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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

Books, Design, Gifts, Holiday, Travel

Traveler’s Tips and Treats Redux

I didn’t get a chance to finish the post I had planned for today so I am reissuing some handy… Read More

#Jingletweet Countdown Prize No. 1
Books, Design, Entertainment, Fashion, Food and drink, Gifts, Holiday

#Jingletweet Treasure

I’m excited to announce that #Jingletweet has finally arrived. For those of you who haven’t been following along via social… Read More

Martyn Lawrence Bullard Live, Love & Decorate
Books, Design, Gifts, Interior design

Holiday Book Briefs

As I mentioned in my Katie Ridder Homes review, I was honored that my local book emporium, Barrett Bookstore has… Read More

Tintin store in Covent Garden, London
Books, Design, Fashion, Gifts, Holiday

An Updated Classic

I’m definitely liking the direction new editor in chief Jay Fielden is taking with Town & Country. With a stylish… Read More

Katie Ridder children’s bath
Books, Design, Gifts, Interior design

Katie Ridder Rooms

My local independent bookstore, Barrett’s, asked if I would write the design book reviews for their holiday newsletter again this… Read More

A country kitchen designed by Jeffrey Bilhuber from his book The Way Home
Books, Design, Interior design

The Way Home with Jeffrey Bilhuber

Another reason to visit Rooms with a View this weekend is that distinguished designer and author Jeffrey Bilhuber will be… Read More

Lillian-Bassman-Women
Books, Design, Interior design

Preparations Underway

Hello all!! A little change of plans here in the land of Q. Due to an unforeseen, uncooperative and rather… Read More

eliza
Books, Entertaining, Fashion

Lunch with Jamee at J. McLaughlin

Last week I attended a fun book signing/luncheon event at the new J. McLaughlin store in Westport. Unlike the other… Read More

juliska
Architecture, Books, Food and drink

Cottages & Garden’s Innovation in Design Awards

Connecticut Cottages & Gardens is one of my favorite magazines. It isn’t often that a local publication is as stylish… Read More

P1010224
Books

Blogging Buddies and a Brave New World

On the twitter designTV chat this afternoon host Amy of ABCD Design posed a question – what was your favorite… Read More

Video thumbnail for youtube video d-zd_978-q4
Books, Entertainment, Fashion, Interior design, Jewelry

Royal Wedding Redux

For those of you who followed our Royal Wedding contest, you can now enjoy a taste of the festivities vicariously!!… Read More

Screen shot 2011-05-09 at 11.37.53 PM
Books, Fashion

Britta Bell Book Bags

Sounds like an old fashioned tongue twister! Well there most certainly is an old fashioned element to this story, wedded,… 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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