. This stunning chandelier was thrown haphazardly
in a box and tossed around a storage container for seven years. Thank God it survived.
It now hangs in my master bedroom adding romance and charm. It's been missed!
I have no idea when or where I purchased this pair of statues. Seriously.
To make up for lost time I’ve appointed them as stewards of some of my jewelry.
Three purses that had been lost in a box. They range in age from seven to fourteen years old.
Still so chic – they look amazing just sitting atop a table in my dressing room.
Here’s hoping I find more treasures as good as the ones above!
Tricia xo
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one-five-eleven
January 2011 is a big month for me.
Huntley & Co. celebrates its fifth year, mon amour and I mark our 1-year anniversary, and [gulp] I turn the big 4-0!
I’m more excited than anxious about this milestone. I actually like getting older, believe it or not. With every year
I feel stronger, more in control, more the woman I am meant to be. But just because I like getting older doesn’t
mean I like feeling older. And it’s tough not to when one’s birthday is in January. Without a ten-day respite in
Bora Bora or a major cosmetic overhaul, it’s pretty difficult to look good this time of year. So this next week I’m
going to do a little cleansing, running, scrubbing and shopping to whittle away some of time’s and winter’s ill-effects.
Hopefully by 01/05 I’ll realize that I’m not getting older, I’m getting better!
The last thing I want to do in the winter is workout. But luckily DC is sans snow right
now, so I can hit my favorite parks with Nina, get some fresh air and burn a few calories.
What I don’t burn off, I’ll scrub off. Not really, but polishing the bod couldn’t hurt.
My ethnic heritage is Norwegian, German, English and Irish – the European jackpot for
pale skin. Because of my fairness, I’ve avoided sun worship for the last twenty years. It’s made
a huge difference in my skin, but come January I’m as pale as a ghost. Thank goodness for
spray tans. This is a great pick-me-up for winter or any time of year if you avoid the sun like I do.
None of the above would make a bit of difference without a trip to the salon.
Hair can make or break a look (unless you’re Natalie Portman) and I’m
terribly overdue for a cut and highlight. Brennan, get your a– back from vacation!
I could use a real vitamin boost – for color, energy, etc. – so I’m considering going
hardcore and downing a wheatgrass shot every day for the next week. I have a pretty weak
constitution, so it could get ugly. Worth it? We’ll see. If I can’t stomach the wheatgrass
shots, I do have Jillian Michaels’ Detox & Cleanse system. Pills seem a lot more palatable.
If I do manage to choke down aforementioned wheatgrass shots (bleh!), I think
I deserve a little something pretty. I spotted these dresses at Barney’s Co-op
in Georgetown last week. Perfect for a romantic birthday dinner with Le Beau.
After Barney’s I can head over to Bluemercury and pick up a couple of
products to improve my pout. My lips are chapped and cracked from the
dry winter air. And a little color on my lips is always a good thing. After all ….
I expect 40 birthday kisses!
Tricia xo
Happy birthday to all my fellow Capricorns!
.
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Stocking Stuffers a la Georgetown
I am fortunate enough to live in Georgetown – an urban village in DC with cobblestone streets, historic
architecture, charming restaurants and fabulous shopping – the perfect setting for Christmas. So
as things quiet down, I'm going to grab a latté, enjoy my city, and pick up stocking stuffers from my
favorite vendors. Below are nine items you may want to pick up for yourself. But buyers beware,
some of these items are one of a kind and I may have already beaten you to the punch. ; )
1. J. CREW
3222 M Street NW
leather driving gloves
2. JEWELERS’ WERK
3319 Cady’s Alley NW
brooch by Reiko Ishiyama
3. SIXTEEN FIFTYNINE
1659 Wisconsin Avenue NW
vintage boxes
4. HAPPY NAIL SALON
1607 Foxhall Road NW
gift certificate for manicure …
or the polish itself – “Wicked” by Essie
5. DEAN & DELUCA
3276 M Street NW
collection of sea salts
6. SAXBY’S
3500 O Street NW
Mistletoe coffee beans
7. BLUEMERCURY
3059 M Street NW
Fresh Brown Sugar Body Polish
8. OLIVER DUNN (aka Moss/Catherine Roberts)
1657 Wisconsin Avenue NW
owl Christmas ornaments
9. THE LANTERN
3241 P Street NW
vintage books on travel, art and history
Happy holidays to my fellow Georgetowners and Luxe & Lucid readers worldwide!
