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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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Design

At Home with Carolyne Roehm – Design & Style: A Constant Thread
Books, Design, Fashion, Garden, Interior design, Jewelry, Video

At Home with Carolyne Roehm – Design & Style: A Constant Thread

We have celebrated Carolyne Roehm’s many talents here before – in the garden, setting the table, the renovation and decoration… Read More

San Francisco Fall Art and Antiques Show
Art & Antiques, Interior design, Travel

San Francisco Fall Art and Antiques Show

This week I was honored to speak at the San Francisco Fall Art and Antiques Show on a panel about… Read More

Out and About Here and Across the Pond
Books, Design, Interior design, Travel

Out and About Here and Across the Pond

For all of you who may have been wondering (or not) about my recent absence in these parts, let me… Read More

At Home in Connecticut with Bunny Williams
Architecture, Art & Antiques, Interior design, Video

At Home in Connecticut with Bunny Williams

Over the years, I have had the privilege of documenting many aspects of celebrated designer Bunny Williams‘ talents. And while… Read More

Château de Villette
Architecture, Art & Antiques, Books, Interior design

Château de Villette

With design attributed to François Mansart (architect to Louis XIV) and gardens inspired by, if not actually designed by Le… Read More

The Power of Pattern
Books, Interior design

The Power of Pattern

Not only is my talented video partner Susanna Salk an insightful interviewer on our YouTube series, but a creative and… Read More

At Home in Los Angeles with Richard Shapiro
Architecture, Art & Antiques, Garden, Interior design, Travel, Video

At Home in Los Angeles with Richard Shapiro

Enter Richard Shapiro‘s extraordinary home and it’s difficult to believe you are in the center of Los Angeles. Created with… Read More

Sneak Peek – Veranda Wanderlust
Architecture, Books, Interior design

Sneak Peek – Veranda Wanderlust

Ask any designer to name their favorite source of inspiration and many will cite travel. Nothing quite refreshes and expands… Read More

Nantucket Friday Favorites – Oldest House Reimagined
Architecture, Art & Antiques, Interior design, Nantucket, Travel

Nantucket Friday Favorites – Oldest House Reimagined

For the third year, as part of Nantucket by Design, NYSID students were invited to reimagine the front rooms of… Read More

Nantucket House Tour – Hippie House Chic
Interior design, Nantucket, Travel

Nantucket House Tour – Hippie House Chic

On the southeastern shore of Nantucket, where conservation protects over 2,000 acres of natural landscape, sits a house nestled in… Read More

Nantucket by Design 2018
Design, Interior design, Nantucket, Travel

Nantucket by Design 2018

With a flurry of lectures, parties, and a multitude of events large and small, last week marked the much anticipated… Read More

At Home in Connecticut with One Kings Lane President Debbie Propst
Interior design, Video

At Home in Connecticut with One Kings Lane President Debbie Propst

One Kings Lane President Debbie Propst walks the walk. During the day she works to make OKL a desired design… Read More

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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).
Great day at this year’s @thetickingtent with a fa Great day at this year’s @thetickingtent with a fabulous selection of new and repeat vendors in a spacious new tent ! A few of my faves - some of which didn’t make it in only because I couldn’t get good shots with the crowds! Wonderful to see so many design friends and congrats to @christinajuarezandco and @aspoonfulofbenjamin on an even bigger and better event at the beautiful @springhillvineyards !
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