Postcard From Paris

Posted on June 17, 2013 by quintessence   •   3 Comments

Postcard From Paris

I had hoped to post this yesterday but since we have been very busy out and about, this little postcard from Paris was delayed. As this is my girls’ first trip to the French capital, we of course had to indulge in a bit of classic sightseeing. I must admit, that I hadn’t been up the Eiffel Tower in years

and had forgotten how truly amazing the views of the city are.

To get a quick overview of the sights, we took a relaxing ride on a bateau mouche. We had beautiful weather yesterday and caught glimpses of the many landmarks from the Seine.…

Read More »

Posted in architecture, art, design, food and drink, travel | Tagged , , , | 3 Comments  

Why Don’t You | Travel in Style

Posted on June 15, 2013 by quintessence   •   13 Comments

Why Don’t You | Travel in Style

Taking my cue from the inimitable Ms. Vreeland and a page from J.J. Martin’s piece in today’s Off Duty section of the Wall Street Journal, I’m hoping more people realize how easy it is to travel in style. While I certainly see my fair share of well-dressed men and women flying the friendly skies, there is also a preponderance of those who feel that comfort cannot be synonymous with stylish or even neat attire. That is of course their prerogative, but as someone who is always on the lookout for the aesthetically appealing aspects of life, my inspiration lies with those who do make the effort.…

Read More »

Posted in fashion, travel | Tagged , | 13 Comments  

Off to the City of Lights

Posted on June 14, 2013 by quintessence   •   11 Comments

Off to the City of Lights

So I’ve been waiting to tell you that tomorrow I am off to Paris for the week. My sister and I have been plotting for months and are excited to be taking my girls for their first visit to the city of lights. We hope we’ve concocted an entertaining mix of culture and fun with plenty of free time for exploring.

I hope to be reporting in next week with some short travelogue posts for you armchair travelers. And you can of course always follow along on instagram for a little dose of francophile fun. There might even be a little stylish shopping involved.…

Read More »

Posted in travel | Tagged , | 11 Comments  

Ronald McDonald House Long Island Project Design 2013

Posted on June 13, 2013 by quintessence   •   8 Comments

Ronald McDonald House Long Island Project Design 2013

Last week Newel Gallery hosted a pre-construction celebration of The Ronald McDonald House of Long Island Project Design 2013. In partnership with Kravet and New York Cottages & Gardens, this is a very special sort of showhouse – one that is permanent and directly affects the lives of the many families who make extended stays at the facility while their seriously ill children are receiving medical treatment at area hospitals.  The project focusses on updating the original 18 bedrooms of the House, culminating with a Designer Showcase Gala on October 10th. Creative Director of the project, Anthony Baratta, who has been involved with the House for decades, spearheaded the concept and together with Kravet and NYC&G has pulled together an outstanding group from the design community to participate.…

Read More »

Posted in children, design, furniture, gifts, health, interior design | Tagged , , , , | 8 Comments  

Aerin Lauder for Lee Jofa

Posted on June 11, 2013 by quintessence   •   6 Comments

Aerin Lauder for Lee Jofa

Aerin Lauder has been very busy. In addition to her furniture collection for EJ Victor, she has also completed a fabric collection and select exclusive furniture styles for Lee Jofa. Yesterday evening Veranda hosted the launch for the collection at the Lee Jofa showroom in the D&D Building, where the front room is totally outfitted with products from the AERIN collections.
While I can’t fully share the furniture, I can give you a sneak peek at one of my favorite pieces, the Lockwood Day bed, upholstered in a classic cut velvet, Shoridge.
I love this fresh green color way, also represented in, from top to bottom, Montrose in linen, the Shoridge, and the large repeating Mirasol, also in linen.…

Read More »

