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Quintessence

Quintessence

Lifestyle blog | Living Well with Style and Substance

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Architecture

master
Architecture, Interior design, Travel

Magic in Marbella

As many of you know, Friday is normally At the Movies  but because I delayed my post intended for yesterday… Read More

new inside
Architecture, Interior design, Travel

Provencal Perfection

When I read about the renovation of this beautiful house in the Luberon Valley in France, it captivated my imagination… Read More

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Architecture, Interior design, Travel

Viva Vivat

There are many agencies and organizations that rent houses, apartments or villas for vacation throughout the world, but none that… Read More

back entry
Architecture

It’s All in the Details

I love details. As you long time readers know, I completed a large renovation on my last house, which we… Read More

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Architecture, Fashion, Travel

My Alpine Fantasy

Clearly I haven’t gotten over my alpine obsession. While many of you crave winter warmth, I’m still fantasizing about a… Read More

3 wheat lane
Architecture, Holiday

It’s Beginning to Look a lot Like Christmas

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas Ev’rywhere you go… But the prettiest sight to see is the holly… Read More

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Architecture, Garden, Holiday, Interior design, Travel

Chateau Splendor | le Prince Jardinier

We are taking a break from Wednesday Wine today to take a look at another lovely French location. After Megeve… Read More

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Architecture

Tim Times Two – aha!

I have a whole new appreciation for Tim Gunn! Who knew that the Project Runway judge and style guru also… Read More

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Architecture, Art & Antiques, Interior design

Penthouse Panache

In researching another post a while back, I came across the remarkable work of Champalimaud Design. Although a full service… Read More

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Architecture, Art & Antiques, Design

The Heritage of Houdini

There are so many terrific ongoing and upcoming exhibits at the museums in New York this fall that it’s hard… Read More

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Architecture, Books, Design, Interior design

Interior Portraits

There are so many wonderful design books making their debut this fall. I have already covered David Easton’s beautiful Timeless… Read More

guest bath 2
Architecture, Interior design

This Old House

Almost four years ago, we downsized and moved to a more modest house next door – yes, next door. With… 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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