• Eccentricia

     

    In classic Tricia-style, I injured myself this week and was unable to walk for 36

    hours.  Seriously, I can't make this stuff up.  And while joking with a beloved former

    employee about my all too common antics, I proposed incorporating a cane into my look. 

    "A stick could be part of my 'schtick'."  While in jest, the idea actually had some appeal.

    I would love to be eccentric and iconic with a look that is utterly unmistakable.  I've never

    thought of myself that way.  Or maybe I've just never had the guts.  As a child, I was

    considerably quiet and timid (I know some of you find that hard to believe).  I didn't really

    find my voice until my thirties.  Well now that I'm heading toward the big 4-0 and my life

    seems to become more frenetic by the day, maybe it's time to embrace a little eccentricity. 

    It may be just what the doctor ordered.  That and aforementioned stick.

      

      

     

      

    – Option 1 –

    BIG GLASSES

    carrie-donovan

    Would you recognize the famous former Vogue and New York Times

    Magazine style editor, Carrie Donovan, without her enormous round

    glasses?  An easy transformation and fairly noncommittal.

      

     

     

     

     

    – Option 2 –

    HATS

    isabella blow trio

    I probably don’t have the cajones of the late Isabella Blow, but I do give the girl her props.

     I shy away from wearing a fedora.  This dynamo was rockin’ entire gardens atop her head!

     

      

     

     

      

    – Option 3 –

    DRAMATIC MAKEUP

    priscilla

     

    The young Priscilla Presley was undeniably beautiful.  However, what made

    her an icon – thanks to none other than Elvis himself – was that makeup.  She

    probably went through a dozen kohl liners a year, but she had the eyes and the

    complexion to pull it off.  She looked like an exotic Barbie doll and America loved it.

      

      

      

        

      

      

      

      

      

    – Option 4 –

    UNCONVENTIONAL WARDROBE

    grey_gardens

     

    Edie Beale’s unusual fashion choices were the consequence of privilege, predicament

    and necessity.  Born and bred in New York society, little Edie Beale’s early life was storybook. 

    But a divorce and a delusional, headstrong mother changed her fate and her fashions.  With a closet

    full of Dior, Givenchy and Hermes, but no heat or running water, her odd ensembles were ingeniously

    practical and chic.  Not convinced?  See John Galliano’s Grey Gardens inspired collection below.

     

    grey gardens - john galliano 

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    – Option 5 –

    EDGY HAIR

     

    rhianna 3

     

    There’s only one word to describe Rhianna.  Fierce.  The girl can and does rock every

    hairstyle under the sun.  The fun of it is that she usually opts for a look that is as edgy

    and fearless as the artist herself.  Spiky?  Sure.  Mohawk?  Why not.  Purple and white

    streaks?  Of course!  Honestly, I will never, ever  wear a mohawk.  But I have been

    considering dying a few strands of my hair pink.  And since October is Breast Cancer

    Awareness Month, I have the perfect excuse.  Besides, I think that shy, little girl

    is finally ready to get a little funky, have a little fun and get her groove on.  Yeyah!

      

      

      

      

    Tricia xo

  • One

      

      

    gold one

      

       

    As of September 2010, Luxe & Lucid is one-year-old.  And what a year it’s been!

    To celebrate, I’m recapping some of my favorite posting moments and sending a shout-out to

     all those who’ve tuned in during my inaugural year online.  Life in the blogoshpere has been an

    unexpected joy and labor of love (with equal emphasis on "labor" and "love").  Stay tuned for

    more interiors, more fashion and more adventures in year two.  Anything could happen!

     

    Tricia xo

      

      

     

     

     

    – SEPTEMBER 28, 2009 –

    The Gold Standard

    gold standard

    My first post is still one of my favorites.  And my love affair with gold is still going strong.

      

      

     

      

     

     

     

    – NOVEMBER 6, 2009 –

    Mirror Mirror on the Wall

     

    KAP_9793_c[2]

     

    It’s pretty exciting to see one of my interiors make the rounds on the internet.  This photo from

    last year showed up on dozens of sites and seemed to incite a “mirror-on-mirror” craze. 

    And I couldn’t get enough of the comments like those below …

     

    "That Tricia Huntley Venetian mirror over a normal mirror is my fave bathroom ever!!!"

    – Sarah (Matters of Style) c/o Little Green Notebook

      

    "I have had my eye on this design feature for awhile [and} looking for a place to incorporate it.  I absolutely love the [first] picture."

    – sillybee c/o Apartment Therapy

      

     

     

     

     

     

    – DECEMBER 4, 2009 –

    L.A. = Love Affair

    LA

    My trip to LA last November was fabulous.  Inspiring and fruitful.  I incorporated

    several of my finds into Huntley & Co. projects, including the apartment in Switzerland.

