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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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Monday blues with an international cadre of artisa Monday blues with an international cadre of artisanal tableware from our @shopqworthy collection. Shop it all through link in profile.
And the winner of the @academia_de_la_mesa table c And the winner of the @academia_de_la_mesa table contest is… (drumroll please!) this extraordinary table by @Monicabardaji!! She entered on the very last day of the competition and completely won us over! With this table, Mónica has managed to create something both modern and classic, using completely unexpected elements. Nothing on the table is unnecessary and yet nothing is missing. The mix of wood and silver is phenomenally chic, the color and size of the flowers are perfect and we found it extremely elegant! It was a tough choice for us judges, as there was strong competition right on her heels!

Mónica is the lucky winner of the best prize we have ever given (what you see in the last photo), consisting of a Limoges porcelain tableware set, Cristóbal Marine, offered by @raynaud_porcelaines; six hand engraved glasses from @artel_glass; six embroidered placemats with their napkins from @noel_lingedemaison_paris; and six Tokyo Noir cutlery sets from @alain_saint_joanis.

All the finalists’ tables were wonderful, each with something that made it extraordinary, and we can only congratulate you on your creativity and craftsmanship!

Congratulations to Mónica as the winner, but also to all the other participants—each of you, with your tables, makes this possible! Over the coming days we will be raffling off the remaining prizes!!

Heartfelt thanks to the “usual” jury (@azarraluqui @amarosanchezdemoya @bea_satrustegui @carmencarooneill @paz_qb @raulromeropress and @vanessacraccoliving) and to our guest stars @bonadeaofficial @casa__lopez @quintessence (honored to be included) and @vioscooking — it has been a fantastic edition! ♥️
In this snowy January weather, see how @timothycor In this snowy January weather, see how @timothycorrigan uses a plethora of @benjaminmoore whites to full advantage in his elegant Paris apartment. Full home tour on the Quintessence YouTube channel!
Quiet breakfast on this snowy morning. I cross sti Quiet breakfast on this snowy morning. I cross stitched these placemats for my mother YEARS ago when I was living in Switzerland. They have recently come full circle back to me and on this holiday are a lovely reminder of both her and my time spent there. Grounding tablecloth from @heathertaylorhome  @latuilealoup aptware and mini baskets. Flatware from @alain_saint_joanis in my shop and last, but certainly not least, my spectacular handpainted pitcher and glassware set by the talented @margotlar (available by special order through the shop).
Let the family festivities begin. All four chicks Let the family festivities begin. All four chicks are in the nest, the table is set, the tree is decorated. A Merry Christmas Eve to all from our Nantucket home to yours!

And don’t forget to enter your table in the @academia_de_la_mesa table contest. There are amazing prizes to enhance your tabletop repertoire
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