Tricia xo
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Tip deLuxe
GIFT GIVING – HOLIDAY 2010
OK people, here it is. Luxe & Lucid’s holiday shopping guide for 2010. I realize it’s the
11th hour, but don’t tell me you don’t have a little shopping left to do. If not, I hate you.
If so, great! Because the list below is going to get you excited and encourage more
spending. Your wallet may not thank me, but your friends and family will.
Happy Holidays!
THE ROMANTIC
You may not be a romantic yourself, but it’s awfully fun to buy for those who are.
Look for dramatic and drop dead gorgeous items.
Versailles’ Hall of Mirrors photographed by Rebecca Plotnick.
Coro cameo earrings
Alice in Wonderland vintage-style place cards
LE NAUTIQUE
Nautical gifts are often fairly cliché. It’s challenging to find a unique and sophisticated
gift for a loved one who lives for the water. You know who you are. Here are some options
that are a lot less expected and perhaps even chic enough for the land-lovers among us.
Thomas Paul Octopus throw woven of baby alpaca. See more on that below ; )
Blue coral stationary found at blissthink on Etsy.
Verdigris seahorse lamps based on a 1940s design.
Paperweights/ornaments available through www.ropewright.com.
THE TYPE A
People are intimidated by the Type A. But this superhuman couldn’t
be easier to buy for … just look for things that make the world a better, more
perfect place in which to live. Yes on a superficial level, but you get the idea.
Elsa Peretti candle snuffer
Ribbon dispenser box
So simple. I wish I had invented these hangers.
Slip this handbag organizer into her purse and you just saved
her 5-10 minutes every day. The gift of time … ahhhh.
THE VAGABOND
S/he loves travel, foreign movies, red wine and French rap music.
Think original, textural, natural – all with a story to tell.
A vintage pottery beads necklace found in a Tokyo flea market.
A vintage satchel in mint condition. A great find that would make a great gift.
Assorted lip balms in natural scents.
Samuel 5×7 leather bound journal from American Book Arts.
THE PREPSTER
I’m not preppy myself, but I get it. It’s a look that’s fun, fresh, pretty and happy.
What’s not to love about a combo like that? Bring on the florals, bright colors,
graphic prints and monograms. I’m feeling p[r]eppier already.
Chevron print personalized notecards
If she doesn’t have it already, this is a library must-have
for preps and Domino-lovers (i.e. pretty much everyone!).
Frances guest towels from Leontine Linens.
Seda France Pagoda Candles can be found at A Mano in Georgetown.
THE ANIMAL LOVER
Oh, where to start? Pet clothes, pet portraits, animal-inspired jewelry,
tableware and linens, books, artwork, etc. etc. As a professed and devoted
animal-lover myself, I can’t get enough of this stuff. Feline, canine, cute or
costly – there is something to satisfy every creature-enthusiast’s obsession.
Vintage stacking hedgehog ashtrays. So cute!
Winter Kitty perfume oil. A natural fragrance inspired by “felines,
fireplaces, and snowflakes”. I’ve been intrigued for months and
December may be just the time to sample this unusual scent.
Two dog beds that are so good-looking, you won’t be upset if Fido decides
that he prefers the floor. Beds by Dransfield & Ross above, Fleabag Bed below.
Polar Bear Exiting Deyrolle, 2005
William Curtis Rolf
An original charcoal drawing by Bob Kimball. So lovely
it’s worthy of your beloved feline or canine companion.
Vintage Italian brass Osprey box.
Afteil is one of the beautiful female alpacas available for sale at
Island Alpaca on Martha’s Vineyard. Such gentle, gorgeous creatures.
I would own one in a hot second if I could. Look at that face!
GIFTS THAT GIVE BACK
This holiday season as in all seasons, remember to give to those who need it most.
Countless charities hope and wait for caring, generous individuals to make a difference in the lives
of the homeless, hungry and abused. For every donation you make to one of the organizations
below*, Luxe & Lucid will make one in kind. Blessings to you and yours this season.
Tricia xo
* World Vision, The Washington Humane Society and the IOCP Sleep Out.
Please email Luxe & Lucid for more information.
-
Wuzzup?