     

     

     

     

     

    – JANUARY 1, 2010 –

    Find Your Anthem

     

    1004_gwen_stefani_a

     

    My favorite Luxe & Lucid entry from the past year. 

    A personal and cathartic statement delivered via a hip, irreverent post.

     

     

     

     

     

    – JANUARY 19, 2010 –

    Sign Language

     

    russian vogue dec09

     

    The obvious fun of this post was celebrating my own zodiac sign.  But I stumbled upon a

    lot of other interesting and unexpected tidbits while researching as well.  And who knew I

    would be able to incorporate one of my favorite artists – Kris Kristofferson – into a blog about

    horoscopes?  That’s the secret joy of blogging; you never know where it will take you.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    – MARCH 5, 2010 –

    A Day in the Life

     

    IMG_1310

     

    As many of my readers may now realize, I try to find the humor in my job and the precarious situations I

    so often find myself in.  This was one of those days.  I know we sometimes accomplish the impossible,

    but it’s all in a day’s work.  Still, it was nice to pull the curtain back for once, so everyone else could see the

    reality of my glamorous (ha!) life.  And comments like the one below help me smile through the madness.

     

    “Holy Crap, pardon me, but y’all are amazing.  Love that your client was right there.

    Tricia, you have nerves of steel and fabulous style to boot”

    – Claire / High Gloss Blue

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    – MAY 11, 2010 –

    Scents & Sensibility

     

    427px-Etruscan_perfume_vase_Louvre_Br2949

     

    This post pulled me deeper into my romance with fragrances.  Intoxicating, sensuous, glamorous.

    And a key player in the battlefield of love and passion for millennia.  I can’t get enough.

     

     

     

     

     

     

    – JULY 1, 2010 –

    Designer DNA

     

    Who Are You_P4

     

    I loved that fellow designers and fashionistas were able to find inspiration in my digital storyboards.

     

    "Fabulous idea.  I think I fit into board #2 myself.  Delicious.”

    – Stefan / ArchitectDesign

     

     

     

     

     

     

    - AUGUST 26, 2010 –

    Heavens to Etsy

     

    laboheme bijoux

     

    Blogging about Etsy turned out to be a slightly dangerous undertaking.  One, because

    it led to shopping.  Shocker.  And two, because it elicited my first negative comment from

    a reader [who called me a snob].  Ugh.  Seriously people, I work 7 days a week and write

    this blog in my after hours – i.e. between 7PM and 4AM – cut me a little slack please.

    Whatever.  I still got me some gorgeous earrings (above) and a sick vintage broochSnap!

     

     

     

     

     

     

    – SEPTEMBER 12, 2010 –

    25 Signs You May Be Working Too Much

     

    T sleeping

     

    It’s good to know from suffering comes so much joy.  I think everyone who read this

    post – including me – got a big kick out of it.  Every time I look back at that painful and

    delirious list, I laugh.  Like they say, truth is stranger than fiction.  Yes, this is my life.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    A big thank you to all my readers and subscribers.  I love your feedback, so keep it coming.  And a

    shout-out to my international fans.  Your attention to my fledgling blog is really exciting.  Here’s a list of some

    of the countries who’ve checked in with Luxe & Lucid from around the globe this year.  Love, love, love it!

     

     

    Austria

    Australia

    Bosnia & Herzegovina

    Brazil

    Bulgaria

    Canada

    Cocos (Keeling) Islands

    Costa Rica

    Croatia

    Czech Republic

    Denmark

    Estonia

    Egypt

    Finland

    France

    Germany

    Georgia

    Gibralter

    Greece

    Hong Kong

    Hungary

    India

    Indonesia

    Ireland

    Italy

    Jordan

    Japan

    Korea

    Mexico

    Morocco

    Malaysia

    Nigeria

    Netherlands

    Norway

    New Zealand

    Peru

    Philippines

    Pakistan

    Poland

    Portugal

    Qatar

    Romania

    Russian Federation

    Slovak Republic

    Slovenia

    South Africa

    Spain

    Sri Lanka

    Sweden

    Swaziland

    Switzerland

    Thailand

    Turkey

    Taiwan

    Venezuela

    Viet Nam

  • To Die For

     

    Do you ever see something and say, “If I died and came back as a

    _________ (fill in the blank), I would want to be that one.”  I do.  Granted,

    I have a flair for the dramatic.  But still.  Sometimes a designer – or artist,

    photographer, architect – creates something so original, so beautiful that one

    can’t help but be awed.  Luxe & Lucid will be highlighting some of these

    objects d’art from time to time.  So extraordinary, each piece stands alone.

