Luxe & Lucid

Scenes from a Vacation - Part I

  

I just spent five days in Northern California with six girlfriends from home.  We’re known

as “the nine” (I’ve mentioned them before) and were obviously short two on this trip.  We

get together every summer, but this year we decided to do something extra special.  To

round up that many women with husbands and careers and kids is no small task, so the

fact that we accomplish it at all is a big deal.  An even bigger deal is how long we have

sustained our friendships.  They date back to high school, grammar school and even pre-

school for two of us.  Our longevity and stamina definitely warrant a celebration and where

better to do that than wine country USA – Sonoma and Napa. It was the perfect venue. 

Gorgeous vistas, delicious food and the chance to talk, laugh and share with friends I rarely

see, but couldn’t live without.  Cheers to my crazy, spirited, hilarious gaggle of girlfriends! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Night one decompressing on our deck with cocktails.

Our house was situated at the top of a mountain with views of the whole valley.

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 We were picked up bright and early on day two for a day of wine tasting.

That’s our driver in front leading us up a path to our first winery, Quixote.

 

 

 

 Quixote is not your run-of-the-mill winery.  The unusual architecture, incredible art

collection and one-of-a-kind wine barrels with their candy-colored hoops added to the

magical, Willy Wonka-esque atmosphere.  And then of course, there was the wine.

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

At the second winery, Honig, I found my Napa vibe …very chiiillll.

 

 

 

 

 

For our third stop, we enjoyed a hillside lunch with the owners of the Frias

Family Vineyard.  It was a lovely, low-key transition between wineries.

 

 

 

  

 

  

 

 

 

 

The final winery of the day was Flora Springs in St. Helena.  Thank goodness for our laid-back

 and tolerant guide, Travis.  We were pretty pickled by that point, so you can only imagine what a

handful we were.  He took it all in stride and treated us to perhaps our favorite tour of the day.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

We spent day 3 in Sonoma at the spa and finished with dinner at Della Santina’s.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our group split up on our last day in wine country.  Four of us chose to go riding on the Kunde Estate.

The breathtaking views and our fantastic guide Dominic created a near perfect afternoon. 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 One last night of delicious wine and food at the award-winning Bistro Jeanty in Yountville – the

tomato soup in puff pastry was a big hit with the girls – and then it was back home for most of the

group.  My friend Lori (far left) and I spent an extra day in San Francisco … but that’s another post.

 

 

  

 

 

 

Read about San Francisco in my next post, Scenes from a Vacation – Part II.

 

Tricia xo

Chez Huntley - update 08/05

  

A great deal of progress has been made here in the past couple of weeks.  The millwork

installation – new casing, baseboards and bookshelves – is complete.  The painting has

been corrected and looks lovely.  Lighting fixtures have been installed in the foyer/living

room along with simple, modern light switches and receptacles throughout the main floor.

I’ve even styled my bookshelves and purchased a new painting for the dining room and a

pair of cast greyhounds for the front entry.  And as excited as I am to move on to the next

layer of furnishings and accessories, nothing is quite as important to good design as getting

“the envelope” right.  I use this term A LOT in my work.  Cleaning up the architecture of a

space and adding (or removing as the case may be) details is the key to a grounded and

balanced interior.  And there is something really beautiful about a well-executed space

that feels good even without any decor.  But of course, I’m an interior designer, so decor

is essential too.  Once I add the furniture, softgoods and artwork, the space will really sing.

 

 

 

 

- Projects -

 

 

 

 

I purchased this pair of deer sconces about 4 years ago and finally had the opportunity to

use them.  I … ahem, I mean we (I got a lot of help from Molly, H&C employee extraordinaire)

painted them white, so they have a more contemporary vibe appropriate for the house.

 

 

 

A major accomplishment for me: my very first lighting installation!

I was so proud.  I called my boyfriend, my parents and sent emails to friends everywhere.

 

 

 

- Millwork -

The new bookcases in my living room.  Cheap yet chic!

I kept the lines simple and wrapped the baseboard around the front for a clean, modern look.  You’ll see

that I was anxious to style the shelves with my books and accessories - I didn’t even wait to put away my tools. 

Above the shelves are the freshly painted deer sconces with extra long candle sleeves and taupe silk shades.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

- New Purchases -

 

 

This abstract oil painting circa 1960 has incredible color that almost glows.

