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

Sneak Peek of Our At Home with Video at Tuxedo Park
Interior design

Sneak Peek of Our At Home with Video at Tuxedo Park

Last month, Susanna and I were thrilled to visit 1stdibs and Housepad founder Michael Bruno at his majestic house at… Read More

Carrier and Company Positively Chic Interiors
Books, Design, Interior design

Carrier and Company Positively Chic Interiors

Like everything that comes out of the offices of Carrier and Company, their new book, Positively Chic Interiors, makes it… Read More

Showhouse on the Green Sneak Peek
Architecture, Interior design

Showhouse on the Green Sneak Peek

What to do when a 19th century church on a historic town green in Connecticut needs to restore its rectory,… Read More

Nantucket House Tour | Stylish in Sconset
Architecture, Art & Antiques, Garden, Interior design

Nantucket House Tour | Stylish in Sconset

Most Nantucket regulars would agree that September is the most beautiful month on island. The throngs of tourists have left, you… Read More

Madeline Weinrib Pop-Up at Barney’s
Art & Antiques, Design, Fashion, Gifts, Interior design

Madeline Weinrib Pop-Up at Barney’s

Madeline Weinrib travels the world to bring bring her authentic aesthetic home for her eponymous brand. And so it is particularly appropriate… Read More

A Day at Château de Vaux le Vicomte
Architecture, Garden, Interior design, Travel

A Day at Château de Vaux le Vicomte

While no doubt familiar with the palatial splendor of Louis XIV’s Versailles, what you may not know is that the inspiration, and… Read More

Virtual Postcard | Max Sinsteden in Capri
Interior design, Travel

Virtual Postcard | Max Sinsteden in Capri

Summer may be winding down, but travel inspiration continues. In the latest segment of VIRTUAL POSTCARD, designer Max Sinsteden takes… Read More

Nantucket House Tour | Chic on the Cliff
Architecture, Art & Antiques, Interior design, Nantucket, Travel

Nantucket House Tour | Chic on the Cliff

Nantucket is a small island full of big world connections. Earlier this summer, I was delighted to meet Cynthia Everets through… Read More

Because It’s All About the Story
Design, Fashion, Interior design

Because It’s All About the Story

Thank you dear readers for being patient as I prepare many wonderful features coming soon. This coming week will include… Read More

A Vicarious Visit to Camilla Guinness’ Arniano
Food and drink, Interior design, Travel

A Vicarious Visit to Camilla Guinness’ Arniano

A couple of weeks ago, T Magazine published a feature on British interior designer Camilla Guinness. Known for her eclectic mix… Read More

The Good Garden | The Landscape Architecture of Edmund Hollander Design
Architecture, Design, Garden

The Good Garden | The Landscape Architecture of Edmund Hollander Design

While landscape design has always been an important feature for a home, the increasing emphasis on indoor/outdoor living over the last… Read More

On the Road
Interior design, Nantucket, Travel

On the Road

Between short trips on the road and longer island stays, it’s been a busy summer. And I think I’ve set a… 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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