      

       If I died and came back as an …

    ACCESSORIES COLLECTION

     

    r&y collection

     

    R & Y Augousti

    Ria and Yiouri Augousti

     

     

    20 years ago, through the grace of the design gods, Ria and Yiouri Augousti met in

    London.  They fell in love, married, and formed the company R&Y Augousti.  From the

    beginning, their design sensibilities were a match made in heaven.  Traveling the world, they

    select exotic skins, stones and other natural materials for their furniture and accessories

    collections.  Sculptural, textural and drop-dead gorgeous, each piece is a work of art.  And 

    attention men:  if there is a chic, worldly woman in your life whom you want to impress, this

    is the answer.  Forget diamonds, forget the Mercedes.  When you give a woman a gift from

    R&Y, you are telling her she is an exquisite, remarkable creature like no other.  Perfection.

     

    103 Rue du Bac

    Paris

    33 (0)1.42.22.22.21

     

    (photos courtesy of augousti.com)

     

  • H&C a la Montreux

     

    As mentioned in last week’s post, I have been in Switzerland installing a project.

    And as many of you know, I’ve been working a lot lately.  So even though no one

    likes to spend their weekends at the office or pulling all-nighters, the magic of being an

    interior designer is that you get to enjoy the tangible results of all your hardship … 

    THE APARTMENT IN MONTREUX IS STUNNING!  

    Beyond the fact that I love every single thing we installed – the wallcoverings,  

    the furniture, the lighting, the textiles, the accessories the views and the town

    of Montreux itself are extraordinary.  The work was dirty and exhausting, but with

    distractions like Lake Geneva out your window, who cares!

    white box lp

    The apartment – day one.  Umm, excuse me???

    LN_2010sep 395   LN_2010sep 377

    LN_2010sep 379

    Yikes!  Needless to say, this is not what we were expecting.  So much for a move-in

    ready apartment.  This not-so-insignificant mess is a big detail for management to omit

    from our conversations pre-departure.  OK … take a deep breath and work the problem. 

    Because there is a truck full of furniture outside and it needs to be installed – somehow.

    white box lp

     The silver lining?  The view!!!

     LN_2010sep 533

     

    white box lp

    So instead of installing right away … We run errands, meet with management and vendors, clean and walk the property.

    LN_2010sep 544   LN_2010sep 542

    IMG_0182   LN_2010sep 540

    A trying and exhausting day, but it’s hard to complain in an environment like this.

    white box lp

    At day’s end, we all need a nice dinner and a good night’s sleep.

    377509_Riviera1900_montreuxpalace

    restaurant 45 eve

    Huntley & Co. stayed at the Suisse Majestic, so four of us had dinner in the hotel’s

    restaurant – Restaurant 45 – and had a lovely time before crashing for the night.

    white box lp

    Moving onwards and upwards on day two with deliveries.

    LN_2010sep 452    LN_2010sep 456

    LN_2010sep 439

    Furnishings are in and floors are clean (for now).

    Is there anything more satisfying than progress?!

    white box lp

     In days three and four, wallpaper goes up and we unpack all the accessories.

    LN_2010sep 458   LN_2010sep 461

    LN_2010sep 494

    It may be a mess, but it’s my favorite kind of mess … Christmas in September!

     white box lp

    We often ran errands during the day because there was always something else we

    or our installers needed.  This day we stopped for lunch at the Hotel Eden du Lac.

     

    LN_2010sep 484

    Yep, just another day in Montreux.

     

      

    After another couple of days of cleaning and styling, we have a finished apartment.  Almost.

    IMG_0088     IMG_0107

    IMG_0098

    IMG_0188

    IMG_0128  IMG_0132

    Copy of LN_2010sep 445

    LN_2010sep 602

    IMG_0071

    IMG_0078

    LN_2010sep 609

    There were a few things (besides the original mess) that didn’t go as planned.  The artwork

    for the foyer was damaged in transit, one of the beds was missing from the delivery and the

    Swiss team hired by the property didn’t finish all of their work.  One of the workers literally

    laughed in our faces when we told him to go buy the part he needed and to come back.  So it

    looks like I’ll have to go back to Switzerland in October to wrap up the final details. 

     Bummer ; )

     

     

    Tricia 

    LN_2010sep 424

    P.S. A huge thank you to our Swiss logistical team Kuehne + Nagel!

    white box lp

  • 25 Signs You May Be Working Too Much

      

    Greetings from Switzerland!