Posted in furniture, interior design | Tagged , , , , | 6 Comments  

EJ Victor | Home to AERIN, Ralph Lauren and more

Posted on June 10, 2013 by quintessence   •   1 Comment

EJ Victor | Home to AERIN, Ralph Lauren and more

As some of you may remember EJ Victor kindly sponsored my latest trip to High Point Market. Their big news this spring was the addition of Aerin Lauder‘s beautiful furniture collection to their line. Presented in a fabulous built out apartment-like structure with custom doors, millwork and hardware, I wanted to move right in. And while I had hoped to be able to share it with you earlier, I’m afraid a publishing exclusive means you’ll have to wait til later in the summer. However, I can tell you that if you have loved images of Aerin’s apartment and Hampton’s home in such places as Vogue’s APT with LSD and ELLE DECOR, as featured below,  you will adore the line.…

Read More »

Posted in design, furniture, interior design | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment  

A Grand Greek Revival Relives its Former Glory

Posted on June 8, 2013 by quintessence   •   6 Comments

A Grand Greek Revival Relives its Former Glory

As soon as I read “jubilant restoration of an iconic Greek Revival,” I was hooked. And it only got better when I viewed the interiors of this beautiful project that will appear in the July/August Veranda. The Pillars, a late 19th century architectural grande dame, was from an era when first families came to the spa town of Hot Springs, Virginia for the season. But abandoned for years, the house had fallen into severe disrepair. New owners hired architect Allan Greenberg to restore the home to its former glory and an extensive two year renovation involving replacement of the plumbing, electric, roof and even the celebrated pillars that gave name to the manse ensued.…

Read More »

Posted in architecture, design, furniture, interior design | Tagged , , , | 6 Comments  

Celerie Kemble for Henredon & Maitland-Smith continued

Posted on June 6, 2013 by quintessence   •   5 Comments

Celerie Kemble for Henredon & Maitland-Smith continued

While there was a great assortment of furniture, accessories and lighting in the lines Celerie Kemble designed for Henredon and Maitland-Smith, there was definitely a consistent feel throughout. Inspired by mostly early 20th century designs, her aesthetic is a consistent thread. As she explained, “All of the pieces are very personal to me. They are designs I have worked on for years in custom studios or that I have adapted from pieces I have searched for and found. They are part of me.” And one design element that is clearly a significant element in Celerie’s design repertoire is bamboo. It’s nostalgic appeal feels classic yet contemporary.…

Read More »

Posted in design, furniture, interior design | Tagged , , | 5 Comments  

Celerie Kemble for Henredon

Posted on June 5, 2013 by quintessence   •   4 Comments

Celerie Kemble for Henredon

In what seems a perennial state of catch up, I can’t believe it’s already June while I still have collections from High Point in April I had wanted to share. One of the biggest hits at market were Celerie Kemble‘s extensive new collections – furniture for Henredon and occasional pieces, accessories and lighting for Maitland Smith. Blending the best of traditional with a modern sensibility, the pieces are elegant and chic with a playful touch. Those of you who follow me on Pinterest may remember that I pinned this fabulous leather and brass Gin Table as one of my style spotter picks.…

Read More »

Posted in design, furniture, gifts, interior design | Tagged , , , | 4 Comments  

Parisian Delights in CT Cottages and Gardens

Posted on June 4, 2013 by quintessence   •   12 Comments

Parisian Delights in CT Cottages and Gardens

While I have often contributed to the online edition of CT Cottages and Gardens, I am delighted to report that my first print article for the magazine appears in the June issue now on the stands. A front of book piece also featuring my own photos, it highlights the trend of blue I spotted at Maison et Objet and Paris Deco Off in January, coordinating with the water theme of this summer issue. You can read more about my picks, above, in the issue but there were, of course, quite a few more images that I could have added such as Jim Thompson’s silk ikat, Aura from the new Himma Gardens collection
Manuel Canovas‘ Indian inspired 100% linen Persane in turquoise

Nobilis‘ cotton Montauk

Osborne & Little‘s semi-sheer ikat stripe Serifos with a seersucker effect
selections from Pierre Frey’s Braquenie Mademoiselle Celestine collection

beautiful silk pillows from de Gournay

or limoges porcelain from Marie Daage

So be on the lookout for the beautiful June issue of CT Cottages and Gardens and enjoy the cooling effect of our trending shade.…

Read More »

Posted in design, interior design, travel | Tagged , , , , | 12 Comments