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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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Art & Antiques

paris-deco-off-2013
Art & Antiques, Design, Interior design

Next Stop Paris | Maison et Objet and Deco Off

I have been dying to tell you and am now delighted to share that I will be leaving on Tuesday… Read More

Video thumbnail for youtube video xreoiwlccz0
Antiques, Art & Antiques, Decorative Arts, Design, Interior design, Video

BEHIND THE Q | Welcome to Newel Antiques

Since 1939, Newel Antiques has been an insider’s resource for an incredible selection of wide-ranging decorative and fine arts. Originally founded… Read More

Stag Hunt at the Chateau de Compiègne
Art & Antiques, Design, Interior design

Winter Antiques Show Young Collectors Night

One of the annual highlights of the beginning of the year is the The Winter Antiques Show at the Park… Read More

Thomas Jayne new orleans
Architecture, Art & Antiques, Books, Design, Interior design

American Decoration by Thomas Jayne

Just like Thomas Jayne’s thoughtful designs, his American Decoration is a book for those, like me and I daresay many of… Read More

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Architecture, Art & Antiques, Interior design

The Scottish Country House

The Scottish Country House counts as one of my favorite volumes this season. While I am dreadfully behind in my book… Read More

Poulin talk
Architecture, Art & Antiques, Design, Interior design

Graphic Design and Architecture | a 20th Century History

How often do you think about the connection between graphic design and architecture? My guess is not that frequently. And… Read More

Nude, Study for a Painting
Art & Antiques, Design, Fashion, Interior design

Fortuny y Madrazo | An Artistic Legacy

It wasn’t until I saw the exhibit Fortuny y Madrazo: An Artistic Legacy at the Queen Sofia Spanish Institute that… Read More

Coming Soon
Art & Antiques, Fashion, Interior design, Travel

Coming Soon

I’ve been out and about and will have lots to share but until I have a chance to catch up,… Read More

Video thumbnail for youtube video w5dhyv4gh0a
Architecture, Art & Antiques, Design, Interior design

Interior Design 2012 Hall of Fame Awards

Wednesday evening I was thrilled to join Kohler Interiors‘ table at the Interior Design Hall of Fame awards at the… Read More

Rooms With a View 2012 Part 3
Art & Antiques, Design, Interior design

Rooms With a View 2012 Part 3

I’m not quite sure I will ever be caught up with all the great design events from this fall. Today… Read More

Holiday House 2012 | Ally Coulter
Art & Antiques, Design, Interior design

Holiday House 2012 | Ally Coulter

Before Holiday House closes its illustrious 2012 run next Sunday, I wanted to hopefully share a few more rooms. Ally… Read More

Josef Hoffman Patrician Glass Service, Designed in 1917, Produced by J L Lobmeyr
Architecture, Art & Antiques, Design, Interior design

The Intersection of Art and Design

Sometimes we are all so busy just keeping up that we don’t get a chance to take a step back…. Read More

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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!
Quiet breakfast on this snowy morning. I cross sti Quiet breakfast on this snowy morning. I cross stitched these placemats for my mother YEARS ago when I was living in Switzerland. They have recently come full circle back to me and on this holiday are a lovely reminder of both her and my time spent there. Grounding tablecloth from @heathertaylorhome  @latuilealoup aptware and mini baskets. Flatware from @alain_saint_joanis in my shop and last, but certainly not least, my spectacular handpainted pitcher and glassware set by the talented @margotlar (available by special order through the shop).
Let the family festivities begin. All four chicks Let the family festivities begin. All four chicks are in the nest, the table is set, the tree is decorated. A Merry Christmas Eve to all from our Nantucket home to yours!

And don’t forget to enter your table in the @academia_de_la_mesa table contest. There are amazing prizes to enhance your tabletop repertoire
The Christmas Tablesetting Contest starts now!! Fr The Christmas Tablesetting Contest starts now!! From this moment until midnight on January 7, 2026 you can post photos of your tables to win the contest and a myriad of incredible prizes. To take part you need:

1. To post photos on a public IG account
2. ⁠To tag in the picture of your post @Academia_de_la_mesa & mention you are taking part in the Contest 
3. You can publish as many photos of your table as fit in a single POST (no reels, no stories, no videos please). We need to see AT LEAST 2 pictures of your table showing the entire table and one placesetting.
4. ⁠You can take part a maximum of 3 times, with 3 different tables (one single post for each)
That’s it!! Winners will be announced in January. Please post pictures of your own tables at home, no event or magazine pictures 🙏🏻 (and no AI). 

The winner will receive a wonderful prize of the best of the best that there is in tableware kindly donated by @alain_saint_joanis @artel_glass @noel_lingedemaison_paris and @raynaud_porcelaines AND just for taking part you will be eligible for 7 additional magnificent  prizes by @aquazzuracasa (in conjunction with @incasastudio) @elalmacendeloza @erbavoglio.milano @gordiola_vidrios @palmira_decoracion @staub.es and @thetablelove (see stories for details). (NB: unless otherwise stated by the donors all prizes will be delivered in Spain but we can help winners arrange shipping) 

We can’t wait to see your tables! Happy tablesetting with love from the jury, made up of: 
@amarosanchezdemoya @azarraluqui @bea_satrustegui @bonadeaofficial @carmencarooneill @casa__lopez @paz_qb @quintessence @raulromeropress @vanessacraccoliving and @vioscooking
Our latest video visit is here! Join me and @susan Our latest video visit is here! Join me and @susannasalk at the welcoming Connecticut retreat of designer @tamara_meadow_interiors where lake views and meaningful furnishings distinguish this stylish custom built home! LINK IN PROFILE (latest video).
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