    Huntley & Co. is in Montreux this week installing a residence on Lake Geneva.  Yes, I’m a lucky girl.  But as is often the case, leaving town for a week requires a lot of overtime at the office prior to departure.  You have to get your ducks in a row (see item 4 below) for your employees, your other clients and your personal life.  And there is never enough time.  Rather than looking for sympathy, you might as well find a little humor in the situation.  I started generating the list below on Friday thinking it would be ten items long.  By Monday, I was up to twenty-five and completely delirious from a lack of sleep.  It was all worth it though.  All is going well here in Montreux and I know everything is running smoothly back home in DC as well.  Now if I could just get some sleep!

     white box lp

    1.    Your to-do list is 4 pages long, has a table of contents and an addendum.

    2.    You don’t know what day (or month, or year) it is.

    3.    You can feel your eyeballs scraping the inside of your eyelids.

    4.    You use phrases like “ducks in a row” ad nauseum.

    5.    You are aware of DC’s disturbingly high nocturnal rat population.

    6.    Coffee has replaced one of the four main food groups.

    7.    At least 3 times a day you walk across a room and can’t remember why once you get there.

    8.    Your keyboard has developed a strange film on it.

    9.    You looked better when you had the flu last winter.

    10.   Your dog has abandonment issues.

    11.   Your laundry pile resembles Mount Everest.

    12.   Eating dinner at midnight seems reasonable.

    13.   Bathroom breaks are a nuisance.

    14.   Your communication skills have regressed to the first grade level.

    15.   Your significant other thinks there may be someone else.

    16.   Walking out of the house and leaving something behind incites tears.

    17.   The beautiful weather pisses you off.

    18.   Friends are mad at you because your emails of late have been “curt”.

    19.   You catch a little shut-eye by closing your eyes as you walk.

    20.   “Twitchy” is an understatement.

    21.   You would sell your soul for a few extra hours.

    22.   A sisal floor is surprisingly comfortable for napping.

    23.   You realize you have no business operating a motor vehicle.

    24.   You miss the good ol’ days of the recession.

    25.   You create entertaining lists like this so you can cope.

     

     

    IMG_0118 TH sleep

    See you back in the states!

    Tricia xo

     

     

  • Volt

     

    I had an incredible evening on Wednesday.  I received a last minute invitation from

     a favorite client to join her for dinner at VOLT in Frederick, Maryland.  I always love

    a good meal, but I was especially excited about this venue because the head chef

    is Bryan Voltaggio of Top Chef fame.  His dishes were so impressive during season 6

    of Bravo’s acclaimed series that I couldn’t pass up the chance to sample them for myself. 

    To say that our dinner was delicious is the understatement of the century.  Seated at

    Table 21 (aka the chef’s table), we were presented and served a 21-course tasting menu,

    5 bottles of wine and a front row view of the genius at work in the kitchen.  By 11 o’clock

    we were nearly delirious from four hours of absolute gastronomic indulgence.  Thanks go

    out to my client Donna, Chef Voltaggio and the fabulous staff at Volt.  What a Wednesday! 

     

     

      

     

    volt exterior 2

    Volt is located in the historic Houck mansion in the heart of historic Frederick.

    The building was originally home to the Houck sisters – six daughters of the

    wealthy, local financier Ezra Houck.  The 8,000 SF structure was erected in

    the early 1890’s by the architectural firm J. A. Dempwolf.

     

     

     

     

     

     

    foyer & bar

     

     Views of the foyer’s hostess stand and adjacent bar.

      

     

     

     

     

     

    IMG_3503

     

    Chef Voltaggio, Sous Chef Graeme Ritchie and Beverage Director Neil Dundee

    oversee one of the evenings courses in the kitchen as Table 21 looks on.

     

     

     

     

     

     

    talent

     L to R:  Graeme Ritchie, Bryan Voltaggio and Neil Dundee

     

    Bryan Voltaggio grew up in Frederick county and began cooking at an early age. 

    He studied at the Culinary Institute of American in New York and worked as Sous

    Chef at Aureole in Manhattan and as Executive Chef at Charlie Palmer Steak DC.

    Voltaggio opened Volt in 2008 with business partner Hilda Staples.

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Some of the most memorable dishes of the evening …

     

     

    SONY DSC                        

    celeriac macaroon | foie gras

     

     

     

     

     

     

    SONY DSC

     

    yellowfin tuna tartare | cilantro, jasmine rice, soy “air”, yuzu, avocado

     

    The fourth course and one of my favorite plates of the night.