 

I found the painting above and this pair of greyhounds at Comer & Co. in Georgetown. 

A fantastic new shop with exquisite things and wonderful service.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And speaking of dogs … I’m happy to say that Nina is feeling much better this week.

The little stinker kept pulling off her cone, so she was forced to rock this t-shirt instead.

My poor pup was quite the fashion victim last week.

 

 

Tricia xo

 

 

 

Puppy Love

 

Some of you will understand this and some of you won’t.  But I am totally

and completely in love with my dog.  Nina, my Norwegian Elkhound, is the

love of my life.  This truth can be attributed to two things: (1) my never-ending

 affection and sensitivity for animals and (2) the fact that I don’t have children.

Nina is my kid … my canine kid.  I spend more time with her than any other

living creature on the planet, her personality is as complex as any human’s and

when she’s hurt, my heart breaks.  And since she had a medical procedure at

the vet today that left her drugged, in pain and wearing one of those shameful

cones, I thought it time that I dedicate a blog to her.  All other posts can wait. 

 

I love you Nina!

 

 

 

 

 

 

- Nina Feeling Poorly -

 

My poor, doped-up baby wearing the bonnet of shame. 

 

 

 

 

 

- Nina the Pup -

  

Sooooo cute!

 

 

 

 

 

- Nina at Work -

 

Helping select fabric samples at Huntley & Co.

 

 

 

 

 

- Nina at Play -

 

In the grass …

 

… and in the snow.

 

 

    

 

 

- Nina at Rest -

 

At the foot of my desk snuggling with her bear and bone.

 

On the bed … and under it.

 

In her “superman” pose cooling her belly at the A/C vent.

 

 

 

 

  

- Nina & Her Momma -

 

In good times and in bad.

 

 

 

 

 

 

To the dog days of summer and all our beloved animal companions.

Tricia & Nina xoxo

 

 

Chez Huntley - update 07/22

 

“I’m fortunate that I can document all the progress on Luxe & Lucid for posterity.”

Did I write that just last week?  Oh well.  One step forward, one step back.  We had a

major hiccup this week at chez Huntley.  Remember all those beautiful neutrals I taped

to my walls?  Remember that I selected Benjamin Moore’s Vanilla Milkshake as one of

my colors?  That turned out to be a bit of a problem.  Upon the completion of 1 – and

in many areas 2 – coats of this color, I noticed that it seemed a little off.  The rooms

appeared to be a lot more white than ecru.  I thought perhaps it was all the light that

pours into my house.  Or maybe my new downlights were brightening the space more

than before.  Alas, when I taped the paint chip back up on the wall, it just wasn’t right. 

To make a long story short, Benjamin Moore’s formula for Vanilla Milkshake #OC-59 is

simply wrong.  The real color doesn’t match the paint decks.  Moreover, Monarch Paint 

and BM corporate don’t really care.  Umm, excuse me?  As someone who has spec’d 

countless Benjamin Moore colors in her career, this is more than a little alarming.  As a

designer you can’t always be on site (or in-state or in the country) to review a test sample. 

I can understand a slight difference in value or undertone, but this so-called vanilla is just

plain white.  That means my entire first floor has to be painted again and that Tricia has

to roll up her shirtsleeves and do some of the work herself.  Because I may have been

comp’d freshly mixed (and corrected) gallons of paint for my troubles, but my painter and

his crew don’t exactly work for free.  So add to my loaded schedule and to my resume …

Tricia Huntley: Professional Interior Designer, Blogger & House Painter

 Thanks Ben!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Vanilla should be, well, vanilla.  Right?!

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

The sample that says it all.

Vanilla Milkshake as sample (on left) and in reality (on right).

 

 

 

  

 

The paint store’s work product.

 

 

 

 

A little GRRRR to go with your morning coffee today.

Hoping for a little more “progress” in next week’s progress report.

 

 

Tricia  : [

 

 

Chez Huntley - update 07/15

  

After a painful start to 2011 and an arduous renovation on the Huntley & Co. office, I

am happy to say that work has finally begun on my own home.  Phase 1 is underway!

