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Quintessence

Quintessence

Lifestyle blog | Living Well with Style and Substance

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Month: March 2016

Greetings from the Dominican Republic
Travel

Greetings from the Dominican Republic

Greetings from the Dominican Republic! If you’ve noticed a little radio silence this week, it’s because I’ve been soaking up… Read More

Quintessential Cooking with Miele
Food and drink, Interior design

Quintessential Cooking with Miele

Miele always has a large presence at the AD Design Show with inventive and oft stylish displays. You saw their chic… Read More

Happy Easter
Holiday

Happy Easter

Spring is in the air! From my table to yours, wishing everyone who celebrates a very happy holiday. It’s the… Read More

AD Design Show Part 2
Art & Antiques, Interior design

AD Design Show Part 2

With such a wide and deep variety of categories, the AD Design Show makes picking just a few favorites a… Read More

Leon leon furniture
Art & Antiques, Design, Interior design

Favorite Finds at the Architectural Digest Design Show

Nature is the ultimate backdrop for any vignette as we saw in our look at going green at the Architectural Digest… Read More

Past Perfect: Richard Shapiro Houses and Gardens
Architecture, Art & Antiques, Books, Garden, Interior design

Past Perfect: Richard Shapiro Houses and Gardens

Enter Richard Shapiro’s new book Past Perfect and prepare to be transported. Dive into its pages of exquisite photography by Jason… Read More

DIFFA Dining by Design 2016
Interior design

DIFFA Dining by Design 2016

In several weeks of busy events, the DIFFA Dining by Design 2016 gala last night was a highlight. The annual tabletop… Read More

100 Years at New York School of Interior Design
Interior design

100 Years at New York School of Interior Design

This year the New York School of Interior Design celebrates its centennial. Since 1916, it has been providing students of… Read More

Going Green at the AD Design Show and Dining by Design
Design, Interior design

Going Green at the AD Design Show and Dining by Design

Nature is in the air. And not just because it’s almost spring but because going green with natural themes seems… Read More

Sneak Peek: A New Look for a Classic Georgian
Architecture, Design, Interior design

Sneak Peek: A New Look for a Classic Georgian

When a Chinese family was moving to America, buying their first house on Long Island, they turned to designer Christopher… Read More

It’s the Little Things
Books, Design, Interior design

It’s the Little Things

“In my own home, it’s the combination and juxtaposition of meaningful details that bring emotion to every room and make… Read More

At Home with Susanna Salk and Hutton Wilkinson
Architecture, Books, Garden, Interior design, Jewelry, Travel

At Home with Susanna Salk and Hutton Wilkinson

A multi-talented creative force, Hutton Wilkinson began his career at the age of 18 as apprentice to design icon Tony Duquette. He went… 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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