     

     

     

     

     

     

    SONY DSC

     

    chilled yellow corn soup | cucumber chive salad, coconut

     

     

     

     

     

     

    SONY DSC

     cherry glen farm ravioli | maitake mushroom, goat cheese

     

    My other favorite dish.  The combination of flavors was incredible.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    beets

     

    tuscarora farm beets | arugula, goat cheese, balsamic

     

    I love beet salad and almost always order it when dining out. 

    Volt’s was delicious and beautiful

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    SONY DSC

    .

    quartet of mignardises | white chocolate with sour cherry, almond macaroon with

    chocolate and cardamom, madeleine, and raspberry pâte de fruits

     

    So full at this point, I was near tears.  My boyfriend looked at me in disbelief when

    I nibbled each and every one of these desserts despite my distended tummy.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    menu cover

     

    If your mouth is watering and you want to book a table at Volt – call now. 

    They are already taking reservations for 2011 … and save your appetite!

     

     

    volt behind

     

     

      

     

    Bon appétit!

    Tricia

     

     

     

    – VOLT –

    228 NORTH MARKET STREET

    FREDERICK, MD 21701

    (301) 696-8658

    www.voltrestaurant.com

     

     

     

     

     

    * several photos courtesy of Volt’s website and www.kevineats.com *

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Heavens to Etsy

     

    I’m not lacking for addictions – chocolate, shopping, horror movies, etc.  But

    why not add another hang-up to my repertoire.  Etsy has been a Huntley & Co.

    resource for a few years now, but lately I’ve become a little more obsessed.  This

    online bazaar is like ebay in that it’s an emporium for clothing, furniture and knick

    knacks.  The difference is that Etsy contributors are legitimate artists, craftsmen

    and shopkeepers – not some creepy dude in New Jersey trying to sell his

    collection of vintage Liberace records.  So if you’re in the market for something

    hip, funky, unique or exquisite, Etsy will have what you’re looking for … and

    probably a few things you weren’t, but now can’t live without.  Heaven!

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Drawing on Panel

    “SarahGiannobile”

     

    sarahgiannobile painting

     

    If you want to start collecting art, Etsy should be your first stop. 

    Young, fresh talent in every medium imaginable.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Vampire Glass

    “Whitewash Sundries”

     

    vampire 2

     

    Sipping cocktails from this glass would definitely incite mischief.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Twiggy Leather Boots

    “mykashoes”

     

    mykashoes boots

     

    Fall is coming – time for some new chic but comfy

    boots for running around town.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Love Coat

    “ElfedUp”

     

    elfedup love coat

     

    … And some new sweaters.  Laid back luxury at its best.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Vintage Ted Lapidus Sunglasses

    “Vintage50sEyewear”

     

    vintage50seyewear

     

    Glasses are a tricky thing to purchase online.  But this glamorous pair may be worth the risk!

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Vintage Malachite Brooch

    “BayTreeGifts”

    malachite brooch

     

    I’m going to buy this stunning brooch. 

    I love malachite especially against a backdrop of gold.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Handmade Walnut Table

    “blackelm”

     

    blackelm table

     

    There are a bevy of talented furniture makers on Etsy. This one specializes in hand-

    crafted solid wood furniture and is based in my hometown of Minneapolis. 

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Bubble Chandelier

    “jeanpelle”

     

    bubble chandelier

     

    Simple, clever and a steal compared to similar bubble-style

    pendant fixtures popular on the market right now.

    .

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Midcentury Espresso Set

    “Abundancy”

     

    abudancy coffee set

     

    I love warm metals – gold, brass, etc. 

    So how fabulous would this coffee set look in my kitchen? 

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Hanging Tillandsia Terrariums

    “VivaFlora”

     

    vivaflora

     

    Terrariums are so cool.  Hang them from the ceiling, add a spindly

    plant and suddenly you have a living sculpture in your home.

     

     

     

     

     

     

      

    LesSoeurs Vintage Cameo Earrings

    “LaBoehemBijoux”

     

    earrings

     

    These earrings are gorgeous!!! 

    Vintage Lucite cabochons in a gold tone brass frame.

       

     

     

     

    Vintage Red Faux Fur Hat

    “june22”

    red faux fur hat

    I wish Americans still wore hats on a regular basis.

     

    … and traveled with a sense of panache.

     

    cheeky vintage

     

    Vintage Crimson Skyway Luggage

    “cheekyvintagecloset”

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Large Leather Bin

    “Gildem”

     

    Picture1

     

    For those of us who love to organize with style.  What a great tote for newspapers or kindling.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Custom Pet Portrait

    “Mandawife”

    mandawife

    I want to have my beloved Nina immortalized in a painting.  But I would like it

    to be slightly unconventional and I don’t want to spend a fortune.  Amanda

    Wolfe creates 8×10 gouaches based on a photo you supply for only $100.

