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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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Garden

A New Look for Gil Schafer
Architecture, Garden, Interior design

A New Look for Gil Schafer

For so many of us in the world of design, any new project emanating from the office of architect Gil… Read More

New York Botanical Garden Orchid Dinner 2015
Garden, Interior design

New York Botanical Garden Orchid Dinner 2015

Tuesday night at the Mandarin Oriental in New York marked the New York Botanical Garden‘s Orchid Dinner 2015. One of my… Read More

In the Studio Video with Susanna Salk and Frances Palmer
Art & Antiques, Food and drink, Garden, Interior design

In the Studio Video with Susanna Salk and Frances Palmer

I had been a fan of Frances Palmer and her beautiful ceramics long before I started this blog. Her distinctive and… Read More

trudy dujardin nantucket house
Architecture, Art & Antiques, Garden, Interior design, Nantucket, Travel

Trudy Dujardin and the Eco-Elegant Interior

Not only does Trudy Dujardin create beautiful serene settings in which to live but healthy and environmentally conscious ones. “My dream… Read More

Video thumbnail for youtube video ej97jt-3xng
Garden, Interior design, Travel

At Home in the Hamptons with Susanna Salk and Alex Papachristidis

It’s impossible to visit Alex Papachristidis at his country home without wanting to move in. And you wouldn’t be alone…. Read More

Video thumbnail for youtube video idyaj_lpvky
Beauty, Fashion, Garden, Gifts, Interior design, Travel

At Home in the Hamptons with Susanna Salk and Aerin Lauder

Less than two years ago, Aerin Lauder expanded her focus beyond her role at Estée Lauder to launch her eponymous… Read More

Veranda finale party at Legends 2014
Art & Antiques, Design, Garden, Interior design

Making the Rounds at La Cienega Legends 2014

Every year the word spreads wider. La Cienega Legends 2014 was hopping with packed standing-room-only venues for all three days…. Read More

Veranda Magazine Look Book May/June
Architecture, Art & Antiques, Garden, Interior design, Jewelry

Sneak Peek at What’s New in Veranda Magazine

As the new May/ June Veranda Magazine is about to hit mailboxes and newsstands, I was delighted to recently meet with editor-in-chief… Read More

Bertazzoni logo on burner at the AD Home Design Show
Art & Antiques, Design, Garden, Interior design

Final Favorites from the AD Home Design Show

March went out like a lion not just in terms of the weather but also with the intensity of the… Read More

Antique & Artisan 2nd annual garden show
Art & Antiques, Garden, Gifts, Interior design

Stamford Antique & Artisan Center 2nd Annual Garden Show

Chic and unique is the moniker for the always fabulous finds at the Stamford Antique & Artisan Center. As they’ve… Read More

Frederick P. Victoria Hollywood Regency chair
Art & Antiques, Design, Food and drink, Garden, Interior design

See You at the 2014 Architectural Digest Home Design Show

Next week the world of design convenes for the 2014 Architectural Digest Home Design Show. Along with Architizer, Apartment Therapy… Read More

Meredith Hutchison Interior Design Orchid Dinner table
Garden, Interior design

NY Botanical Garden Orchid Dinner Finale

Although we took a little break last week to travel to France, I wanted to bring you a brief finale… 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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