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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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Books

Tis the Season
Books, Entertaining, Fashion, Gifts, Style, Tabletop

Tis the Season

December is not only the time for making your list and checking it twice but tis the season for gatherings galore. The… Read More

Parish-Hadley Tree of Life Celebration at the Antique and Artisan Gallery
Architecture, Art & Antiques, Books, Design, Interior design

Parish-Hadley Tree of Life Celebration at the Antique and Artisan Gallery

There is no question that Parish-Hadley Tree of Life is a must-have volume for any interior design aficionado. Authored by distinguished alumni… Read More

At Home in the Garden with Carolyne Roehm Video
Art & Antiques, Books, Design, Food and drink, Garden

At Home in the Garden with Carolyne Roehm Video

Carolyne Roehm is as at home in the couturier’s atelier as she is in the kitchen, in the studio or… Read More

Eddie Ross Modern Mix
Books, Design, Food and drink, Interior design

Eddie Ross Modern Mix

As Bunny Williams says in her foreword to Eddie Ross‘ entertaining new tome, Modern Mix, “Eddie takes the hunt to a… Read More

Suzanne Rheinstein Rooms for Living
Books, Interior design

Suzanne Rheinstein Rooms for Living

Suzanne Rheinstein is a self proclaimed champion of the limited palette. That is not to say her palettes are not interesting because they… Read More

October Inspiration Overload
Architecture, Books, Interior design

October Inspiration Overload

The lazy days of summer seem long gone as fall has shifted into high gear. October inspiration is already on… Read More

Palm Beach Chic
Architecture, Art & Antiques, Books, Interior design

Palm Beach Chic

Just in time for the weekend, we can all take a vicarious visit to that tropical bastion of sunny style in Jennifer… Read More

Carrier and Company Positively Chic Interiors
Books, Design, Interior design

Carrier and Company Positively Chic Interiors

Like everything that comes out of the offices of Carrier and Company, their new book, Positively Chic Interiors, makes it… Read More

Discoveries in June
Art & Antiques, Books, Fashion, Garden, Travel

Discoveries in June

If there is going to be a lull in the summer season, it certainly hasn’t started yet. Between interesting shows,… Read More

Hotel Il Pellicano Turns 50
Books, Travel

Hotel Il Pellicano Turns 50

Hotel Il Pellicano is an iconic Italian destination that has long been on my bucket list. Overlooking the Mediterranean from a promontory on the… Read More

Luxe Minimalism at Christian Liaigre
Books, Design, Interior design

Luxe Minimalism at Christian Liaigre

Christian Liaigre has been busy. Several months ago I stopped by the stunning NYC showroom to see the new spring collection. In… Read More

Pierre Frey Inspiring Interiors
Books, Design, Interior design

Pierre Frey Inspiring Interiors

Since 1935, Pierre Frey has been inspiring interiors around the world with their exquisite fabrics and wallpapers. Known for successfully weaving… 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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