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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
    • At Home in the English Countryside: Designers and Their Dogs
    • At Home with Designers and Tastemakers: Creating Beautiful and Personal Interiors
    • Making a House a Home: Designing Your Interiors from the Floor Up
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Design

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Fashion, Holiday, Interior design, Jewelry, Travel

Winter Wonderland

Everyone loves a white Christmas. Although I live in the northeast, it actually doesn’t happen that often. I’ve always dreamed… Read More

pitcher
Books, Entertaining, Food and drink, Gifts, Style

Wednesday Wines – Gifts for the Wine Lover

Instead of discussing a wine today, I would like to introduce you to a wonderful company that carries fabulous gifts… Read More

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Art & Antiques, Books, Gifts, Holiday

From Venus to Mars: Gifts for Guys 2

This year, I found an eclectic assortment of gifts for guys of all tastes. Whether in the realm of practical… Read More

petit h light
Design, Fashion, Gifts

petit h

If you were in Paris within the last few weeks and happened to stroll by the Hermes flagship store at… Read More

wallpaper
Art & Antiques, Books, Gifts, Holiday, Travel

Traveler’s Tips and Treats

I didn’t get a chance to finish the post I had planned for today so I am reissuing some handy… Read More

tea with cary
Entertainment, Food and drink, Interior design

Skating with Mr. Grant

My favorite scene in The Bishop’s Wife, my At the Movies pick yesterday, is when Cary Grant and Loretta Young… Read More

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Gifts, Holiday

Gear for the Guys

Since we are now officially in December, I thought I’d start a little shopping. I’ve come across a few fun… Read More

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Food and drink, Gifts

Wednesday Wine

Aren’t you happy it’s Wednesday now? Last week I mentioned our exciting new collaboration with  Horseneck Wines in Greenwich. Well… Read More

soane bath range
Interior design

Soane Contract Range

In addition to their spectacular regular collection, Soane also has an extensive range of furniture, lighting and upholstery designed and priced… Read More

my thanksgiving table
Entertaining, Food and drink, Holiday, Interior design, Tabletop

Happy Thanksgiving

From my home to yours. Here is where we will be having our meal later today. I wish you, dear… Read More

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Entertainment, Food and drink, Interior design

Turkey Tabletop

Before we are catapulted into the “big” holiday of the season, I wanted to pay un petit homage to, what… Read More

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Art & Antiques, Food and drink, Travel

The Swiss Are Coming! The Swiss Are Coming!

Switzerland is an understated place. This small landlocked country is not prone to outward displays of exuberance or extravagance. You… 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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