     

     

     

    Five Color Letterpress Card

    “breadandbuttershop”

    breadandbutter card

    I love a good card.  This one is graphic, witty and sentimental.

    The perfect send-off for that special someone.

     

    Signing off and checking out [my Etsy shopping cart].

    Tricia xo

  • Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep

      

    I wish.  It’s 1AM and going to bed soon just isn’t an option.

    It's been a rollercoaster ride of a week and I'm simply exhausted.  Nothing too new for me 

     really.  I work a lot and by Friday all I want to do is crash.  So while I dream of catching up on

    my sleep this weekend, I might as well imagine myself in one of the blissful bedrooms below.

      

    Sweet dreams!

      

     

      

    elizabethdinkeldesigns

    A fresh, fun bedroom by Elizabeth Dinkel Designs.  The curvilinear headboard and sexy

     lamp with pink shade really pop against the green and blue traditional floral wallpaper.

      

    phoebe howard phoebe howard 2

    A subtle, romantic southern bedroom by Phoebe Howard.

    hargitay2

      

    It’s no secret that I think Jeffrey Bilhuber is a true genius.  He can do modern, traditional, urban,

    country, understated or ornate.  Regardless of the genre, he imbues all his interiors with inventive wit.

      

    JB1

     

     

     

     

    bedford-home-14-lg

    Sills Huniford rooms were always dramatic and original.  Each space was a collection of

    unique, curated pieces against a backdrop of unexpected color or one-of-a-kind finishes.

    Case in point – this chartreuse lacquered bedroom in Bedford, NY.

      

      

     

    SBNJ

    Before I launched Huntley & Co., I worked for the über talented José Solìs and

    Paul Sherrill at Solìs Betancourt.  We always had a diverse range of projects, the

    one above being a softer version of modern for a hip, young professional couple.

     

    liz group

    I adore Elizabeth Bailey's 2009 Hamptons Showhouse bedroom.  It's that perfect kind of feminine. 

    Sophisticated, not cutesy.  And the color palette is gorgeous; the wall paint, bedhangings, linens,

    furniture and rug all play off of each other beautifully.  But most of all, it's in a basement but you would

    never know.  The designer incorporated several designer tricks and created a soft, warm environment

    that doesn't feel dark or oppressed.  Nicely done Ms. Bailey!  Photos c/o Habitually Chic.

    weartsler2

    I’ve always been a big fan of Kelly Wearstler’s over-the-top, confident designs.  But lately they’ve

    become a bit kooky.  I miss Doheny Estate!  However, I do think her beach house in Malibu is

    absolutely brilliant.  The sculptural furniture and geometric prints are totally Wearstler, but the

    neutral palette – an atypical choice for the designer – gives the dynamic design room to breathe.

    hamptons gambrel

    Steven Gambrel’s website is one of those I have been frequenting lately.  His

    rooms have a rich and dramatic authenticity about them.  And I love this

    bedroom with the desk at the end of the bed.  It almost looks like a footboard.

      

      

      

     

     

     

    nash taylor mbr nash taylor guest

     

    There are bedrooms and then there are bedrooms.  This sumptuous master bedroom and

    guest room belong to Gela Nash-Taylor (Juicy Couture) and John Taylor (Duran Duran)

    and can be found on their spectacular estate in Wiltshire, England.  Photos c/o vogue.com.

     

     

     

     

     

     

    elizabeth dinkel

    If I could pick a bedroom to sleep in tonight, this would be it.  Stylish and warm with just enough

    color and a little bit of magic (pendant, mirror).  West Hollywood’s EDDA is a new H&C bookmark.

     

     

     

    Tricia … zzzzzzzzzzzz

  • Summer Vacation

    … mine has officially started.

    I'm spending the week in my hometown of Minneapolis with family and friends.

    There is no place I would rather be this time of year than the land of ten thousand lakes.

    It's the perfect destination for the three essentials of a summer vacation – sun, fun and

    relaxation.  I lounge at my parents', soak in the sun, catch up with the girls and breathe.

    Not much to it really, but it's always nice to have a plan – if a somewhat loose one – in place.

    Below are some of the activities I've scheduled for my week in the beautiful "mini apple". 

     

     

     

     

    Lake Minnetonka

    This vast and intricate chain of bays is a summer must for tourists and

    natives alike.  You can tie up at Big Island, stop for drinks at Lord Fletcher's

    or simply cruise along while enjoying 100+ miles of beautiful shoreline. 

     

    lord fletchers - Copy

     

    A typical summer day at Lord Fletcher's.

