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Quintessence

Quintessence

Lifestyle blog | Living Well with Style and Substance

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Architecture

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

Grand staircase leading to Durbar Hall
Architecture, Design, Interior design

Mighty Maharajas | Forts and Palaces of India

It’s no secret that India has an incredible design legacy. But in Mighty Maharajas | Forts & Palaces of India,… Read More

8027682781_880a2ff34f_z
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

Balbaniello-16
Architecture, Garden, Interior design, Travel

Lake Como Charm | Villa del Balbianello

Lake Como is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful spots I know, having visited on several occasions, including my honeymoon…. 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

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

BEHIND THE Q | Thom Filicia on American Beauty
Architecture, Books, Design, Interior design

BEHIND THE Q | Thom Filicia on American Beauty

Thom Filicia is a talented bundle of unbridled enthusiasm. For those of you who have seen him on Queer Eye… Read More

AtelierAM_p154-155
Architecture, Books, Design, Interior design

Interiors | Atelier AM

Tis now officially the season of giving and receiving which means I need to catch up on my book reviews!… 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

250 west street nyc
Architecture, Fashion, Interior design

Hearst Designer Visions | Antony Todd for Veranda

This year’s Hearst Designer Visions takes place in the landmark building 250 West Street in Tribeca, renovated by Gal Nauer… Read More

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

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As we start the new year, taking a deep fresh brea As we start the new year, taking a deep fresh breath with inspiration from Spanish designer @ludovicoporta . See how he creates a sense of calm elegance using curated collections and negative space in his magnificent renovated 18th century palacio. Watch the entire house tour on the Quintessence YouTube channel.
Monday blues with an international cadre of artisa Monday blues with an international cadre of artisanal tableware from our @shopqworthy collection. Shop it all through link in profile.
And the winner of the @academia_de_la_mesa table c And the winner of the @academia_de_la_mesa table contest is… (drumroll please!) this extraordinary table by @Monicabardaji!! She entered on the very last day of the competition and completely won us over! With this table, Mónica has managed to create something both modern and classic, using completely unexpected elements. Nothing on the table is unnecessary and yet nothing is missing. The mix of wood and silver is phenomenally chic, the color and size of the flowers are perfect and we found it extremely elegant! It was a tough choice for us judges, as there was strong competition right on her heels!

Mónica is the lucky winner of the best prize we have ever given (what you see in the last photo), consisting of a Limoges porcelain tableware set, Cristóbal Marine, offered by @raynaud_porcelaines; six hand engraved glasses from @artel_glass; six embroidered placemats with their napkins from @noel_lingedemaison_paris; and six Tokyo Noir cutlery sets from @alain_saint_joanis.

All the finalists’ tables were wonderful, each with something that made it extraordinary, and we can only congratulate you on your creativity and craftsmanship!

Congratulations to Mónica as the winner, but also to all the other participants—each of you, with your tables, makes this possible! Over the coming days we will be raffling off the remaining prizes!!

Heartfelt thanks to the “usual” jury (@azarraluqui @amarosanchezdemoya @bea_satrustegui @carmencarooneill @paz_qb @raulromeropress and @vanessacraccoliving) and to our guest stars @bonadeaofficial @casa__lopez @quintessence (honored to be included) and @vioscooking — it has been a fantastic edition! ♥️
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).
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