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Quintessence

Quintessence

Lifestyle blog | Living Well with Style and Substance

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Month: November 2011

Martyn Lawrence Bullard Live, Love & Decorate
Books, Design, Gifts, Interior design

Holiday Book Briefs

As I mentioned in my Katie Ridder Homes review, I was honored that my local book emporium, Barrett Bookstore has… Read More

Sandoz collection pocket watch
Fashion, Jewelry

Parmigiani – Masters of Time

As the restorer of the intricate mechanical masterpieces in the Sandoz collection, Michel Parmigiani demonstrates his passion and talent for… Read More

Maurice Sandoz Fabergé Imperial Peacock
Art & Antiques, Design

Mechanical Wonders – the Collection

There are really no words to express the exquisite beauty and incredibly intricate craftsmanship of the Sandoz collection on exhibit… Read More

parmigiani breakfast at blt
Art & Antiques, Design, Fashion, Jewelry

Mechanical Wonders – the History

Several weeks ago I attended a marvelous event that represented the epitome of creative collaboration. Beginning with a shared passion… Read More

Video thumbnail for youtube video o19k-ytwxtg
Entertainment

At the Movies

I was going to feature a different movie today that was more directly related to Thanksgiving but as we cleaned… Read More

Thanksgiving table setting
Design, Food and drink, Holiday

Happy Thanksgiving

All set (pun intended)!! Just deciding between the flatware! Wishing you and yours a wonderful holiday. I am grateful every day… Read More

monica chiang cuff
Design, Fashion, Holiday

Monika Chiang Preview

Monday I ventured down to SoHo to visit the new C Wonder store. Chris Burch is a brilliant marketer and… Read More

Sandy and David Goodkind’s Stony Creek, CT home
Architecture, Design, Interior design

Moonlighting at New England Home

Since 2005, New England Home Magazine has been showcasing great regional architecture and design. Its upscale approach to inspiring and wide… Read More

Tintin store in Covent Garden, London
Books, Design, Fashion, Gifts, Holiday

An Updated Classic

I’m definitely liking the direction new editor in chief Jay Fielden is taking with Town & Country. With a stylish… Read More

Video thumbnail for youtube video t3yjcw2uqiw
Entertainment

At the Movies

Yes it’s back!! At the Movies took a little break over the last few months but is back today with… Read More

Tania Vartan Verre Eglomise
Art & Antiques, Design, Fashion, Interior design

Tania Vartan: Coming Full Circle

A couple of weeks ago I had the pleasure of visiting John Rosselli’s showroom to see the new fabric line… Read More

Schumacher Martyn Lawrence Bullard collection
Design, Interior design

Coming Soon

I must say that time got the better of me this week. There just wasn’t enough of it to get… Read More

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Charleston has a way of drawing people back again Charleston has a way of drawing people back again and again—and homes like this remind us why.
Tag along as designer @michaelmitchelldesigner welcomes us inside his gracious home, where layers of history, thoughtful collecting, and a deeply personal approach to design make every room a reflection of both its owner and the city itself.
LINK IN PROFILE.
One of my favorite things about setting a table is One of my favorite things about setting a table is that it never has to begin from scratch.

The most beautiful tables are collected over time—mixing old favorites with new discoveries, heirlooms with contemporary pieces, and the things you’ve loved for years with something that brings fresh perspective.

For this table, I’ve paired PeterDunham + Hudson Grace’s (@peterdunhamdesign @hudsongracesf ) beautiful salad and bread plates and napkins with Blue Carnation dinner plates, table linens, glassware, and flatware from my shop, alongside a few favorite pieces from my personal collection.

I hope this table is a reminder that you don’t need everything to match—or come from one place. The magic is in the mix. Every new piece should make you fall in love with the pieces you already own all over again.

That’s the joy of collecting—and the beauty of a table that reflects your own story.

Shop the table through link in profile
Very excited to be returning to @eleishvanbreems o Very excited to be returning to @eleishvanbreems on Nantucket for a 2 day trunk show next Thursday and Friday! If on island, do stop by! There will be many new introductions you will be the first to see!!
Some homes are beautiful. Others tell a story. Th Some homes are beautiful. Others tell a story. 
The Yucatán home of interior designer @laurakirar and architect Richard Frazier @rwf333 is both -  a masterful reflection of its surroundings, where architecture, landscape, light, and craftsmanship come together in perfect harmony.
Tag along for a visit to this extraordinary retreat and discover how years of collecting, collaboration, and creative vision shaped a house that feels deeply connected to its place. LINK IN PROFILE
Wishing everyone a very happy Mother’s Day! 🌸 Flow Wishing everyone a very happy Mother’s Day! 🌸 Flowers from my thoughtful husband - all else from my shop (plates coming soon - DM to be notified).
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