I’ve received several requests from readers (colleagues, friends, etc.) for an
update on chez Huntley. I wish I could say things were further along, however, I am
happy to report the purchase of a few fabulous items that I’m dying to put in place.
All were great deals, but more importantly, they all have a Tricia-esque sensibility
and suit the house beautifully. If I survive the renovations (God willing), I may just
have one rock star pad to blog about. Keep your fingers crossed and stay tuned!
A general inspiration board for the public spaces.
My first purchase for the house. I stumbled upon this pair of
Platner chairs at a flea market in Pennsylvania in September.
A vintage Brutalist chandelier for the dining room (or guest room or ???).
I actually purchased this Louis XVI-style lit de repose years ago, but
always had it in storage. It’s finally found a home in my living room.
What a find. This Paul Evans style coffee table is sick!
These chairs will be gorgeous once I reupholster them.
I’m planning to use them as conference chairs in the H&C studio.
Simple, tailored and comfortable – my criteria for all sofas – whether traditional or modern.
I have scoured the floorcovering world for a funky, graphic, asymmetrical stair runner.
Apparently they don’t exist. At least not in available materials and colors that will
stand up to the paws of my canine kid. This is my best find so far. I’ll buy five or so,
cut them to fit the stair, seam them together and bind in a contrasting tape. Voila!
The ceilings in the new H&C studio are über low, but I still want a decorative
fixture at the entrance for impact. This unusual “chandelier” is just the piece.
Another hidden gem I unearthed from the POD. This little Lucite martini
table was a gift from my former boss, Paul Sherrill, from Solis Betancourt. *
Not exactly a critical element to the interior, but a great find nonetheless.
I visited the workshop of Katherine Hackl while in Princeton over Thanksgiving and
purchased several pieces of pottery. This bowl is in a different vein than her typical
work and reminds me of Mirό. It’s sitting on my dining room table and looks amazing.
Hopefully I’ll have more images to share over the next few months
… and won’t have lost my mind along the way.
Tricia xo
*postscript*
My beloved former bosses at Solis Betancourt have just published their first book, Essential Elegance.
It’s filled with their stunning work and should be on everyone’s Christmas list. Paul and José are
doing several book signings, including one this Thursday evening 12/9 at Bulthaup in Georgetown.
Head down to Cady’s Alley to get a signed copy and to meet these two brilliant, charming men.
-
25 Signs You May Be a Real Designer
For all my passionate, hardworking, professional colleagues - including
vendors, tradespeople and fellow interior designers – this one's for you.
1. You can draw a plan, an elevation, a perspective.
2. You understand and utilize concepts like symmetry, balance and chiaroscuro.
3. You know when to throw aforementioned concepts out the window.
4. You have a degree in interior design.
5. You were over the robin’s-egg-blue and chocolate look about 12 years ago.
6. You're concerned that HGTV stands for Homes Gone Totally Vile.
7. You use acronyms like “COM”, “CFA” and “PO” on a regular basis.
8. Your portfolio contains projects other than your own home.
9. Your photo albums are filled with pictures of architecture instead of people.
10. Despite being an animal lover and a vegetarian, you just can't resist shagreen and goatskin.
11. You know how floor vents, doorswings and light switches can make or break a design.
12. You’ve gone to the mattresses with a contractor over a millwork detail or hardware spec.
13. You've pulled many an all-nighter as a student, employee and/or business owner.
14. A stoneyard to you is like Disneyland to a six-year-old.
15. You sometimes think your business card should read “professional schlepper”.
16. You know that not agreeing with your clients is often in their best interest.
17. You think vertical blinds, laminate floors and hollow core doors are the work of the devil.
18. You value your vendors and treat them with courtesy and respect.
19. You can appreciate good design even if it’s at odds with your own personal aesthetic.
20. You’ve gone totally ape s— over a wool sheer, doorknob or custom finish.
21. You’ve earned a “hello” from Belinda at the design center.
22. You refer to 2009 as your "year of mourning" because House & Garden, Southern
Accents and Metropolitan Home all shuttered their publications.
23. Big budgets are nice, but you can still rock an interior on a shoestring.
24. You would rather stick hot needles in your eye than live in a spec house.
25. Despite the fact that 10% of your time is spent designing and the other 90% is spent on coordination,
problem solving and personality management, you still wouldn't do anything else in the world.
Tricia xo
THE MUSINGS OF DESIGNER TRICIA HUNTLEY
