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Quintessence

Quintessence

Lifestyle blog | Living Well with Style and Substance

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Interior design

Food by Brian Lewis at interior design store Pimlico party in New Canaan, Connecticut
Art & Antiques, Design, Food and drink, Gifts, Interior design

Pimlico Premiere

I had actually intended a different post for today but after attending  a festive event celebrating the reopening of New… Read More

Interior designer Christopher Stevens’ vignette for Rooms with a View 2011
Art & Antiques, Design, Interior design

Rooms with a View Finale

Featured today are the last 4 vignettes from the wonderful Rooms with a View show house. For those of you… Read More

Interior designer Melissa Marcogliese’s heart shaped ottoman for Rooms with a View 2011
Design, Interior design

Rooms with a View – Reveal continued

Connie Cooper‘s elegant vignette was intended as a media free space for the next generation. Bombarded by electronics all day… Read More

John Todd Bishop’s vignette at Rooms with a View
Design, Interior design

Rooms with a View – Reveal #2

I had intended to share 4 rooms a day as I did for the previews, but due to technological issues… Read More

Interior designer Sam Allen in his room at Rooms with a View 2011 show house
Design, Interior design

Rooms with a View Gala & First Reveal

The Rooms With a View Gala last Thursday was a roaring success. In a festive venue, crowds gathered to see… 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

Albert Hadley design inspiration for Christopher Stevens
Design, Interior design

Rooms with a View Inspiration – Part 3

I’m so excited for the Gala Preview of Rooms with a View this evening and, in anticipation, am presenting today… Read More

Melissa Marcogliese interior designer
Art & Antiques, Design, Interior design

Rooms with a View Inspiration – Part 2

Today we are continuing to meet the designers who will be presenting their rooms tomorrow night at the Gala Preview… Read More

Twin bedroom designed by Glenda Moralee and Polly Denham  in the guest cottage at the Connecticut governor’s residence
Architecture, Design, Interior design

The People’s Project – Pool House & Guest Cottage

The governor’s residence includes two charming outbuildings. Closest to the main residence is a pool house. From the Philip Gorrivan… Read More

Women’s powder room designed by Klaff’s in the Connecticut governor’s residence
Design, Interior design

The People’s Project: The Main House

Beyond the foyer, which I have shown before, is a reception area, linking both the front and back entrances and… Read More

The Connecticut Governor’s Residence
Architecture, Design, Interior design

Creative Collaboration: The People’s Project – An Introduction

I recently had the privilege of previewing the spectacular renovation of the historic Connecticut Governor’s Residence in Hartford. What an… Read More

James Andrew sketch for Rooms with a View
Design, Interior design

Rooms with a View Inspiration

In anticipation of the Rooms with a View Gala Preview next week, I thought it might be fun to meet… 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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