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Quintessence

Quintessence

Lifestyle blog | Living Well with Style and Substance

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    • Books that I have collaborated on, as photographer, with design author Susanna Salk
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    • At Home with Dogs and Their Designers: Sharing a Stylish Life
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    • Making a House a Home: Designing Your Interiors from the Floor Up
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Architecture

At Home with Susanna Salk and Brooke & Steve Giannetti on Patina Farm
Architecture, Garden, Interior design, Travel

At Home with Susanna Salk and Brooke & Steve Giannetti on Patina Farm

Patina Farm is the realization of a dream that many only fantasize about. Living on a small lot in suburban Santa Monica, California,… Read More

At Home with the Giannetti’s on Patina Farm
Architecture, Holiday

Happy Memorial Day and Sneak Peek

Wishing everyone a very happy Memorial Day weekend. While we celebrate the unofficial start of the summer season, let us… Read More

Drake Anderson Kips Bay Bedroom
Architecture, Art & Antiques, Interior design

Drake Anderson Kips Bay Bedroom

Inspiration for the Drake Anderson Kips Bay bedroom began on a trip the design partners took to London, where a state… Read More

24 Hours in Boston
Architecture, Design, Interior design, Travel

24 Hours in Boston

With many projects in the works, the last few months have been busy with filming, photographing and travel. I have… Read More

Sawyer Berson Kips Bay Show House Petit Salon
Architecture, Art & Antiques, Design, Interior design

Sawyer Berson Kips Bay Show House Petit Salon

Influenced by one of the great examples of 1930’s Italian residential architecture, the Sawyer Berson Kips Bay Show House Petit… Read More

Alex Papachristidis Kips Bay Show House Dining Room
Architecture, Art & Antiques, Interior design

Alex Papachristidis Kips Bay Show House Dining Room

Enter Alex Papachristidis‘ Kips Bay Show House dining room and you are transported to a tour de force of enchanting elegance. Shades of… Read More

Ojai Valley Inn & Spa
Architecture, Travel

Ojai Valley Inn & Spa

While in Ojai to film Brooke and Steve Giannetti at Patina Farm, Susanna and I were fortunate enough to stay… Read More

To Los Angeles and Back
Architecture, Interior design

To Los Angeles and Back

I’ve just returned from a whirlwind trip to Los Angeles and back with Susanna Salk that left us, as she describes it, “elated and exhausted.”… Read More

Week of Best Intentions (and Inspiration)
Architecture, Art & Antiques, Jewelry, Travel

Week of Best Intentions (and Inspiration)

This was a week of best intentions. While I had planned on sharing so many inspiring visits, life just got… 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

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

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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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!!
Some homes are beautiful. Others tell a story. Th Some homes are beautiful. Others tell a story. 
The Yucatán home of interior designer @laurakirar and architect Richard Frazier @rwf333 is both -  a masterful reflection of its surroundings, where architecture, landscape, light, and craftsmanship come together in perfect harmony.
Tag along for a visit to this extraordinary retreat and discover how years of collecting, collaboration, and creative vision shaped a house that feels deeply connected to its place. LINK IN PROFILE
Wishing everyone a very happy Mother’s Day! 🌸 Flow Wishing everyone a very happy Mother’s Day! 🌸 Flowers from my thoughtful husband - all else from my shop (plates coming soon - DM to be notified).
Great day at this year’s @thetickingtent with a fa Great day at this year’s @thetickingtent with a fabulous selection of new and repeat vendors in a spacious new tent ! A few of my faves - some of which didn’t make it in only because I couldn’t get good shots with the crowds! Wonderful to see so many design friends and congrats to @christinajuarezandco and @aspoonfulofbenjamin on an even bigger and better event at the beautiful @springhillvineyards !
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