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Quintessence

Quintessence

Lifestyle blog | Living Well with Style and Substance

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Architecture

At Home in Wales with Penny Morrison
Architecture, Art & Antiques, Interior design, Travel, Video

At Home in Wales with Penny Morrison

Just over the British border, in the breathtaking countryside of Wales, Penny Morrison and art dealer husband Guy retreat from… Read More

Chateau Progress: A Sneak Peek with Timothy Corrigan
Architecture, Interior design, Travel, Video

Chateau Progress: A Sneak Peek with Timothy Corrigan

Readers rejoice! In response to many requests, Susanna Salk’s and my latest video is a special sneak peek of Timothy… Read More

At Home in Los Angeles with Suzanne Rheinstein
Architecture, Art & Antiques, Interior design, Travel, Video

At Home in Los Angeles with Suzanne Rheinstein

Designer Suzanne Rheinstein may love a certain formality but her rooms are anything but stiff. Exuding a relaxed elegance, they… Read More

At Home in Colonial Williamsburg with Anthony Baratta
Architecture, Art & Antiques, Interior design, Travel, Video

At Home in Colonial Williamsburg with Anthony Baratta

It was a childhood trip to Colonial Williamsburg in Virginia that started it all for designer Anthony Baratta. Inspired by… Read More

At Home in Tangier with Nicolo Castellini Baldissera
Architecture, Interior design, Travel, Video

At Home in Tangier with Nicolo Castellini Baldissera

Born into an Italian family distinguished in the world of art and architecture, it is hardly surprising that Nicolo Castellini… Read More

At Home in Santa Barbara with Madeline Stuart
Architecture, Art & Antiques, Books, Interior design, Travel, Video

At Home in Santa Barbara with Madeline Stuart

Madeline Stuart may have come to her current career in design via a somewhat circuitous route, yet it is clear… Read More

At Home in London with Paolo Moschino and Philip Vergeylen
Architecture, Art & Antiques, Interior design, Travel

At Home in London with Paolo Moschino and Philip Vergeylen

Upon entering the London home of designers Paolo Moschino and Philip Vergeylen, you would never guess that it was once… Read More

At Home in Charleston with Jill Sharp Weeks
Architecture, Art & Antiques, Fashion, Food and drink, Interior design, Travel, Video

At Home in Charleston with Jill Sharp Weeks

Jill Sharp Weeks was clearly destined for a career in design. Growing up surrounded by her great great uncle’s paintings… Read More

At Home in Paris with Timothy Corrigan
Architecture, Art & Antiques, Interior design, Travel, Video

At Home in Paris with Timothy Corrigan

Every since designer Timothy Corrigan lived in Paris as an advertising executive in the late 1980s, he has been a… Read More

At Home in Locust Valley with Jeffrey Bilhuber
Architecture, Art & Antiques, Books, Interior design, Video

At Home in Locust Valley with Jeffrey Bilhuber

Designer Jeffrey Bilhuber‘s greatest talent may be informing the past with a bold confidence that feels just right for today…. Read More

Adventures in Los Angeles
Architecture, Art & Antiques, Design, Interior design, Travel

Adventures in Los Angeles

Thank you to those who checked in during my absence here. Delighted to be missed and you will (I hope)… Read More

Rebecca Redux
Architecture, Books, Interior design

Rebecca Redux

Last night I dreamt I went to Manderley again… Many of you will recognize those evocative words from one of… 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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