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Quintessence

Quintessence

Lifestyle blog | Living Well with Style and Substance

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Month: September 2013

Superwong Wall_Close Up
Interior design, Style

Rubelli Presents Walls of Venice

What happens when a historic heritage brand combines a century old textile tradition with modern technological ingenuity? Rubelli proves that… Read More

Video thumbnail for youtube video kfmnulizqw0
Entertainment

At the Movies | Proof

Yesterday evening was back to school night at my younger daughter’s school and I was reminded that I never did… Read More

Cullman & Kravis
Architecture, Art & Antiques, Books, Design, Interior design

The Detailed Interior | Decorating Up Close with Cullman & Kravis

We all know that the devil is in the details and in The Detailed Interior, Elissa Cullman and Tracey Pruzan… Read More

collage of what’s in the works
Architecture, Books, Interior design

In the Works

September means not only back to school but the onset of many great events, design books in anticipation of the… Read More

Branca at Bergdorf’s
Books, Design, Gifts, Interior design

Branca at Bergdorfs

Not only has Alessandra Branca launched her fabulous new fabric line with Schumacher, but she also partnered with Bergdorf’s to… Read More

Gary McBournie designed NYC bathroom
Books, Design, Interior design

Gary McBournie Living Color

How could I not be won over by designer Gary McBournie, whose favorite color is orange and cites Auntie Mame… Read More

John Richard
Design, Interior design, Travel

In the Spirit of New Orleans at What’s New What’s Next

What is it exactly about the seemingly symbiotic relationship between New Orleans and New York? As author Debra Shriver’s phrase… Read More

honey bear fountain by G.R. Roth
Architecture, Art & Antiques, Books, Design, Garden

Central Park NYC | An Architectural View

Ever since the 2008 publication of their superb volume on Chinoiseries, many have been eagerly awaiting the next publication from… Read More

Stylish Shopping with Susanna Salk & Peter Dunham
Art & Antiques, Design, Interior design, Travel

Stylish Shopping with Susanna Salk & Peter Dunham

It’s hard to precisely pin point the style of designer Peter Dunham. The LA Times used the term “Merchant Ivory… Read More

Picture Perfect Parties
Books, Entertaining, Food and drink, Gifts, Holiday

Picture Perfect Parties

Even though it’s not officially fall, the “season” seems to have already gotten underway with invitations flowing in. How convenient… Read More

Video thumbnail for youtube video kx8qkcrvos8
Design, Interior design

Escapade | A Parisian Love Affair by La Maison Pierre Frey

La Maison Pierre Frey is a family firm that continues to straddle past and present with chic Parisian flair. From… Read More

Christie’s Interiors auction
Art & Antiques, Interior design

Christie’s Interiors

Sometimes you have to go with the flow. I had a different post planned for today but then my very… 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.

Several 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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