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Quintessence

Quintessence

Lifestyle blog | Living Well with Style and Substance

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Month: December 2016

Favorite Movies for the Holidays
Entertainment, Holiday

Favorite Movies for the Holidays

As New Year’s Eve and Day conveniently fall on the weekend this year, it’s the perfect time to publish my… Read More

Quintessential Guide to Champagne 2016
Food and drink

Quintessential Guide to Champagne 2016

It’s hard to believe that it’s almost time to be celebrating the start of 2017, which, in these parts, means… Read More

From My Christmas Table to Yours
Holiday, Interior design

From My Christmas Table to Yours

The time has come to wish all of you who celebrate a very Merry Christmas. Longtime readers know that one of… Read More

David Monn The Art of Celebrating
Books, Holiday, Interior design

David Monn The Art of Celebrating

Tis the season and as we all plan our holiday celebrations, there is no better place to look for inspiration… Read More

Nina Campbell Does New Preston Redux
Gifts, Holiday, Interior design

Nina Campbell Does New Preston Redux

I really felt I was ahead of schedule this year, but yet again, Christmas has snuck up leaving not nearly enough… Read More

Sneak Peek – ELLE DECOR Global Style Issue
Architecture, Interior design, Travel

Sneak Peek – ELLE DECOR Global Style Issue

Each year, ELLE DECOR assembles stories from the best of their international editions for their Global Style issue. A perennial favorite,… Read More

Amelia Handegan Rooms
Architecture, Books, Interior design

Amelia Handegan Rooms

I have met Amelia Handegan on several occasions and like her work, she is understated, accomplished and full of surprises…. Read More

Christmas in Shangri-La
Holiday, Interior design

Christmas in Shangri-La

Every year friend and designer Carey Karlan goes all out creating themed holiday decorations for her charming 1926 cottage-style home. Past years… Read More

Interior Design Master Class
Architecture, Art & Antiques, Books, Interior design

Interior Design Master Class

While there are many beautiful design books on the market that are inspirational, some with tips and hints, none has approached… Read More

At Home in the Hudson Valley with Ted Kennedy Watson
Art & Antiques, Books, Food and drink, Gifts, Interior design, Travel, Video

At Home in the Hudson Valley with Ted Kennedy Watson

Since 1998 Ted Kennedy Watson has been helping customers make their homes and lives more beautiful through his two popular Watson Kennedy shops… Read More

Back on Track
Architecture, Art & Antiques, Interior design, Travel

Back on Track

Immediately after the whirlwind of Thanksgiving, I left first thing on Monday to attend the Design Leadership Summit in Miami…. Read More

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A few of my favorites from the bevy of temptation A few of my favorites from the bevy of temptation at this year’s @thewintershownyc . Dealers tagged in each image.
As we start the new year, taking a deep fresh brea As we start the new year, taking a deep fresh breath with inspiration from Spanish designer @ludovicoporta . See how he creates a sense of calm elegance using curated collections and negative space in his magnificent renovated 18th century palacio. Watch the entire house tour on the Quintessence YouTube channel.
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!
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