The millwork, the hardware, the furnishings and the fabrics have all been selected.  The

subcontractors are on site and all is chugging along.  It’s a little bit surreal, in fact.  I’ve

 overseen dozens of renovation projects, but it feels a lot different in my own space.  I’m

fortunate that I can document all the progress on Luxe & Lucid for posterity.  Cheers

to progress.  Cheers to design.  And cheers to the new and improved chez Huntley!

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

- The Facade -

  

 

 

A little more groomed, but there’s still a lot of work to be done.

 

 

  

  

 

 

 

 

- The Public Rooms Scheme -

 

  

 

The fabrics and finishes for the first floor rooms have a natural yet glamorous

vibe that suit the architecture of the house as well as my own aesthetic. 

I’m sure there will be a little tweaking, but I definitely have a scheme in place.

 

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

- Paint Colors -

 

 

 

Neutrals have countless nuances, so you have to pick the value and hue that

complement your lighting, furnishings and softgoods.  So far I’ve settled on

Benjamin Moore’s Vanilla Milkshake and Sherwin William’s Windfresh White.

 

 

 

  

- Work in Progress -

 

Living Room

 

 

  

 

Living Room

 

 

 

 

Dining Room

  

 

 

 

Dining Room

 

 

 

 

 

Living Room / Dining Room / Sunroom

 

 

  

 

Stair to Master Suite

 

   

 

 

 

 

More to come – stay tuned!

 

Tricia xo

 

Personal Shopper - Summer Holiday

 

I think I could be a personal shopper in another life.  It’s like my day job, but

with clothes.  And with the social calendar of summer in full swing, there are a

bevy of opportunities for crafting looks that suit the occasion.  The coming holiday

weekend alone could demand a half dozen “fashion-scapes”.  With that in mind,

I have styled four summer looks for my Luxe & Lucid readers.  And although my

own ensembles typically consist of a mix of labels and price points, each of the

outfits below has been culled from a single source or shopping district to make your

purchase all the less painless.  That’s what summer is all about – easy and breezy.

 

  

Happy 4th of July!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

- Urban Fireworks -

Look by Urban Outfitters

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

- Martha’s Vineyard Cookout -

  

  

Look by J.Crew

 

 

 

 

 

 

- Lounging in Palm Beach -

  

  

  

Look by Vivre

  

 

  

 

 

 

 

- Cocktails & Canapés -

Look by the shops of Georgetown

* Intermix, Karen Millen, Charm, Zara, Relish, Kate Spade & Hu’s Shoes *

 

 

Tricia xo

 

 

 

 

 

Tricia's 10: UHOF

 

 

       

My mother always told me, “If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all.”

 Does that maternal wisdom apply to blogs?  It probably should, but I just can’t help

 myself.  We have a folder in the Huntley & Co. files labeled “UHOF”.  The [yoo-hawf]

folder contains images of designs we find to be, ahem, aesthetically challenging.  I’ll

admit it’s a little snarky.  What can I say - my staff and I simply believe it’s irresponsible

not to document design work that dares to go beyond good taste to, um well, the …

 

- Ugly Hall of Fame -

 

 

 

 

 1.  hollywood mcmansion ½ columns do not a mansion make!

 

 

 

 

 

2.  80s bedroom ½ even the decade of decadence can’t excuse this decor

 

  

 

 

3.  one-of-a-kind stag chair ½ perfect if your house is on the island of Dr. Moreau

  

 

 

 

4.  Celine Dion wedding attire ½ “I said more crystals!”

 

 

 

 

5.  satin bedroom ensemble ½ the love child of paris hilton and cotton candy

 

 

 

 

6.  Dutch sculpture, 1972 ½ terrifying - yet sold for 13,000 EUR at auction  

 

 

 

 

7.  flatscreen tv lift½ only in America

 

 

 

  

8.  dc dressing room ½ the ceiling from hell

 

 

 

 

 9.  shower tile mural½ who needs coffee when your morning starts with this?

 

 

 

 

 

10.  album cover½ career killer, web favorite and my new screensaver

 

 

 

 

If any of the above comments offend you, lighten up.