     

    LakeMinnetonkaBlue

     

    Chez Huntley is on the north shore of Lake Minnetonka in Crystal Bay.

     

     

     

     

    Pool Time

    My sun-worshipping days are long gone.  I haven't spent committed time

    in the sun in nearly twenty years.  But the rents have a pool with a view

    of the lake.  So really, I'm going to pass up a day of lounging poolside with

    my ipod, a tall drink and a couple of fashion mags?  Puhleeez!

     

     poolside

     

    I picked up two delicious magazines before my flight.  Check out the August issues of

    Elle and Vogue featuring Drew Barrymore and Gwyneth Paltrow respectively. 

    Great features and fall fashion previews!

     

    d and g

     

     

     

     

    Walker Art Center

    I haven't been in years, so I plan to spend a day at this world-class museum and

    adjacent sculpture garden with dinner after at Wolfgang Puck's restaurant 20*21.

     

     walker

     

    Claes Oldenburg’s famous “Spoonbridge and Cherry” sculpture at the Walker.

     

    2021

     

    The view from 20*21 includes Loring Park and the Basilica.

     

     

     

     

    Neighborhood Driving Tour

    Before I was an adult and a professional interior designer, I was a design voyeur.

    As a teenager, I loved driving through Minneapolis and its western suburbs soaking

    in the architecture and atmosphere of the neighborhoods.  I haven't done that in years

    and am looking forward to visiting some of my favorites haunts like Edina, Kenwood

    and Linwood Hills.  I see a blog post developing out of this.

     

    kenwood 2

     

    Classics in Kenwood (above) and adjacent to Lake Harriet (below).

     

    4427 Harriet Lake

     

     

     

     

    Lake Calhoun & Lake Harriet

    During my high school years many a day, night and weekend were spent at these two

    lakes.  Smaller in size and in the heart of Minneapolis, they're great for all kinds of activities:

    running, biking, canoeing, windsurfing.  Plus, the Lake Harriet Bandshell features concerts

    all summer long, so you can bring a date or the whole family for a picnic under the stars.

     

    windsurfer calhoun

     

    Windsurfers on Lake Calhoun.

     

     lhbs

    Moored sailboats and the bandshell at Lake Harriet.

     

     

     

    Weisman Art Museum

    Designed by Frank Gehry and erected in 1993, this iconic steel structure on

    the University of Minnesota campus is a precursor to the famous Guggenheim in

    Bilbao, Spain.  The only Gehry-designed museum in the United States, it is

    currently undergoing a major expansion scheduled for completion in 2011.

     

    weisman

     

     

    Girls' Night

    My Midwest "besties" and I don't get quality time together but once a year.

    So when we do, we make it count.  There's nothing better than hanging out,

    sipping cocktails and laughing our a—s off for hours on end.

    2009aug_bsmreunion

    Five of “the nine” at our 20th reunion last summer at the Minneapolis W Hotel.

     

     

    Hoping you all get the chance to get away, recharge and reconnect with the ones you love!

    Tricia xo

  • District Design

      

    New York, LA, Paris – Sure, everyone knows these cities are the “it” destinations for design

    and fashion.  But there are fabulous finds in any city if you’re a chic and savvy girl (or guy) who knows

    how and where to look.  “DISTRICT DESIGN” is a recurring feature from Luxe & Lucid that highlights

     great shopping in the US and beyond sourced by my most stylish friends and colleagues in-the-know. 

     

     

     

     

     

     

    District Design vol. 2 

    BARCELONA & MADRID

      

     

    shoppinginmadrid  

      

    On the heels of its World Cup win over The Netherlands this past weekend, who better to

    feature in District Design than Spain?  You couldn't help falling in love with this country upon

    viewing the spirit and excitement of its players and fans throughout the finals.  Sarah, my oldest

    friend from childhood – we started our education together in preschool – has had a lifelong love affair 

    with Europa Latina.  She has lived there since college and married a Spaniard.  She is probably more 

    Spanish than American at this point, but as someone who was raised in the U.S., she never loses her 

    enthusiasm for her adopted home.  In Luxe & Lucid's second installment of District Design, Sarah 

    will share her favorite sources for fashion and home as a stylish ex-pat in the know.  Viva España!

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE FURNISHINGS RESOURCE?

     

    Two great, high-end resources for the home are ArteEspaña and Becara.

    Both have retail locations in Madrid and Barcelona.

     

     artespana & becara

     

    Table from ArteEspana and accessories from Becara. 

     

     

     

     

    WHAT WAS YOUR LAST STELLAR FIND?

    Gold leaf mirrors for our dining room and a gold-flecked frame that instantly jazzed up a lackluster print.

