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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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Architecture

carved wood headboard
Architecture, Design, Interior design

Hearst Designer Visions | Matthew Patrick Smyth for ELLE DECOR

Hearst Magazines’ 6th annual Designer Visions is a marvelously conceived showcase (for more information, see this earlier post). It’s not… Read More

YHuh.SheanOct’11_JMH9304
Architecture, Design, Interior design

A New Old Kitchen by Young Huh in House Beautiful

One of my favorite sections in House Beautiful is the Kitchen of the Month. So when I heard a project… Read More

Gil Schafer collage
Architecture, Books, Design, Interior design

Gil Schafer The Great American House

Writing about architect Gil Schafer is always a pleasure. The occasion is frequently because I’ve spied a new project on his… Read More

Kensett Piper House girl’s vignette
Architecture, Design, Interior design

Lynn Morgan Design at Kensett Part Two

The second model house Lynn Morgan Design decorated at Kensett, Piper, is created for more formal entertaining. With a proper… Read More

Girl’s-bedroom-in-Norwood-Kensett-unit
Architecture, Design, Interior design

Lynn Morgan at Kensett

When I heard that designer Lynn Morgan had decorated the model homes at Kensett, a new local luxury condo development,… Read More

My week
Architecture, Art & Antiques, Books, Design, Entertainment, Fashion, Interior design

It’s Fall – A Busy Week!

Although my favorite season has not officially begun, fall events are already in full force. It was a busy week… Read More

Mayflower Inn spa tea
Architecture, Beauty, Garden, Interior design, Travel

The Mayflower Inn Spa

While the sumptuous Mayflower Inn is, in and of itself, enticing, it is the Spa that seals the deal. There is… Read More

Mayflower Inn porch
Architecture, Art & Antiques, Design, Fashion, Food and drink, Garden, Gifts, Interior design, Travel

Welcome to the Mayflower

A mere two hours from New York City, nestled in the heart of rural Connecticut, sits an idyllic luxury resort… Read More

Verdura customer cards
Architecture, Design, Fashion, Gifts, Interior design, Jewelry

New York Style at Verdura

At a recent visit to the beautiful Verdura boutique, I had the opportunity to see some highlights from the new… Read More

Masseria Castellini
Architecture, Design, Interior design, Travel

At Home in Italy

As many of us are celebrating the long weekend here in the States, perhaps some are still on vacation, enjoying… Read More

Schatzi McLean garden in a Richard Keith Langham project
Architecture, Design, Interior design

Richard Keith Langham’s Country Charm

Richard Keith Langham is decidedly old school. And I mean that as a compliment. It certainly doesn’t imply his designs… Read More

Antony Todd
Architecture, Design, Interior design

The Sixth Annual Hearst Designer Visions

While I plan on enjoying the rest of August, which is already passing way too quickly, I am, at the… Read More

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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!!
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).
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