If you can’t get enough, click on these websites for more snarky fun:

 

www.uglyhousephotos.com

www.salamitsunami.com

www.uglypersianhouses.com

www.worstalbumcovers.org

www.gofugyourself.com

 

 

 

Tricia ; )

Tricia's 10: The Find

 

  

Depending on what type of designer (or consumer) you are, the thrill of decorating

can be found in various stages of the process.  If you are the inquisitive type, then

“the hunt” probably tops your list.  Scouring dusty secondhand stores, upscale

antique shops and the multitude of online resources is time-consuming, but almost

always exciting.  And to find that special something you need patience, focus and

a dose of good luck.  Below are ten great “finds”  from the Huntley & Co. archives. 

Some of the items required a substantial amount of research.  Others were a matter

of serendipity.  In either case, they all have one thing in common.  Finding the right

piece is just leg work.  What you do with it is what really counts.  Happy hunting!

  

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

1.  shell-encrusted torchiere ½ lounge

 

 

 

2.  early 19th c. English bookcase ½ den

 

 

 

3.  vintage faux tortoiseshell table ½ den

 

 

 

 4.  1940s leather bench ½ office

 

 

 

5.  vintage print duck illustrations ½ sunroom

 

 

  

6.  antique octagonal clock ½ foyer

  

  

  

7.  hand-painted silk screen ½ bedroom

  

 

 

8.  marble-topped metal quatrefoil table ½ living room

 

 

 

9.  1950s Italian wall lanterns ½ dining room

 

 

 

10.  antique giltwood mirror ½ bedroom

 

 

 

 

 

Tricia xo

 

* photos by Kevin Allen, Tricia Huntley & P.Cole

 

Tricia's 10: Before & Afters

 

 Everyone loves a makeover.  It’s no wonder shows like What Not to Wear, The

Biggest Loser and Extreme Makeover - Home Edition are so popular … “bettering”

and “beautifying” are America’s favorite pastimes.  That’s probably why interior design

has such a following these days.  It’s certainly the main reason I became a designer

myself.  There is nothing more satisfying than transforming an ugly duckling into a

swan and I do it for a living.  I’m a pretty lucky girl.  And with this fortuitous career

comes a bevy of photos recording my redesigns over the years.  You can’t always

get that perfect before-and-after shot, but when you do, what fun it is to see!

 

 

  

 

 

 

1.  Powder Room ½ Washington Design Center Showhouse

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

2.  Foyer ½ Arizona Retreat

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3.  Den ½ Arizona Retreat

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

4.  Foyer ½ Georgetown Pied-à-Terre

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5.  Kitchen ½Georgetown Pied-à-Terre

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6.  Living & Dining ½ Penn Quarter

  

  

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7.  Dressing Room ½ Harbor Penthouse

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8.  Dining Room ½ Virginia Manor

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

9.  Foyer ½ Maryland Countryside

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

10.  Family Room ½ Maryland Countryside

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Tricia xo

 

* photos by Kevin Allen and Tricia Huntley

Tricia's 10: Skincare

  

Lately I have been giving a lot of skincare advice to friends.  Most of it has been

by request – which I take as a huge compliment - but I do admit to the occasional

unsolicited tip as well.  I really just want to be of service.  I’ve spent a lifetime (and I do

mean from my grammar school days) reading articles about skincare, testing products

and seeking my own advice from professionals.  I’m by no means a guru and I certainly

don’t understand the science behind most of the products on the market, but I do know

what works*.  It’s taken a long time for me to find the right skincare regimen and heaven

knows that the trial and errors along the way have been expensive at times.  So why not

 share my knowledge and save all my girls the effort.  Enjoy … and take care of that skin!

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

1.  Cleanser

   

 

Lemon Oil Cleansing Balm – Fresh

 Cleans but doesn’t strip and leaves skin wonderfully soft.

This is the product for anyone with combination skin.

 

 

 

    

  

2.  Serum

  

 

C E Ferulic Serum – SkinCeuticals

Skincare professionals always recommend that you exfoliate.  The acids

in this serum do so in a gentle way while providing antioxidants.  I alternate

throughout the year between this formula and the Hydrating B-5 Gel.

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

3.  Eye Cream

  

 

The Eye Balm Intense – LaMer

 If you have to splurge on one item, this is it.  The skin around my eyes

takes a beating because I wear concealer everyday (dark circles are a

true curse!).  This cream is a lifesaver and subtracts years from my face.