     

     hotel pulitzer artwork 

    Artwork at Hotel Pulitzer in Barcelona c/o La Dolce Vita.

     

     

     

     

    IS THERE A PREFERRED LINEN SHOP IN MADRID?

     

    Yes!  The best buy for your money is at Sandra Marquez.  It’s a Portuguese chain and

    Portuguese textiles are lovely.  You can find quality linens – for bath, bed, tabletop – at

    great prices.  Her sheets have lovely detailing like scalloped edges and hand-embroidery. 

    They’re soft, don’t need much ironing and last.  What more can you ask for?! 

     

     

    26558-sandra_marques_no

     

     

     

    HOW DO YOU WORK YOUR FASHION LOOK INTO YOUR HOME?

     

    I like gold accessories and my living room has quite a few little gold accents.

     

     

     gold access II

     

     

     

    estafania_carrero_Spanish AD Nov09

     

    Interior by Estefanía Carrero featured in Spanish AD Nov ’09.

    Check out this mag.  Every issue blows my mind!

     

     

     

     

    WHAT FASHION DESTINATION CAN YOU NOT LIVE WITHOUT?

    That would have to be Zara.  They are completely in touch with the pulse of current fashion

    and churn out new looks every two weeks, so their store is new every time you walk in.  Zara is 

    known for taking hot looks off the street/runway and getting them into stores in record time.  They

    mix up their styles and feature limited edition dresses and outfits that are really gorgeous.  You can

    find your standard work uniform or weekend outfits in a snap.  Everything is well-priced, and while it’s

    only good for a season or two, it’s great to get up-to-date pieces without breaking the bank.  Plus, it’s

    one-stop shopping for women (including shoes), men and kids.  A great resource for moms on-the-go.

     

     zara

     

    Styles from the Zara Lookbook.

     

     

     

     

     

     

    WHAT’S THE BEST KEPT SHOPPING SECRET IN SPAIN?

     

    Boutiques like Hazel for shoes and Bimba & Lola for ready-to-wear clothes and accessories. 

    Perhaps best of all? Zara’s new upscale shop called Uterque.  Check it out – it’s gorgeous!

     

     

     

    hazel4

     

    Shoes from Hazel.

     

     

    bimba y lola

    Spirited and coloful clothes and accessories from Bimba & Lola.

     

    uterque bags

    Handbags from Uterqüe.
     

     

     

     

     

     

    * LUXE & LUCID PICKS FOR BARCELONA & MADRID *

     

    Sarah and I are part of a group of longtime girlfriends in Minnesota (a.k.a. “the nine”).

    Our friendships span 30+ years and we get together annually so that we stay on top of the

    many changes we all go through and to keep our relationships au courant.  We pick a new

    spot each year, and with our fortieth birthdays looming on the horizon (yikes!), we’ve decided

    to do it up with a trip to Spain.  Sarah will, of course, provide us with many to-do’s and must-

    sees for our little adventure.  But in true Tricia-style, I’ve started compiling a list of Luxe &

    Lucid worthy pit-stops.  See some of my recent finds below.  And feel free to send me your

    own recommendations.  I would love to hear from you!

     

     

     

     

     

     

    HOTELS & RESTAURANTS

     

     

    hotel pulitzer lobby bar

     

    – The Hotel Pulitzer in Barcelona –

    Designed by the incredibly talented Lázaro Rosa-Violán.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    la balsa restaurante barcelona

     

    La Balsa Restaurante 

    Patrons have included Joan Miró, Salman Rushdie and François Mitterand must be good!

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Bar-Marsella-Barcelona

     

    – Bar Marsella –

    Some of my artistic heroes – Dalí, Hemingway, Gaudí and Picasso – used to frequent this

    Barcelona bar.  And they serve absinthe.  A sexy, mysterious spirit I’ve been enjoying lately.

     

     

     

     

     

     

    ritz madrid

     

    The Hotel Ritz Madrid

    Dining on the Terrace with views across the garden of the Prado Museum.

     

     

     

     

     

     

    MUSEUMS

     

     

     

    prado museum

     

    Museo del Prado

    Glorious garden, magnificent architecture and a stellar collection of works.

     

     

    picasso

    The Museu Picasso, Barcelona  

    The Wait (Margot), 1901.

     

     Museo Reina Sofia, Madrid

    pintura - joan miro

    Hombre con Pipa, 1925

    Joan Miró

     

    Guernica, 1937

    Pablo Picasso's masterpiece

    guernica

     

    More to come as I troll blogs and poll my friends for the best resources España.

    … and check out District Design vol. 1 from November 09.

     

    Tricia xo