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Quintessence

Quintessence

Lifestyle blog | Living Well with Style and Substance

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Month: March 2013

BuDhaGirl core_cuff_hero_lrg
Fashion, Gifts

Meet BuDhaGirl | More than Just Beautiful

In the crowded world of fashion and luxury, sometimes it’s not only about being beautiful. And indeed, the new jewelry… Read More

Meljac limoges switch plate
Design, Interior design

Meljac at the Architectural Digest Home Show 2013

I fell in love with Meljac as soon as I stumbled on their booth at the Architectural Digest Home Show… Read More

Susanna Salk and Alex Papachristidis at Gerald Bland
Art & Antiques, Design, Interior design

Stylish Shopping Bonus at Gerald Bland

As with our last Stylish Shopping episode with Alexa Hampton, our cup runneth over with sage advice and creative ideas… Read More

Echo DIFFA table detail
Design, Interior design

DIFFA Dining by Design Continued

There were many glamorous tables at this year’s DIFFA Dining by Design. Luxury living was exemplified at Inson Wood‘s table… Read More

Rachel Laxer DIFFA table place setting
Art & Antiques, Design, Interior design

DIFFA Dining by Design 2013

DIFFA is a cause close to the members of the design community’s hearts and Dining by Design always brings out… Read More

Video thumbnail for vimeo video 49934358
Architecture, Design, Interior design

DIFFA Dining by Design 2013 at the AD Home Show

I’m sure many of you know that since 1984 DIFFA has been one of the nation’s largest supporters of people… Read More

AD Home Show
Art & Antiques, Interior design

Architectural Digest Home Show and Dining by Design

After a long day at the AD Home Show that segued directly into DIFFA Dining by Design, it is too… Read More

Ruby Ross Wood room
Food and drink, Holiday

Out and About in NYC with BlogTour and More

It’s a busy design week in New York. As an alumna of the Modenus‘ original BlogTour trip to London in… Read More

Video thumbnail for youtube video zggbyugw0w4
Art & Antiques, Interior design

Stylish Shopping with Susanna Salk and Alex Papachristidis

To quote my video partner in crime, Susanna Salk, Alex Papachristidis is just yummy. And it’s so true! His enthusiasm… Read More

Anna Trzebinski fur and belt
Fashion, Travel

Anna Trzebinski | The Luxury of African Chic

You know when you see a certain woman on the street who just has that special something? That unmistakable style… Read More

Rachel Laxer interiors
Art & Antiques, Interior design

Robert Four | Aubussons for Yesterday & Today

Another Paris recommendation from designer Rachel Laxer is the Robert Four gallery. The largest manufacturers of Aubusson tapestry weaving, they… Read More

chateau de grand luce_c
Architecture, Art & Antiques, Design, Interior design

Timothy Corrigan on Antiques and Interiors Part 2

Today we continue our conversation with Timothy Corrigan on antiques and interiors. I am a fan of his great use… Read More

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Nantucket baskets are suddenly everywhere this sum Nantucket baskets are suddenly everywhere this summer — filling Instagram feeds, appearing in the pages of The New York Times and garnering attention in publications around the world. Coveted by collectors and a whole new generation of enthusiasts, these iconic baskets are having an undeniable moment. Yet behind all the current excitement is a fascinating story of history, tradition, ingenuity and exceptional craftsmanship.

Five years ago, I had the privilege of making this film with @Mary_emery_design, Director of Heritage Craft for the @nantuckethistoricalassociation , exploring the history and evolution of Nantucket lightship baskets through the people who know them best. We visited master basket makers Karl and Susan Ottison, Tim Parsons and Nap Plank, and heard about legendary maker José Reyes from his son-in-law, Maurice Gibbs. We also spent time with Nantucket scrimshander Michael Vienneau, whose work illustrates another chapter in the continuing evolution of the basket.

The film was made at the time the Nantucket Lightship Basket Museum became affiliated with the Nantucket Historical Association, bringing its extraordinary collection — and the stories and traditions it represents — into the care of the NHA.

With Nantucket baskets now capturing the attention of an entirely new audience, it seemed the perfect time to revisit the film and celebrate the remarkable makers, history and craftsmanship behind this enduring Nantucket tradition.

Watch the full film at the link in bio.
August, stay a while. August, stay a while.
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!!
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