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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

Hydrangea Collage
Garden

The Summer of My Blue Hydrangea

Actually I have never had so many different shades as this year. From classic blue hydrangea to pink and violet,… Read More

Video thumbnail for youtube video k-ujgueqcqi
Architecture, Art & Antiques, Garden, Interior design

At Home with Susanna Salk and Robert Couturier

Robert Couturier is the ultimate embodiment of old school meets modern world. Raised in the elegant 16th arrondissement of Paris… Read More

Video thumbnail for youtube video ymcf54j3h20
Architecture, Design, Garden, Interior design

Looking Back and Forward with a New Video Series

It is amazing to think that our Stylish Shopping video series is already almost six months old. And while we… Read More

le prince jardinier labels
Design, Garden, Gifts, Interior design, Travel

Paris Finds | Palais Furst in Saint Germain

The allure of Saint Germain in Paris seems to know no bounds. The challenge is to allow time for both… Read More

aerin blue necklace
Beauty, Fashion, Food and drink, Garden, Gifts, Interior design

AERIN | Living the Life and the Label

AERIN is more than merely a label. It’s a lifestyle. And nothing has more credibility, authenticity or appeal than when… Read More

versailles with sun king clock
Architecture, Art & Antiques, Design, Garden, Interior design, Travel

Timeless Design at Versailles

I was somehow surprised that my girls voted a visit to Versailles as their favorite part of our week in… Read More

Doyle Herman Greenwich pool and pool house
Architecture, Books, Design, Garden

The Landscape Designs of Doyle Herman

There are some areas of design where I know what I like but have no knowledge of how to achieve… Read More

Video thumbnail for youtube video noufvfzamsw
Books, Garden, Interior design

Stylish Shopping with Susanna Salk and Carolyne Roehm

Carolyne Roehm has an exquisite eye for beauty and a passion for perfection. No wonder everything she touches is divine…. Read More

Christopher’s Crepes
Design, Garden, Interior design

1st Annual Garden Show at the Antique & Artisan Center

While I am currently in LA for Legends, I’m so glad I’ll be making it back in time for a… Read More

High Point style spotting
Art & Antiques, Design, Garden, Gifts, Interior design

High Point Picks

As many of you know, I have spent the last four days at High Point market, scouting the enormous variety… Read More

Huron Chair from West Elm
Architecture, Design, Garden, Interior design

House Beautiful Instant Room with Alexandra Champalimaud

As the weather has been teasing us with a preview of warmer temperatures to come, the idea of outdoor living… Read More

More Designer Tabletops from the Lenox Hill 2013 Gala
Garden, Interior design

More Designer Tabletops from the Lenox Hill 2013 Gala

Each year the designer tabletops at the Lenox Hill Neighborhood House gala continue to amaze. It was interesting how everyone… 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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