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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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    • Making a House a Home: Designing Your Interiors from the Floor Up
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Art & Antiques

The Timeless Charm of Hayley Sarno Prints
Art & Antiques

The Timeless Charm of Hayley Sarno Prints

For those of you (and I hope that’s all of you) who follow Susanna Salk’s and my video series, you will… 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

Spring Design Auction at Christie’s
Art & Antiques, Interior design

Spring Design Auction at Christie’s

The intersection of art and design frequently raises many questions. Is art considered not inherently as important or valuable when it… Read More

A Day in Venice
Art & Antiques, Fashion, Food and drink, Interior design, Travel

A Day in Venice

Nobody knows how to give good travel recommendations better than a local. And when that local is the head of a… Read More

Video thumbnail for youtube video hpm3pyg9yoa
Art & Antiques, Design, Interior design

A Video Journey of Four Rooms at the Kips Bay Showhouse 2015

The Kips Bay Showhouse 2015 edition is celebrating its 43rd year and the 100th year of its beneficiary organization, the Kips Bay… Read More

Inspirations from Italy
Architecture, Art & Antiques, Design, Garden, Interior design, Travel

Inspirations from Italy

What a whirlwind of a week! With not a moment to write a proper post, I wanted to at least… Read More

The Creative World of Charles de Beistegui at Legends
Architecture, Art & Antiques, Design, Interior design, Travel

The Creative World of Charles de Beistegui at Legends

Exploring the creative world of the brilliant Charles de Beistegui would certainly involve more than a single post but Timothy Corrigan‘s… Read More

A Video Visit to Mercanteinfiera | the Parma Antiques Fair
Art & Antiques, Gifts, Interior design, Travel

A Video Visit to Mercanteinfiera | the Parma Antiques Fair

Twice a year, in spring and fall, Italy’s largest antiques fair, the Mercanteinfiera, takes place in the historic and gastronomic… Read More

Lenox Hill Neighborhood House Gala 2015
Art & Antiques, Design, Interior design

Lenox Hill Neighborhood House Gala 2015

Last Wednesday evening, crowds turned out for the Lenox Hill Neighborhood House Gala 2015. Honoring long time board member Juan A…. Read More

Sotheby’s Designer Showhouse Auction
Art & Antiques, Design, Interior design

Sotheby’s Designer Showhouse Auction

Tomorrow (Monday) is the Sotheby’s Designer Showhouse auction. Whether you are attending in person or considering an online bid, I share… Read More

Last Looks at the Sotheby’s 2015 Showhouse
Art & Antiques, Design, Interior design

Last Looks at the Sotheby’s 2015 Showhouse

Continuing our pre-auction tour of the Sotheby’s 2015 Showhouse, we visit Eric Cohler‘s family room. Inspired by the family room in the… Read More

Last Call to See the 2015 Sotheby’s Designer Showhouse
Art & Antiques, Design, Interior design

Last Call to See the 2015 Sotheby’s Designer Showhouse

This weekend is the last chance to see the 2015 Sotheby’s Designer Showhouse. On Monday, April 20th, the auction will begin for the… Read More

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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.
One of my favorite things about setting a table is One of my favorite things about setting a table is that it never has to begin from scratch.

The most beautiful tables are collected over time—mixing old favorites with new discoveries, heirlooms with contemporary pieces, and the things you’ve loved for years with something that brings fresh perspective.

For this table, I’ve paired PeterDunham + Hudson Grace’s (@peterdunhamdesign @hudsongracesf ) beautiful salad and bread plates and napkins with Blue Carnation dinner plates, table linens, glassware, and flatware from my shop, alongside a few favorite pieces from my personal collection.

I hope this table is a reminder that you don’t need everything to match—or come from one place. The magic is in the mix. Every new piece should make you fall in love with the pieces you already own all over again.

That’s the joy of collecting—and the beauty of a table that reflects your own story.

Shop the table through link in profile
Very excited to be returning to @eleishvanbreems o Very excited to be returning to @eleishvanbreems on Nantucket for a 2 day trunk show next Thursday and Friday! If on island, do stop by! There will be many new introductions you will be the first to see!!
Some homes are beautiful. Others tell a story. Th Some homes are beautiful. Others tell a story. 
The Yucatán home of interior designer @laurakirar and architect Richard Frazier @rwf333 is both -  a masterful reflection of its surroundings, where architecture, landscape, light, and craftsmanship come together in perfect harmony.
Tag along for a visit to this extraordinary retreat and discover how years of collecting, collaboration, and creative vision shaped a house that feels deeply connected to its place. LINK IN PROFILE
Wishing everyone a very happy Mother’s Day! 🌸 Flow Wishing everyone a very happy Mother’s Day! 🌸 Flowers from my thoughtful husband - all else from my shop (plates coming soon - DM to be notified).
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