 

 

 

    

  

  

4.  Skin Cream 

 

 

  

Flawless Repair Day Crème with SPF 15 – Laura Mercier

A newer product and recent discovery.  It’s pricey, so I can’t always

 fork over the dough for this moisturizer.  But when I do, I see an

 immediate difference and receive compliments galore a la “Your

skin absolutely glows.”  What could be better than that?!

 

 

 

  

  

  

  

5.  Facial Scrub 

 

 

 

Sweep – Remède

 This super fine exfoliant won’t scratch delicate skin.

 

 

 

  

 

 

  

  

  6.  Mask

 

 

  

Kanitc Mask – Alchimie Forever

 Besides softening skin, this mask also calms redness with luscious

blueberry.  It smells good enough to eat!  If you live in DC, schedule a

facial appointment at the Alchimie Forever spa.  My beautiful friend Ada

is the brains behind this brand, so it’s worth the wait for an appointment.

 

 

   

 

 

  

  

7.  Blemish Treatment 

  

 

  

Baume Purifiant – Darphin

 This balm (a consistency that’s not for everyone) is effective

in that it gets to the root of the problem vs. drying out the surface.

 

 

  

   

 

  

  

8.  Sunscreen – chest & hands 

  

 

 

Ultra Sheer Liquid Daily Sun Protection SPF 55 – Neutrogena

 It’s easy to forget the skin on my chest and hands.  Plus I don’t

like to apply heavy cream on these areas.  This sunscreen is

strong but lightweight enough that I don’t even know I’m wearing it.

 

 

 

 

  

  

  

9.  Sunscreen – body

 

 

Daily Mosturizing Lotion with SPF 15 – Aveeno

I’m a big fan of Aveeno; I use a lot of their products.  This one

is a no-brainer.  I just slather it on after toweling off at the end of

every shower and I’m protected and moisturized for the day.

 

 

  

   

  

  

  

10.  Hand Cream

 

 

 

Hand Relief – Aveda

 The skin on my hands is significantly drier than any other part of my

body.  I give it extra care with a rich hand cream morning and night. 

 I like this formula because it’s not greasy and has a nice light scent. 

Plus, it’s a Minnesota brand  ; )

 

  

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

Tricia xo 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

* Caveat:  I’m not a skincare professional!

All recommendations are based on personal use and my own specific skin type.  Always

take your personal skin and medical history into consideration when selecting products.

 

 

 

A Funny Thing Happened on The Way to Phoenix

  

I got pneumonia.

 

I had been trying to shake a fever for days thinking with enough pills and a heaping dose of denial

 I would be fine by the time I landed in the Valley of the Sun.  Not so much.  With aches, chills, a

painful cough and a temp peaking around 104, it’s a wonder I survived the flight at all.  The good

news is that my parents live in Arizona half the year and my mom has an arsenal of doctors on

hand.  Within two hours I had seen the doctor, had a chest x-ray, was diagnosed and stocked

with half a dozen medications.  Amazing.  That just doesn’t happen here in DC.  So although my

trip to Arizona felt more like a hospice visit, I’m thankful that I was in a place where the word

“healthcare” is still a literal term and there is a bright side to everything – even pneumonia.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

My posts – like my breathing – may be a bit patchy while I recover.

I’ll be sure to deliver some fabulous photos of AZ when I’m back on my feet.

 

Tricia xo

 

 

 

Lighten Up

 

I had a few inches chopped from my mane this week.  My hair usually reaches the middle of

my back, so now that it’s skimming my collarbone, I feel lighter, brighter, better.  I’ve embraced all

things cumbersome the last several years – heavy fabrics, chunky jewelry, pattern on pattern – and I

think I’ve had enough.  I’m ready to streamline and elevate my fashions, my interiors, my entire sense

of style.  The layering, the eccentric colors; I’ve loved it all.  But it may be time to move on … for now. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

Tricia xo

 

 

 

row one: Mathias Dahlgren, Aerin Lauder, Hotel Claude Passart, Plaza Tower Atlanta

row two: Loop Candelabra, Katie Leede & Company, Chris Benz resort 2011, Sills Huniford

row three: Lady Grey, Loewe Fall 2010, Nestor Santa-Cruz, Koton Fall 2010

 

 

 

A Love Letter to my Mother

  

As we all know, Mothers’ Day is Sunday.  An important day despite those who chalk it

up to a Hallmark fabrication.  What could be more valuable than honoring the woman

who brought you into the world?  For me, that woman is Bonnie Dickinson Huntley. 

