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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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Architecture

Studio Peregalli home on Lake maggiore
Architecture, Art & Antiques, Books, Design, Interior design

The Invention of the Past

I received many beautiful design and coffee table books for Christmas this year (a few admittedly from me to me)…. Read More

paris-apartment-design-ideas-deniot-0511-01
Architecture, Interior design

Thank You Elle Decor – My Favorite Space

Yesterday Elle Decor featured 30 design insiders’ picks for their favorite ELLE Decor Rooms of 2011. I was thrilled to… Read More

Grande Singerie by Christophe Huet in the Petit Chateau at Chantilly
Architecture, Art & Antiques, Design, Fashion, Interior design

Exotic Taste

It is almost impossible to have an interest in interiors and the decorative arts and not be fascinated by Chinoiserie… Read More

Christmas in Connecticut
Architecture, Interior design

Christmas in Connecticut

The season is certainly upon us and everyone seems to be in the spirit this year. The stores are crowded,… Read More

Sandy and David Goodkind’s Stony Creek, CT home
Architecture, Design, Interior design

Moonlighting at New England Home

Since 2005, New England Home Magazine has been showcasing great regional architecture and design. Its upscale approach to inspiring and wide… Read More

Twin bedroom designed by Glenda Moralee and Polly Denham  in the guest cottage at the Connecticut governor’s residence
Architecture, Design, Interior design

The People’s Project – Pool House & Guest Cottage

The governor’s residence includes two charming outbuildings. Closest to the main residence is a pool house. From the Philip Gorrivan… Read More

The Connecticut Governor’s Residence
Architecture, Design, Interior design

Creative Collaboration: The People’s Project – An Introduction

I recently had the privilege of previewing the spectacular renovation of the historic Connecticut Governor’s Residence in Hartford. What an… Read More

Tablesetting at the Metropolitan Club NYC
Architecture, Entertaining, Entertainment, Interior design, Travel

Royal Oak Timeless Design

Last week I had the honor of being invited to attend the Timeless Design Gala for the Royal Oak Foundation…. Read More

Architecture, Art & Antiques, Interior design

Thank You Elle Decor

Photo: Courtesy of the MCNY Thank you Elle Decor for asking me to contribute to your Design Insiders’ Weekly Finds!… Read More

Governor’s Mansion in CT
Architecture, Design, Gifts, Interior design

In the Works

The last few days I’ve been out and about – so much so that it has left me little time… Read More

Taking it to the Streets on BlogTour
Architecture, Design, Fashion, Travel

Taking it to the Streets on BlogTour

Taking a little editorial break today, here are just a few visuals of how some of the design themes translated… Read More

Creative Collaboration: Poggenpohl & C.P. Hart
Architecture, Art & Antiques, Design, Interior design, Travel

Creative Collaboration: Poggenpohl & C.P. Hart

As I backtrack a bit here, our first BlogTour morning in London definitely started off on the right foot (yes,… 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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