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Quintessence

Quintessence

Lifestyle blog | Living Well with Style and Substance

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Design

Christmas in Connecticut
Architecture, Holiday, Interior design

Christmas in Connecticut

My friend, designer Lisa Hilderbrand, lives in a renovated 18th century saltbox that each year she transforms into the epitome of Christmas… Read More

At Home with Susanna Salk and Lela Rose
Books, Design, Fashion, Food and drink, Holiday, Interior design

At Home with Susanna Salk and Lela Rose

Lela Rose is not only an acclaimed fashion designer, with eponymous ready-to-wear and bridal collections, but, as seen in her new book, Prêt-à-Party, a passionate… Read More

The Legacy of Luxury Linens at E. Braun and Jesurum
Interior design

The Legacy of Luxury Linens at E. Braun and Jesurum

Luxury linens are a pleasure that easily enhance your life every single day. Especially as the winter days get short, it can be… Read More

The Exciting New Drake + Anderson
Art & Antiques, Design, Interior design

The Exciting New Drake + Anderson

While I am frequently touting the stylish mix of the well established with the new, I am not normally referring to… Read More

At Home with Susanna Salk and Windsor Smith
Interior design, Travel

At Home with Susanna Salk and Windsor Smith

Windsor Smith embraces a style that melds modern living with old fashioned values. While she crafts luxurious homes with elegant interiors,… Read More

Tis the Season
Books, Entertaining, Fashion, Gifts, Style, Tabletop

Tis the Season

December is not only the time for making your list and checking it twice but tis the season for gatherings galore. The… Read More

Parish-Hadley Tree of Life Celebration at the Antique and Artisan Gallery
Architecture, Art & Antiques, Books, Design, Interior design

Parish-Hadley Tree of Life Celebration at the Antique and Artisan Gallery

There is no question that Parish-Hadley Tree of Life is a must-have volume for any interior design aficionado. Authored by distinguished alumni… Read More

Winter Antiques Show 2016
Art & Antiques, Design, Interior design

Winter Antiques Show 2016

While our focus may be on the upcoming holidays, treats in the new year will include the prestigious Winter Antiques… Read More

A Milan Townhouse Mix of Old and New
Architecture, Interior design

A Milan Townhouse Mix of Old and New

The holiday festivities have begun and while I certainly enjoy celebrating with the design community, it doesn’t always leave time for… Read More

Mathilde Nivet and the Art of Paper
Art & Antiques

Mathilde Nivet and the Art of Paper

With the holidays upon us, window displays are front and center. From Bergdorf’s legendary masterpieces to the many brands that spare… Read More

Happy Thanksgiving
Food and drink, Holiday, Interior design

Happy Thanksgiving

There are many reasons to be thankful this year but I am always especially appreciative to have my family together for… Read More

Carolyne Roehm for Baccarat Holiday
Design, Gifts, Holiday, Interior design

Carolyne Roehm for Baccarat Holiday

In our video with Carolyne Roehm at her beautiful Connecticut home, you may remember one moment showing a spectacular crystal chandelier hanging… Read More

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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.
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!!
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