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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

Sotheby’s Bunny Mellon auction
Art & Antiques, Interior design

Designer Picks from the Sotheby’s Bunny Mellon Auction

You have no doubt by now read about the upcoming Sotheby’s Bunny Mellon auction. The much anticipated event will be spread over… Read More

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Interior design

Behind the Scenes at a House Beautiful Shoot

When House Beautiful gave Susanna the exciting news that they were going to come and shoot her Connecticut home for… Read More

Hotel Splendido Portofino
Architecture, Travel

A Walk from Santa Margherita to Portofino

After enjoying our hotel‘s bountiful buffet breakfast on our one full day in Santa Margherita, we approached the always helpful concierge to… Read More

Cornucopia Magazine
Architecture, Art & Antiques, Design, Food and drink, Interior design, Travel

Cornucopia Magazine

I can still remember seeing Mica and Ahmet Ertegun’s Bodrum villa for the first time. It was decades ago in a publication… Read More

Antiquing in Parma
Art & Antiques, Design, Interior design, Travel

Antiquing in Parma

For most of this week, I have had the privilege to be shopping the fall Mercanteinfiera in Parma, Italy. Susanna and I… Read More

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Architecture, Art & Antiques, Books, Interior design

Robert Couturier Designing Paradises

It is not surprising that the projects in Robert Couturier Designing Paradises are all beautiful, executed with an eye for… Read More

Video thumbnail for youtube video osygqwn6h3o
Design, Interior design, Travel

In the Studio with Peter Fasano Unveiling his Latest Designer Collaborations

“New blood brings new ideas. It allows me to have my vision re-widened, to see things through other peoples’ eyes and… Read More

Peter Mendelsund books
Books, Design, Interior design

Judging a Book by its Cover

This weekend welcomes the T Magazine fall design issue. While, as always, there are a number of enticing pieces, from the latest… Read More

Markham Roberts Decorating the Way I See It
Books, Design, Interior design

Markham Roberts Decorating the Way I See It

Even after many successful years as a designer, Markham Roberts is still a bit of an enigma. Understated and seemingly… Read More

Carole Gratale Couture at Newel
Art & Antiques, Design, Interior design

Carole Gratale Couture at Newel

After years in the fashion industry, Carole Gratale was ready for a change. Inspired by the creativity and caliber of iconic… Read More

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Art & Antiques, Interior design

Stylish Shopping with Susanna Salk & Ellie Cullman at the New York Art, Antique & Jewelry Show

Antique shows can be overwhelming and intimidating. Yet shopping a show with an expert can be illuminating and entertaining. We… Read More

Miss J. Alexander at What’s New What’s Next
Fashion, Interior design

Fabulous at What’s New What’s Next

While fashion week in New York may be over, I will be continuing to explore the connection between fashion and… 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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