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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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    • At Home with Dogs and Their Designers: Sharing a Stylish Life
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Design

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Art & Antiques, Jewelry

Set In Style Gallery Tour

As you know, I was entranced by the Cooper Hooper Set In Style Van Cleef show. (For any new visitors,… Read More

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Interior design, Jewelry

Where to Keep the Jewels

So I guess you have all now realized that the Set In Style exhibit at the Cooper Hewitt has inspired… Read More

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Food and drink, Garden, Holiday

Cognac 101

After reviewing the elegant Van Cleef exhibit yesterday, I wanted to do a wine post with the same sense of… Read More

making cheese
Books, Food and drink, Garden

A Country Life

Bunny Williams’ chicken coop via Vignette Design There is a new trend it seems for those of us who live… Read More

gamidi 2 pebble elephant
Fashion, Interior design

Impeccable Imperio jp

all items in photo available at Taigan.com Ever since I discovered Imperio jp, I had been trying to get to… Read More

Singerie Chic
Art & Antiques, Books, Gifts, Jewelry

Singerie Chic

There is something about monkeys that people find irresistible. Have you ever noticed how often they appear in art, both… Read More

wardrobe
Fashion, Interior design, Style

British Sweep

The Oscars are always fodder for fashion critics. There will be many reviews with favorites and pans. I thought several… Read More

shutters
Architecture, Garden, Interior design

Hopelands

As I was reading many blogging friends’ pieces the past week or two, I was continually reminded of one of… Read More

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Art & Antiques

Rembrandt Remembered

There are many museum exhibits in New York that I’m dying to see. One that just opened last week is… Read More

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Architecture, Art & Antiques

Miniature Mania

photo of Oregon State Beavers by Greg Keene Have you ever seen a photograph like this – where it looks… Read More

master
Architecture, Interior design, Travel

Magic in Marbella

As many of you know, Friday is normally At the Movies  but because I delayed my post intended for yesterday… Read More

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Books, Gifts, Holiday

Books for Lovers

What a fun evening I had yesterday at Assouline’s social media event at their charming shop at the Plaza. I… 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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