Out and About in Paris

Posted on February 2, 2013 by quintessence   •   21 Comments

Out and About in Paris

While out and about in Paris between the shows, it’s a miracle I wasn’t hit by a pedestrian-loathing Belmondo look-alike, sneering as I tried to elude his cab’s path while snapping a shot. It was hard not to look like a charm-struck tourist, admiring every enchanting vignette. But charmed I was. So pride took a backseat for a week while my iPhone and I got cozy in the city of lights. Take a little stroll avec moi.
Staying in the 6eme was a treat. Surrounded by galleries and restaurants, this is the Paris of poster perfection. Much of Paris Deco Off took place walking distance from my hotel.…

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Young Collectors Night at the Winter Antiques Show

Posted on January 31, 2013 by quintessence   •   5 Comments

Young Collectors Night at the Winter Antiques Show

Young Collectors Night at the Winter Antiques Show focusses on a new generation of art and design enthusiasts. It was a hopping evening with music blasting, bubbles flowing and a fashionable decked-out crowd meandering the aisles. I was so busy chatting that I neglected to take any shots of the many friends and design mavens who joined the festivities. But I thought we could take a look at a few more dealers who carry some more unusual and/or youthful items.
One of the more unexpected collections is presented by Didier Ltd, a gallery in London specializing in artists’ jewels. With works from the 1940′s to the 80′s, you will find pieces from a who’s who of modern masters.…

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1stDibs Designers Preview at the Winter Antiques Show

Posted on January 31, 2013 by quintessence   •   10 Comments

1stDibs Designers Preview at the Winter Antiques Show

Before the throngs arrived on opening morning at the Winter Antiques Show, I was delighted to attend the Designers’ Preview sponsored by 1stDibs. For a quiet hour, we were able to leisurely peruse the offerings at one of the most respected antique shows in the country and the only major show in New York that donates all of its profits to its beneficiary charity, the East Side House Settlement.
This year’s loan exhibition, Newport: The Glamour of Ornament, celebrates the Preservation Society of Newport County with selections from eight of the historic Newport Mansions.
This year’s show is beautifully designed, with handsome architectural elements and a fresh, clean look.…

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House Beautiful | Perfect Color Combinations in Connecticut

Posted on January 29, 2013 by quintessence   •   11 Comments

House Beautiful | Perfect Color Combinations in Connecticut

I must say the dismal drab grays and browns provided by our weather lately are not my favorite color combinations. So, today we are taking a sneak peek at a cheerful seaside house on the cover of March’s House Beautiful, where beachy colors set the tone for a fresh young redo.
Inspired by the shoreline locale, designer Lee Ann Thornton chose the perfect palette for her clients’ charming Dutch colonial in Old Greenwich. It certainly helped that their favorite color is blue but combining it with rich mahogany, driftwood neutrals and pops of purple and orange, the house is anchored in the colors of the natural world with accents like floral bouquets.…

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Pierre Frey Paris | Part 2

Posted on January 28, 2013 by quintessence   •   9 Comments

Pierre Frey Paris | Part 2

Continuing our look at the beautiful new Pierre Frey collections, I thought you might enjoy seeing a bit more of the loft before we continued. I appreciate how display is so thoughtfully considered everywhere in Paris. Even this small spread was artfully created –  and yes, that is marshmallow with the pineapple – a combination I never would have imagined!

Old and new live happily together in this 16th century building. There is a tiny elevator that can carry one effortlessly up to the loft although the stairs offer the more enchanting view.

This fabulous light fixture looked perfect in the dining area.…

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BEHIND THE Q | Pierre Frey at Paris Deco Off

Posted on January 27, 2013 by quintessence   •   10 Comments

BEHIND THE Q | Pierre Frey at Paris Deco Off

In this era of corporate consolidation and luxury conglomerates, Pierre Frey is a breath of fresh air. While I have always been a fan of the fabrics, after attending a brunch at Pierre’s loft, below, during Paris Deco Off, I am now enamored with everything about this family owned firm. With a respect for French tradition mixed with a forward-looking global perspective, Frey’s dedication to quality, creation, authenticity and on a personal note, family, is unerring.
Before I share with you the beautiful new 2013 collection, let’s go BEHIND THE Q with the très charmant lead designer and President Patrick Frey, to learn a bit more about their history and focus.…

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Thank you Currey and Company

Posted on January 26, 2013 by quintessence   •   6 Comments

Thank you Currey and Company

Taking a break from Paris, I’d like to revisit Atlanta briefly to thank Currey & Company, who hosted me for a lovely cocktail reception in their newly expanded showroom.
With over 1,000 products, Currey had outgrown their 3,500 square feet but since doubling their space, they now have room to show all of their beautiful wares. From their signature lighting to furniture, upholstery, rugs, accessories and garden furniture (their faux bois line, below, is one of my favorites), the entire line is on display.
We sat in this charming vignette (with some additional seating), decked out in the color of the year and furnished with some of my favorite pieces including the Garbo Settees and chic gold leaf Delano coffee table.…

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Cole and Son Fornasetti II at Maison et Objet

Posted on January 24, 2013 by quintessence   •   11 Comments

Cole and Son Fornasetti II at Maison et Objet

Cole and Son has long been one of my favorite wallpaper lines so I was delighted to see their booth at Maison et Objet. And they did not disappoint with the debut of their fabulous new Fornasetti II wallpaper collection. With opportunities for wide ranging creative applications, the tradition of craftsmanship, innovation and collaboration at Cole and Son is well represented by this new group of fifteen fantastical designs.
Coinciding with the 100th anniversary of the birth of Piero Fornasetti, the collection is overseen by son Barnaba who now heads the company, continuing his father’s legacy. You may have seen his Milan home, featured recently in ELLE DECOR.…

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A Taste of Paris Deco Off

Posted on January 22, 2013 by quintessence   •   11 Comments

A Taste of Paris Deco Off

In this fourth edition of Paris Deco Off, over 70 houses have participated in presenting their latest collections throughout the city. Welcoming visitors into their showrooms on the Rive Droite near Rue du Mail and the Rive Gauche in the Saint Germain de Près neighborhood, companies prepared stylishly so it was like a giant beautiful designed block party. The recognizable yellow banners flew frequently, indicating participants and where you could catch the shuttles back and forth across the Seine.
On the right bank, fabric houses each contributed a lantern made of their new collections. Together they formed a fantastic creative display down the street.…

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Hello from Maison et Objet and Paris Deco Off

Posted on January 20, 2013 by quintessence   •   15 Comments

Hello from Maison et Objet and Paris Deco Off

A quick bonjour to all of you from Paris as I write from my charming hotel room.
It’s been a hectic few days for all attending the Maison et Objet and Paris Decor Off shows here. A packed schedule with events and parties from dawn til dusk and an unexpected snow storm that has partially paralyzed the unsuspecting city, have kept everyone busy. There had been no time to compose a proper post but I wanted to share a little peek at some of what my camera has seen. There are beautiful new collections coming down the pike and amazing people and sources I’ve had a chance to meet and greet.…

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