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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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    • Making a House a Home: Designing Your Interiors from the Floor Up
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Design

48 Hours in Charleston
Architecture, Design, Food and drink, Garden, Interior design, Travel

48 Hours in Charleston

On the heels of our latest video with Carolyne Roehm, I thought I would finally share some glimpses of Susanna’s… Read More

Setting the Table With Carolyne Roehm in Charleston
Entertaining, Interior design, Tabletop, Travel, Video

Setting the Table With Carolyne Roehm in Charleston

When Susanna and I decided to launch our new Setting the Table With video series, filming Carolyne Roehm in Charleston at… Read More

Dark Glamour at the 2017 Kips Bay Show House
Architecture, Art & Antiques, Design, Interior design

Dark Glamour at the 2017 Kips Bay Show House

Within the classic Charles Platt house of the 2017 Kips Bay Show House, not all the rooms are airy architectural gems. A… Read More

It’s a Dog’s Life with Jonathan Adler – a New Video Series!
Design, Interior design, Video

It’s a Dog’s Life with Jonathan Adler – a New Video Series!

It’s no secret that many of us who have a passion for the world of beauty and design are also totally devoted to… Read More

NYBG Antique Garden Furniture Fair
Art & Antiques, Garden, Interior design

NYBG Antique Garden Furniture Fair

In a busy week of art and design events, another stands out as a must-visit this weekend. The NYBG Antique… Read More

TEFAF New York Spring 2017 Art Fair
Art & Antiques, Design

TEFAF New York Spring 2017 Art Fair

TEFAF (The European Fine Art Fair), established in Maastricht in 1988, is widely regarded as the crème de la crème of… Read More

Introducing Schuyler Samperton Textiles
Design, Interior design

Introducing Schuyler Samperton Textiles

Known for her low-key lived-in style with flair, Schuyler Samperton has a knack for making rooms look like they’ve always been that… Read More

The Art of the Story at the 2017 Kips Bay Show House
Art & Antiques, Design, Interior design

The Art of the Story at the 2017 Kips Bay Show House

The most successful interiors effectively tell the stories of their owners. But at a show house with no client is when the art… Read More

Global Chic at the 2017 Kips Bay Decorator Show House
Art & Antiques, Design, Interior design

Global Chic at the 2017 Kips Bay Decorator Show House

Continuing our look at the 2017 Kips Bay Decorator Show House, we go upstairs to Nick Olsen‘s stylish Salon du Beau… Read More

Join Us in Boston, Around the World and At Home
Interior design, Style

Join Us in Boston, Around the World and At Home

In addition to actually shooting our videos, Susanna Salk and I have been sharing our behind the scenes experiences of making the series… Read More

First Look 45th Kips Bay Decorator Show House
Architecture, Art & Antiques, Interior design

First Look 45th Kips Bay Decorator Show House

Opening on May 2, the 45th Kips Bay Decorator Show House brings the creativity of eighteen top designers and architects to… Read More

Setting the Table with Marian McEvoy – A New Video Series
Art & Antiques, Design, Interior design, Video

Setting the Table with Marian McEvoy – A New Video Series

Regular readers know my longstanding love of tabletop so I am especially thrilled to announce the debut of a new… 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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