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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

fetch
Art & Antiques, Books, Fashion, Food and drink, Gifts, Interior design

Thank you Taigan and Fetch!

Any of you longtime readers will be familiar with the online shopping site Taigan. I have written before about their… Read More

Gil Schafer collage
Architecture, Books, Design, Interior design

Gil Schafer The Great American House

Writing about architect Gil Schafer is always a pleasure. The occasion is frequently because I’ve spied a new project on his… Read More

My week
Architecture, Art & Antiques, Books, Design, Entertainment, Fashion, Interior design

It’s Fall – A Busy Week!

Although my favorite season has not officially begun, fall events are already in full force. It was a busy week… Read More

Letter to the Duke & Duchess of York from Sister Parish
Books, Design, Interior design

Revisiting Sister Parish

I can’t believe it’s been ten years since the publication of the original volume “Sister Parish” by Apple Parish Bartlett… Read More

Whirlpool white ice applainces
Books

House Beautiful Mick De Giulio Kitchen of the Year

Mick De Giulio has been designing kitchens for over 40 years and his wealth of experience shows in his Kitchen… Read More

Easton Place and Felix Doolittle recipe cards
Books, Entertainment, Food and drink, Gifts

Paula Peck Picks – A Summer Entertaining Favorite

I usually go straight to the menus if there are any. I love seeing the way an author has assembled… Read More

In the Garden by Stacy Bass
Books, Design, Garden

In the Garden with Stacy Bass

If you are a reader of such local upscale Connecticut magazines as athome, Greenwich or Westport Magazines, or national publications… Read More

design-loves-art-logo
Books, Design, Interior design

New York D&D Building 2012 Spring Market

I am delighted to announce that I will be reporting today from the D&D Building in NYC for Spring Market…. Read More

James-Andrew-&-Melissa-Morris
Books, Entertaining, Gifts, Interior design, Tabletop

The Fund for Park Avenue – Beautifying the City

If you have ever appreciated the beautiful flowers in the spring lining the malls down Park Avenue or the sparkling… Read More

Holidays at Columbia University by  Donald Andrew Agarrat
Books

The Ivy League – the Book

Although the Ivy League was originally formed as an athletic conference, the connotation associated with this group of eight prestigious… 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

Verdura Lily Bracelet
Books, Fashion, Gifts, Holiday, Jewelry

Verdura Splendor

Only a handful of jewelry companies today can claim a legacy rich in history and design. Verdura is among them… Read More

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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.
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
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