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Branded
There is one question I receive more than any other from prospective clients, writers, editors, vendors and
the public-at-large. “What’s Your Style?” Simple enough I suppose. After all, most designers and novice
decorators have a catch phrase … “edited elegance”, “shabby chic”, “retro glam”, etcetera. The funny thing
is that despite having worked as an interior designer for fifteen years and having my own firm for five, I’ve never
been able to provide a nice neat answer to that all-important question. I guess I found it difficult to sum up all
of my professional passions and aspirations into a few choice words. And perhaps subconsciously I realized
that I needed to soak up as much as I could from the talented pool of designers, architects and artisans around
me before attaching myself to a specific slogan. Or maybe I’m just a knucklehead. Whatever the reason, in this
era of branding, I think it’s time to find a trademark for TRICIA HUNTLEY INC. and certainly for HUNTLEY & CO.
I believe I have a contender, so I’m hoping the Luxe & Lucid audience will help me with my decision. Based on
the cues below, let me know if I’m on target. I welcome comments and suggestions from my clever readers.
– Influential Designers -
Sills Huniford (now parted), Jeffrey Bilhuber & Solis Betancourt (top to bottom),
Three stellar firms that deliver genius with every project. Of course, I may be a little partial to SB
since it is headed by my former bosses who happen to be the nicest, most gracious men on earth.
- The Glamour Found in Nature -
I love me a manicured hedge and a nice hunk of rock.
Jacques Garcia temple photo c/o World of Interiors
– Gorgeous, Dramatic Art –
John Singer Sargent, Elliott Puckette, Francisco Goya & Giacometti (top to bottom).
– Sexy, Laid-Back, All-American Fashion –
Tory Burch, Gwyneth Paltrow and one of my favorite looks - skinny jeans, flats and a [faux] fur coat.
– My Collected Thoughts-
This scrapbook is a collection of images I have pulled because they are beautiful
and inspiring, regardless of context. I started this “stream of consciousness” project
to help me with the idea of branding and to jump start the design for my own house.
– My Own Work –
Whether I’m working on a modern apartment or sprawling traditional home, there are always
three elements key to my interiors; they need to be beautiful, original and unpretentious. Not
only do I want them to reflect the spirit and lifestyle of my clients, but I want them to be livable.
So taking all of the above into consideration, I think the best way to describe my style is …
“NATURAL GLAMOUR”
Wacha’ think? Tricia xo
* Refer to blog posts Designer DNA and Wuzzup?
as well as the Huntley & Co. website for more info.
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Much Ado About Nothing
I had my heart set on a particular feature this week, but I can’t find the key image. And although I
have 30 or so folders containing potential posts stocked away in my computer, I’m just not feeling
it for any of them right now. The truth for lifestyle bloggers is that we do feel the need to deliver
something meaningful and beautiful and somewhat original to our audience. And as a practicing
designer with my own firm, I feel a particular obligation to perform. Excellence in design is my
professional pursuit – churning out or championing mediocrity does not hold particular appeal.
So with that in mind, I offer you a list of some of my favorite resources to provide you with the
inspiration that so clearly escapes me this week. Hopefully I’ll be back on my game next week.
… And I’ll have found that !@%$#% picture!
Vivre - catalog
Isabel Lopez-Quesada – designer website
Lonny – e|zine
A Thoughtful Eye – blog
Saipua – website, blog
AD España – magazine
Bijoux and Boheme – blog
How To Spend It – Financial Times magazine
… I think I may feel inspired again ; )
Tricia
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Color and Light at the Corcoran
I fell in love last weekend … with an exhibition. The Washington Color and Light exhibit currently
on display at the Corcoran Gallery of Art is – in the true sense of the word – awesome. The show
features major works from Washington Color School artists such as Gene Davis and Thomas Downing
as well as from their contemporaries. Not only is it an impressive collection, but there is a sense of
magic to its arrangement. Thoughtful consideration was given to grouping of works and gallery-to-gallery
views creating an environment that is scintillating and inspiring. Even the adjacent spaces and the works
therein complement Color and Light beautifully – making a tour of the second floor in toto dynamic, fluid
and certainly memorable. I’ll be back for a second survey when the Corcoran reopens the show in June.