AKA, Bonnie Lou.  In terms of mother-daughter similarities, there aren’t many.  She is

a petite five feet tall, has dark hair, blue eyes and a sweet, effervescent demeanor.  Me,

not so much.  I’m 5’-7”, fair, brown-eyed, feisty and ambitious.  She would tell you that

comes from my father (and she’d be right).  But because of our differences, I think we have

a more dynamic perspective of each other than if we were alike.  As we grow older, that view

grows more lucid as does our appreciation (well, mine certainly), for each other.  I was just

with my parents in Arizona for the Easter holiday, and I can sum up my visit in one word:

entertaining.  My parents’ interactions and idiosyncrasies had me in stitches.  So much so

that I started taking notes.  Which got me to thinking.  Our visits are fewer and our time

together is diminishing … I should be “taking notes” more often.  But more importantly, I

should let my parents know how much I love them and value them – despite our differences.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

- Twelve Things I Love About My Mother -

 

 

 

 

1.  Her name suits her to a “T”. 

2.  She has no idea how beautiful she is.

3.  She has retained a sense of innocence and sweetness despite inconceivable losses.

4.  She worked full-time to put my father through college while having twin infant sons at home.

5.  She somehow survived the insanity of raising three wild boys and one high-strung daughter.

6.  When faced with a snarky checkout clerk at the local grocer, my mother will make the effort

to cheer her up and turn her mood around rather than returning the hostility in kind.  Of course

the people behind her in line would prefer a little more indifference and a lot less kumbaya.

 

7.  Despite being a devout Christian, she posts notes like the one below on her fridge.

 

 

8.  She found our relatives in Norway.  But not on the internet.  She flew to Trondheim, researched historical

records in a half dozen libraries, took a ferry to the island of Averoy and then knocked on doors until she

happened upon a local teacher/historian who knew my mother’s relatives.  So excited and charmed by her

efforts, the man drove my parents to the home of our second cousins and introduced my mother to her extended

Norwegian family. Our cousins have since visited us in the U.S. and many of us are connected on Facebook.

 

9.  She loves everyone and everyone loves her.

 

10.  She doesn’t swear, thought Pat Boone was cool and couldn’t care less about fashion.

Our DNA connection is definitely questionable sometimes. 

 

11.  She has always stood by me – even when I made decisions that were hard to accept or painful to watch.

  

12.  Being her only child without a child of her own, my mother asks about Nina whenever she calls

me, refers to her as her “grandpup” and always mentions her in the annual Christmas card.

 

 

 

Thanks Mom.  Happy Mothers’ Day!

 

 

 

 

Daughter xo 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

Bonnie Lou’s first mothers’ day

with her daughter (me!).

 

The Princess Bride

 

Today is one very important day for one very lucky girl.  If becoming a princess is lucky that is.

Kate Middleton weds Prince William today and much of the world will be watching.  Brits, Royal-enthusiasts

and wedding aficionados will be tuning in by the millions to see what the bride has in store for us.  I do like the

princess-to-be.  She’s pretty and polished and seems to have a gracious sensibility about her.  But fashionable?

Let’s not get carried away.  If I could, I would love to give her a makeover and style her on her wedding day. 

Plausible?  No.  But that’s what you gotta’ love about a blog.  I can indulge my fantasies right here on the internet. 

Below I’ve pulled together what I think would be the perfect look for Ms. Middleton on her wedding day.  Guess it’s

time to add a new title to my resume … “Tricia Huntley: Imaginary Stylist to HRH Princess Catherine of Wales”.

  

  

  

 

 

 

- The Dress -

 

 

A perfect fusion of traditional elegance and youthful modernism.  This mermaid-style, lace dress

would be a stunner on the thin, brunette bride who likes simplicity and form-fitting silhouettes.

 

Elie Saab Ceres dress

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

- The Veil -

 

 

Considering the formality of the occasion, I would recommend a floor length veil.  But if

the bride were more comfortable with tea length (and royal protocol allowed for it), then

the veil at left would look just as beautiful with the Elie Saab dress as the one at right.

 

Homa Bridal spring 2011 collection veils

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

- Shoes & Bag -

 

 

 Intricate handiwork and one-of-a-kind details are what make these accessories fit for a

[future] queen.  I love the idea of these pumps peaking out from beneath the hem of

the ivory lace gown.  And the beading and stonework of the bag is just incredible.

