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Quintessence

Quintessence

Lifestyle blog | Living Well with Style and Substance

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Interior design

Nautic lighting at Maison
Interior design, Travel

Vintage Meets Modern at Nautic Lighting

While wandering the overwhelming halls at Maison et Objet, I was stopped by the stunning lighting at Nautic. Part of… Read More

Video thumbnail for youtube video tf29_vijd7k
Design, Interior design

Stylish Shopping with Susanna Salk & Thom Filicia

I am excited to announce the debut of a new video series, Stylish Shopping with Susanna Salk. Each segment will… Read More

Screen Shot 2013-02-09 at 12.45.39 AM
Design, Interior design

High Point Market Style Spotters

I am pleased to share that I will be one of the nine Style Spotters for High Point Market this… Read More

Dedar ABout Flowers
Interior design, Travel

The Sophisticated Chic of Dedar at Deco Off

In an old house in Paris, not covered with vines, I fell in love with the new Dedar fabric collection…. Read More

Christopher Maya prints
Design, Interior design, Travel

Holland & Sherry Hosts New Collections at Deco Off

One of the most appealing aspects of Paris Deco Off is the conviviality of seeing the collections in the showrooms…. Read More

Video thumbnail for vimeo video 58854236
Design, Interior design, Travel

BEHIND THE Q | Introducing Lalique Maison

One of the most striking booths at Maison et Objet was that of Lalique with their introduction of a full… Read More

Bertoia Bush Sculpture at Lost City Arts
Art & Antiques, Design, Interior design

Young Collectors Night at the Winter Antiques Show

Young Collectors Night at the Winter Antiques Show focusses on a new generation of art and design enthusiasts. It was… Read More

Hyde Park Antiques regency sofa table detail
Art & Antiques, Design, Gifts, Interior design, Jewelry

1stDibs Designers Preview at the Winter Antiques Show

Before the throngs arrived on opening morning at the Winter Antiques Show, I was delighted to attend the Designers’ Preview… Read More

Pierre Frey 1920 print
Design, Interior design, Travel

Pierre Frey Paris | Part 2

Continuing our look at the beautiful new Pierre Frey Paris collections, I thought you might enjoy seeing a bit more… Read More

Video thumbnail for youtube video 5xtm1pwzcys
Design, Interior design, Travel

BEHIND THE Q | Pierre Frey at Paris Deco Off

In this era of corporate consolidation and luxury conglomerates, Pierre Frey is a breath of fresh air. While I have… Read More

Champagne toast
Interior design, Travel

Thank you Currey and Company

Taking a break from Paris, I’d like to revisit Atlanta briefly to thank Currey & Company, who hosted me for… Read More

fornasetti Teatro in linen and aqua
Art & Antiques, Design, Interior design, Travel

Cole and Son Fornasetti II at Maison et Objet

Cole and Son has long been one of my favorite wallpaper lines so I was delighted to see their booth… Read More

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The Christmas Tablesetting Contest starts now!! Fr The Christmas Tablesetting Contest starts now!! From this moment until midnight on January 7, 2026 you can post photos of your tables to win the contest and a myriad of incredible prizes. To take part you need:

1. To post photos on a public IG account
2. ⁠To tag in the picture of your post @Academia_de_la_mesa & mention you are taking part in the Contest 
3. You can publish as many photos of your table as fit in a single POST (no reels, no stories, no videos please). We need to see AT LEAST 2 pictures of your table showing the entire table and one placesetting.
4. ⁠You can take part a maximum of 3 times, with 3 different tables (one single post for each)
That’s it!! Winners will be announced in January. Please post pictures of your own tables at home, no event or magazine pictures 🙏🏻 (and no AI). 

The winner will receive a wonderful prize of the best of the best that there is in tableware kindly donated by @alain_saint_joanis @artel_glass @noel_lingedemaison_paris and @raynaud_porcelaines AND just for taking part you will be eligible for 7 additional magnificent  prizes by @aquazzuracasa (in conjunction with @incasastudio) @elalmacendeloza @erbavoglio.milano @gordiola_vidrios @palmira_decoracion @staub.es and @thetablelove (see stories for details). (NB: unless otherwise stated by the donors all prizes will be delivered in Spain but we can help winners arrange shipping) 

We can’t wait to see your tables! Happy tablesetting with love from the jury, made up of: 
@amarosanchezdemoya @azarraluqui @bea_satrustegui @bonadeaofficial @carmencarooneill @casa__lopez @paz_qb @quintessence @raulromeropress @vanessacraccoliving and @vioscooking
Our latest video visit is here! Join me and @susan Our latest video visit is here! Join me and @susannasalk at the welcoming Connecticut retreat of designer @tamara_meadow_interiors where lake views and meaningful furnishings distinguish this stylish custom built home! LINK IN PROFILE (latest video).
While much of my tabletop arsenal is still in stor While much of my tabletop arsenal is still in storage, I managed to pull together a simple table for a small family dinner to give thanks on this special day. Wishing everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving!
Our latest video visit is here! Join me and @susan Our latest video visit is here! Join me and @susannasalk at the glamorous Manhattan maisonette of designer @james_andrew and artist @scottmcbee41 where James magically transformed a characterless prewar apartment into a sparkling jewel box! LINK IN PROFILE (latest video).
Our latest video visit is here! Join me at the stu Our latest video visit is here! Join me at the stunning countryside home of Spanish interior designer @ludovicoporta where he transformed a ruin of an 18th century palazzo into an idyllic weekend retreat ! LINK IN PROFILE (latest video).
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