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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.
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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
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Home Sweet Home
It’s been a big week for me. I moved into my own home.
As an interior designer and first-time home buyer, this is one of the
most thrilling endeavors of my adult life. I’ve had apartments and
condos and shared houses, but this is a real “grown up” house and a
place of my own. It has space and a yard and endless possibilities. There
are a multitude of projects on the horizon; in fact, I’ve already begun the
renovation process by refinishing the floors. It’s going to keep me busy
and I’m sure I’ll feel frustrated (and broke!) at times, but really, is there
anything more important and memorable than the lives we build at home?
“The ache for home lives in all of us, the safe place where
we can go as we are and not be questioned.”
– Maya Angelou
Tricia (and Nina) xo
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Think Pink
In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I am saluting one of my favorite colors – pink.
This lovely hue often gets a bad rap. People think it’s a saccharine shade that should be
reserved for little girls’ bedrooms and bubble gum. But pink can be as versatile and sophisticated
as any color in the spectrum. I’ve used it in dining rooms, bathrooms and living rooms. And it’s
always warm, sexy, feminine and inviting. Now before all you modernists and men poo-poo this idea,
I’ll let you in on a little secret. Whenever I use pink in a room, the crew on site (plumbers, electricians,
millworkers, etc.) always love it. I”m talking about macho, physical, hardworking guys. But believe
it or not, if you envelop them in pink, they suddenly feel calm, comforted and completely at home.
I’m not kidding. It happens without fail. Maybe pink isn’t just for girls after all?
A pink gown – in the right color, the right cut and with the right complexion – can be an absolute stunner.
L to R: Diane Kruger in Christian Lacroix, Naomi Watts in Stella McCartney and Natalie Portman in Rodarte.
My girl Gwen rocked a custom John Galliano pink and white ombre silk faille dress on her wedding day.
I keep these heart-shaped “Make Out Mints” at the ready in case of an intimate chat or smooch.
A rose quartz cabochon ring by Arunashi Jewelry.
Pink, polished and modern.
Leigh Viner’s work is utterly feminine but with a sexy edge. Find this freelance artist
and photographer’s collection of prints and original works through JKL Design on Etsy.
Miles Redd is never one to shy away from color and his New York living room is no exception.
A lipstick red sofa against bubblegum pink walls. Yes, I actually love this combo. Granted, I
would probably tweak the saturation and tone of each of these hues (case in point – the
Huntley & Co. dining and living rooms below), but I do think Mr. Redd is on to something.
Another “Redd” room – these pink walls have a base that’s more salmon, less blue.
This shade of pink is a beautiful foil for the graphic black and white of the chair and artwork.
I spotted this delicate chandelier with pale pink crystals on Friday at the
Ebanista showroom in DC. It’s elegant, charming and not too sweet.
And I stumbled upon this GORGEOUS light fixture while trolling online.
It speaks to the “bubble” chandelier look that’s been popular the past few
years, but is a warmer, more organic version … like candy-coated jellyfish.
I recently purchased this Modern Alchemy candle from And Beige in Adams Morgan.
I can’t get enough of the scent and am equally amused by the company’s description …
“When unbridled lust is confined within a single sexually charged location, the perfume is unmistakable.
This torrid fragrance is of sultry orris root, musk, ancient civet, peru balsam and rarest plai.”
I always go to Saipua – floral designers in Brooklyn – for color inspiration.
Their arrangements are so lush and gorgeous with an effortlessness about them.
This is how you arrange pink flowers.
A painting by the 19th century portrait artist Giovanni Boldini. Portraits as beautiful
and seductive as this one of Marthe deFlorian are, unfortunately, remnants of the past.
The Boldini painting above reminds me of this study I designed for a client. She requested a pink and
blue color scheme for the space and I was notably doubtful at first. I’m not really a pastel kind of girl
(unless you counteract it with something dark or edgy), so this was new territory for me. But it turned out
beautifully. The soft colors were the key to creating a peaceful work environment for a busy woman.
A year or so later, the same client wanted her dining room reinvented. Again she was
drawn to pink. This time I didn’t hesitate. Soft rose-colored walls and coral/brick red
mouldings and trim throughout. It’s an unusual color scheme that has a magical glow
during candlelit dinner parties. I love trying new things and clients who takes risks.
Indeed, 2009 was the year of pink for Huntley & Co. Probably because we were fortunate
enough to have independent, savvy female clients who wanted to bring fashion and glamour
into their homes [and lives]. This metallic, faux bois wallcovering is one of my all-time
favorites. It comes in several incredible colors including this blush one. I had it cut into
squares and hung in contrasting directions to highlight the pattern and luminosity of the paper.
I carried this pink tote around all summer and was sad to retire it for the season.
To all the women, including my late Grammy P, who have waged the war against breast
cancer with courage and dignity. We honor you this October and all year long.
Tricia xo
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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
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
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
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
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.
– Option 5 –
EDGY HAIR
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
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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 –
My first post is still one of my favorites. And my love affair with gold is still going strong.
– NOVEMBER 6, 2009 –
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 –
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 –
My favorite Luxe & Lucid entry from the past year.
A personal and cathartic statement delivered via a hip, irreverent post.
– JANUARY 19, 2010 –
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 –
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 –
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 –
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 –
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 brooch. Snap!
– SEPTEMBER 12, 2010 –
25 Signs You May Be Working Too Much
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
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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 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)
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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!
The apartment – day one. Umm, excuse me???
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.
The silver lining? The view!!!
So instead of installing right away … We run errands, meet with management and vendors, clean and walk the property.
A trying and exhausting day, but it’s hard to complain in an environment like this.
At day’s end, we all need a nice dinner and a good night’s sleep.
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.
Moving onwards and upwards on day two with deliveries.
Furnishings are in and floors are clean (for now).
Is there anything more satisfying than progress?!
In days three and four, wallpaper goes up and we unpack all the accessories.
It may be a mess, but it’s my favorite kind of mess … Christmas in September!
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.
Yep, just another day in Montreux.
After another couple of days of cleaning and styling, we have a finished apartment. Almost.
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
P.S. A huge thank you to our Swiss logistical team Kuehne + Nagel!