 

Manolo Blahnik heels and Larissa Barrera evening bag

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

- Jewelry -

 

 

 

Jewelry is very personal and much more of a moving target than the dress.  What would I suggest

for a young bride on the cusp of royalty?  Pieces that are exquisite, but simple.  And I would keep

it to a minimum.  The bride’s look will live in infamy, so nothing flashy.  A pair of platinum, diamond and

coral pendant earrings along with an antique cameo brooch pinned in the hair at the chignon.  Beautiful,

unique pieces that complement the sapphire engagement ring that is at once impressive and sentimental.

 

Lalique Salome Brooch (1904) and Cathy Waterman earrings

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

- Makeup & Hair -

 

 

 

For Kate’s makeup, I would suggest rosy cheeks, pale lips and soft eyes.  And absolutley no black

eyeliner!  For hair, a low sideswept chignon is a chic and contemporary alternative to a traditional updo.

 

makeup by Estee Lauder

 

 

 

 

Congratulations go out across the pond to the royal couple on their wedding day.

Keep calm, BE HAPPY and carry on.

 

Tricia xo

.

 

Tipping the Scales

  

What happens when you take the Caribbean sun, add a weeklong sailing trip and throw in a

pasty lass of northern European* decent?  You get one crispy chic.  My trip to Guadeloupe

and Isle des Saints was fabulous.  We had gorgeous weather -  cloudless skies, bright blue

water and gentle breezes.  Just what the doctor ordered.  But maybe not the dermatologist.

I often mention how much care I take with my skin.  I wear sunblock everyday and haven’t

spent dedicated time in the sun since I was twenty.  The problem?  When I do go in the sun,

I fry up faster than bacon in a skillet.  So although I do have a healthy glow about me, I’m

also starting to peel.  Unhealthy and gross, but not without some humor.  In light of my flaky,

peeling appearance, I figured I would feature all things scaly and reptilian this week.  I love

texture - I just prefer to see it on stilettos and handbags and not so much on my face.

  

  

 

 

 

 

 

- Handbags -

 

 

 

 

left: vintage (top), Temperley London (bottom)

middle: Alexander McQueen (top), Bottega Veneta (bottom)

right: Amber & Babzoe (top), Lanvin (bottom)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

- Footwear -

 

 

 

clockwise from top left: Dior, Roberto Cavalli,

Elizabeth & James and Fendi

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

- Fashion -

 

 

 

left to right: Burberry, Bottega Veneta, Zara

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

- Furnishings -

 

 

 

top left & bottom right: Huntley & Co. custom collection

bottom left: David Iatesta

top right & bottom middle: R&Y Augousti

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wishing you (and your skin!) a safe and festive season of sun.

 

Tricia

* Norwegian, German, English & Irish   ; )

 

 

 

Swan Song

 

My vacation officially starts Wednesday at 9:30AM.  Hallelujah!  I’ve heard

“You need a vacation” a little too often lately, so clearly it’s time to get the

hell out of Dodge.  Luckily, my partner-in-crime has a good friend with a Swan

51 sailboat currently docked in Guadeloupe that’s just waiting for some guests. 

Drift around, sip cocktails, eat good food and explore the island.  BRING IT ON! 

So in the spirit of checking out physically, mentally and socially – all you’re going

to get from me today is a hello and goodbye … and, of course, a couple of teasers.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Guadeloupe

 

 

 

 

 

Swan yachts gather in the Caribbean. 

  

 

 

 

 

 Me in T-minus 24 hours.

 

 

 

 

 

See ya!

 

Tricia xo

 

 

 

Quips and Quotes

 

This week I stumbled upon several meaningful quotes while thumbing through newspapers

and magazines.  It was like finding water in the desert.  I dedicate so much time to visual

consumption that I have neglected one of my first passions … the written word,  I love a well-

crafted phrase.  The right combination of words can be truly magical - evoking sentiment, laughter,

insight or inspiration.  I may produce a blog about “all things design” - that I admit is 85% photos -

but I do consider the words as important as the images.  Hopefully I engage my readers with each

opening paragraph by delivering a thoughtful, humorous and/or compelling statement that reaches

them as much as the subsequent eye candy.  I guess I’ll find out when I review the stats for this

post since it’s heavy on prose and light on pics.  With that in mind, I should probably cease typing

my amateur novella and bring you the words of those much wiser, wittier and emboldened than I. 

