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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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    • At Home with Dogs and Their Designers: Sharing a Stylish Life
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    • At Home with Designers and Tastemakers: Creating Beautiful and Personal Interiors
    • Making a House a Home: Designing Your Interiors from the Floor Up
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Architecture

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Architecture, Design, Entertainment, Interior design

Dark Shadows

I knew it would happen eventually. With the vampire mania of the last few years, it was just a matter of… Read More

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

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40 years ❤️ 40 years ❤️
A magical retreat on Paros. There’s something so c A magical retreat on Paros. There’s something so compelling about the home of an artist and collector and @toddmarshard’s is as distinctive and personal as his work @Marshard.Paros . The ceramic artist has filled his stunning home with art and collections gathered over a lifetime. Our latest At Home With is now live - LINK IN PROFILE

Architecture: ALONI | Architects — Elena Terzi @iaveria & Dimitris Popotas
Nantucket baskets are suddenly everywhere this sum Nantucket baskets are suddenly everywhere this summer — filling Instagram feeds, appearing in the pages of The New York Times and garnering attention in publications around the world. Coveted by collectors and a whole new generation of enthusiasts, these iconic baskets are having an undeniable moment. Yet behind all the current excitement is a fascinating story of history, tradition, ingenuity and exceptional craftsmanship.

Five years ago, I had the privilege of making this film with @Mary_emery_design, Director of Heritage Craft for the @nantuckethistoricalassociation , exploring the history and evolution of Nantucket lightship baskets through the people who know them best. We visited master basket makers Karl and Susan Ottison, Tim Parsons and Nap Plank, and heard about legendary maker José Reyes from his son-in-law, Maurice Gibbs. We also spent time with Nantucket scrimshander Michael Vienneau, whose work illustrates another chapter in the continuing evolution of the basket.

The film was made at the time the Nantucket Lightship Basket Museum became affiliated with the Nantucket Historical Association, bringing its extraordinary collection — and the stories and traditions it represents — into the care of the NHA.

With Nantucket baskets now capturing the attention of an entirely new audience, it seemed the perfect time to revisit the film and celebrate the remarkable makers, history and craftsmanship behind this enduring Nantucket tradition.

Watch the full film at the link in bio.
August, stay a while. August, stay a while.
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.
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