But not to worry, you can still catch this must-see exhibit now as it runs through March 6.
The entrance to The Corcoran Gallery of Art on 17th Street
across from the south lawn of the White House.
As you walk up the main stair, you are greeted by a Daniel Chester French sculpture.
The sculptor’s most famous work is of a seated Abraham Lincoln at the Lincoln Memorial.
In the Corcoran’s rotunda is a piece from contemporary artist Spencer Finch’s exhibit,
My Business with the Cloud. As the inaugural show for the Corcoran’s NOW series, Finch’s
work reflects on and responds to Washington and its history via a modern, abstract method.
Sweet Suite Substitute, 1968 (fabricated 1982)
Bruce Nauman
The first gallery and intro to the show includes three giants of modern art:
Willem de Kooning, Richard Diebenkorn and Cy Twombly (top to bottom).
A perfect grouping and sublime sight lines in the second gallery.
I love the work of Robert Mangold, Gene Davis and Ellsworth Kelly.
Mao, 1973
Andy Warhol
Deceit Filter, 1994
Jim Sanborn
Flyer, 1986 by Sean Scully – I placed two lithographs
by this artist in a client's apartment in Georgetown.
Morris Louis’ 2-69 illustrates his “soak and stain” method of painting
in which he would pour quick-dry acrylic down an unprimed canvas.
I shot around 40 photos while viewing the exhibit.
Homage to the Square: “Yes”, 1956
Josef Albers
Pink Alert, 1966 by Jules Olitski as seen up close and from across the colonnade.
A room dedicated to the work of Gene Davis including what may arguably
be Davis’ and the show’s magnum opus – Junkie’s Curtain, 1967.
Interestingly, my two favorite pieces in the exhibition were paintings by Davis, but
not prototypical of his best known work. The two paintings above caught my attention
with their movement and dramatic color. Complex yet subtle, kinetic yet elegant.
Information regarding upcoming exhibits, workshops and lectures
is available at www.corcoran.org/collections/all-events.
Tricia xo
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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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True Romance
I am fortunate – especially this time of year – to have the two words above feature prominently in
my life. But it wasn’t always the case. I know how lackluster single life can be regardless of how
much one relishes his or her freedom. Love and happiness do, no doubt, go hand in hand. But that
doesn’t mean you can’t imbue your reality with some of the magic of romance sans sig-other. It comes
down to simple things like finding beauty and stirring the senses. As a designer, I do this for a living,
so I found alternate avenues to joy when I was on my own. Below are some options for all the
fabulous “independents” out there. Neither a significant amount of funds nor effort are required.
Love when it comes to you, but live well in the meantime.
– SEE –
Whistler’s Peacock Room at the Freer Gallery of Art.
“I am Love” featuring Tilda Swinton and the backdrop of Milan and the Villa Necchi Campiglio.
photo courtesy of Mikado Film/Magnolia Pictures
– HEAR –
Jazz at the Kennedy Center. Toots Thielemans & Kenny Werner play April 2.
photo courtesy of Eddy Westveer
Before she was the first lady of France and after she was a supermodel, Carla Bruni
released an album called Quelqu’un M’a Dit on which she sings and plays guitar.
The music is sweet but throaty – whispery and detached romanticism.
– TASTE –
No prep required, but the perfect indulgent meal.
Charcuterie, truffle cheese, a baguette, fruit and a bar of Swiss chocolate.
– TOUCH –
A massage may be the only acceptable substitute for you-know-what. I’m headed to
the Lorien Spa in Old Town Alexandra with one of my best girlfriends in a few weeks.
Or bundle yourself in one of may favorite textiles – alpaca.
I received the dreamiest wrap from Villa de Alpacas for Christmas.
– SMELL –
Luxe Custom Perfume Creation is the perfect “I’m treating myself” type of indulgence.
Tricia xo
– PS … AND LAUGH! –
Whether or not you are a parent or a dog-lover, I guarantee this video will bring
you an infinite amount of joy when you watch it. Happy Valentine’s Day!
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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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Tableaux
EDGEMOOR SUNROOM :: PART II
What Will Make a Difference in Your Interior?
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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
THE MUSINGS OF DESIGNER TRICIA HUNTLEY