   

 

  

  

  

  

  

  

 

  

  

- Career / Success -

  

  

“By failing to prepare you are preparing to fail.”

- Benjamin Franklin

  

  

“Obstacles are those frightful things you see when you take your eyes of your goals.”

- Henry Ford

 

 

“Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishment.”

- Jim Rohn

  

 

“Nothing bothers me more than people who suck up and scream down.”

- Katie Couric

 

 

“Success is not final, failure is not fatal; it is the courage to continue that counts.”

- Winston Churchill

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

- Humor -

 

“Behind every great man is a woman rolling her eyes.

- Jim Carrey

 

 

“Guilt, the gift that keeps on giving.”

- Erma Bombeck

 

 

“Great ideas often start on cocktail napkins.  Especially when you consider a large vodka martini a great idea.”

- Advertisement for The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas ; )

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 - Love -

 

“If you press me to say why I loved him, I can say no more than because he was he, and I was I.

- Michel de Montaigne

 

 

“Love does not dominate; it cultivates.”

- Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

 

 

“Love is the triumph of imagination over intelligence.”

- H,L. Mencken 

 

 

“Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage.”

- Lao Tzu

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

- Life & Wisdom -

  

“Common sense in an uncommon degree is what the world calls wisdom.”

- Samuel Taylor Coleridge

 

 

“Be polite to all, but intimate with few.”

- Thomas Jefferson

 

 

“Wise men make more opportunities than they find,”

- Francis Bacon

 

 

“I’d rather regret the things I’ve done than regret the things I haven’t done.”

- Lucille Ball

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

- Writing That Inspires -

 

My taste in writing is about as random as my taste in movies, music and art.  If there is a

common thread among the writers below, I don’t know what it is.  They’re just all so good!

 

 

 

 

 

Charlotte Brontë

Jane Eyre was the first book I read that made me sob aloud uncontrollably.

 

Edgar Allan Poe

I love a good fright and Poe knows how to build suspense and fear like no one else.

 

David Sedaris

Quite possibly the funniest !@%$#% person alive.  Just looking at the bookcover above makes me laugh. 

 

Malcolm Gladwell

I have devoured his first three books – The Tipping Point, Blink and Outliers – so What The Dog Saw is a must read.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And since we're on the subject of writing ...

Thank you to the following blogs for their recent accolades and mentions.

 

A Thoughtful Eye

 

Bijou and Boheme c/o Breakfast at Toast,

 

and Providence Ltd. Design

 

 

 

for the "Stylish Blogger Award".

 

  

 

Thrilled to be recognized by such talents!  Tricia xo

 

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.

  

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

Spring Greens

  

Is there any other color on your mind this time of year besides green?  

Trees are budding, the grass is coming back and we’ve just celebrated St. Patrick’s Day.

It feels like we’ve turned a corner and everyone is in higher spirits, so let’s rejoice in the one

hue that delivers a boost of happiness just when we need it most.  Kelly, chartreuse, lime or

sage – whatever the shade – you are sure to find glorious greens all around you this spring.

 

 

 

 

- nature / exteriors -

“Green” buildings Ann Demeulemeester in Seoul and the Caixa Forum in Madrid.  

Spanish copper wall image c/o My Life My Vibe.

Porch by Boxwood Home & Interiors.

Iguana photo c/o Trek Nature.

 

 

 

 

 

 - interiors -

 

Interiors by Sills Huniford, Geoffrey Bradfield, Steven Gambrel and Jeffrey Bilhuber.

 

 

 

 

 

- art -

 

Art by David Drebin, Salvador Dali, John Singer Sargent,  

Thomas Wilmer Dewing, Modern House Art,

Robert Motherwell and Brad Bannister.

 

 

 

 

 

- textiles & finishes -

Samples from the Huntley & Co. library.

 

 

 

 

 

- fashion & beauty -

Shoes by Lanvin.  

Clutch and cuff available through Vivre.

Gucci and Costume National runway photos.

 

 

 

 

 

- tricia ; )  -

 

 

Happy spring!

 

Tricia xo